Introduction Chairman
Space companies and institutes in the Netherlands deliver quality. Noticeable, on the European and even worldwide playing field. Scientific payloads from the Netherlands are world-class, Dutch earth observation sensors assist in finding solutions for societal and environmental problems, such as the climate change. Dutch industry contributes to the creation of a space infrastructure by means of products and services, of which the European Galileo program is an example.
It’s SpaceNed’s ambition to represent its members and to consolidate achievements of the past into the future. Rapid developments in the space domain as experienced by our members must be converted into a clear, common view. Through dialogue and corporation with the Netherlands Space Office this vision should be brought to the attention of our government.
New developments in the market are a European focus on security using space assets; the present credit crunch with impact on medium and long term; a trend towards private financing of launcher development and the use of satellites. The policy change of the United States may create more chances for cooperation on their space market. In the Netherlands the launch of the Netherlands Space Office requires an adjustment and restructuring of the branch itself. Intensified use of space generated data by society, which is a topic in the Netherlands Space Policy, requires the attention of all market players. It becomes clear that there is every reason for new efforts and new élan. SpaceNed gladly accepts this challenge. As chairman it is my pleasure and honor to contribute to this new era called SpaceNed. Those who can join in this effort are invited to do so. October 2009