Space is infinitely far away, yet also astonishingly close. Whether it’s about streaming services, the weather report, or navigation, ‘space’ has become an integral part of our daily lives. During the NL Space Week (October 4-12), we celebrate the progress in the Dutch space sector – and the opportunities for everyone to contribute to this success.
From the European Space Agency in Noordwijk to the Copernicus Observatory in Bloemendaal, and from the Observatory in Leiden to ARTIS in Amsterdam: the Netherlands will focus on space exploration for 8 days during the NL Space Week.
“The demand from society for the use of space for climate monitoring, safety, and communication has never been greater,” says Jeroen Rotteveel, chairman of the industry association SpaceNed. “The NL Space Week therefore perfectly aligns with the challenges we face as a society.”
South Holland as a Space and Aviation Province
The province of South Holland is proud to be a partner of NL Space Week. Our province is the heart of Dutch space and aviation: from ESA ESTEC and Space Campus in Noordwijk to the innovative companies and knowledge institutions in Delft and Leiden. For residents and entrepreneurs, this is the moment to discover what opportunities and innovations are emerging right here in South Holland.
Space in Our Daily Lives
Despite the staggering distances, ‘space’ is anything but a distant concept. Space plays a significant role in our daily lives – from GPS and defense to communication and streaming services.
“The NL Space Week provides the opportunity to tell that story,” says Rotteveel. “To show what amazing things are happening in the Dutch space sector. What companies and innovations are coming from the Netherlands. And to inspire and encourage the next generation: you can achieve great things in space exploration, right here in the Netherlands.”
A Behind-the-Scenes Look
During the NL Space Week, space-related companies and institutions open their doors. Activities range from a guest lecture at Volkssterrenwacht Bussloo to an audio tour through Amsterdam. The Old Observatory in Leiden is also open to visitors. In Noordwijk, SpaceExpo participates, the brand new CometLab opens its doors, and there is an augmented reality bike tour through the beating heart of the Dutch space sector.
Rotteveel: “The beauty of the NL Space Week is that visitors learn and see things that would otherwise remain behind closed doors. For visitors, this is truly an opportunity to be surprised and amazed by the Dutch space sector. We deserve a bigger platform. This is not only a call to politics but also a task for ourselves. NL Space Week plays a leading role in this.”
For the complete program and all participating parties, visit: www.nlspaceweek.eu (opens in a new window).
