The Dutch space organisation the Netherlands Space Office was officially transformed into the Netherlands Space Agency on 3 March 2026. The announcement was made during the Amsterdam Space Symposium. This important change marks the realisation of the government’s aim to give the Dutch space body a stronger international profile. Due to the growing importance of space both internationally and nationally, efforts in recent years have focused on broadening its scope and strengthening the organisation. The new name is a logical next step, but it is more than a change of name and acronym: from NSO to NLSA. Now with a strong agency, the Netherlands is showing its growing ambition in space.
View news item on the NLSA website
New identity and growing ambition in space
The announcement was made during a varied programme presented by science journalist Anna Gimbrère. Various national and international leaders shared their insights on the importance of space for the autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe.
“Strengthening the governance of space policy in the Netherlands is important in view of the growing strategic importance of space for security, the economy and autonomy,” said Secretary-General Sandor Gaastra of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
International acclaim to the successful launch of the Netherlands Space Agency >>
Shift from space as a programme to space as a strategic domain
“Space has undergone tremendous development over the past decades and has become an indispensable infrastructure in space,” said Harm van de Wetering, director of the Netherlands Space Agency. “Satellite services for communication and navigation are an integral part of our daily lives. Furthermore, satellites can make essential contributions to safety and the livability of our planet. Therefore, it is crucial that the Netherlands also has a strong agency to ensure that the country optimally engages with these advancements.”
The Dutch government is increasingly focusing its efforts in the field of space. With political support for an ambitious Long-term Space Agenda and a heightened commitment during the recent ESA Ministerial Conference in 2025, the Netherlands is showing that space policy is a strategic priority. These initiatives underscore the growing importance of space for the economic, social and geopolitical position of the Netherlands. Additionally, defence is also increasingly involved in space activities, recognising space as a critical fifth domain, alongside land, sea, air and cyber.
“Strengthening the execution by upgrading to an agency is an important step,” said director Harm van de Wetering. He emphasised that this step will enhance the agency’s role in connecting Dutch technology and satellite data with societal needs. “I value this decision and feel responsible to work together with our partners towards a resilient, prosperous society for the Netherlands and Europe.”
“Space has undergone tremendous development over the past decades and has become an indispensable infrastructure in space. Strengthening the execution by upgrading to an agency is an important step.”
Harm van de Wetering, NLSA DIRECTOR
New website: Coinciding with the official transformation of the Netherlands Space Office (NSO) into the Netherlands Space Agency (NLSA) in March 2026, the organisation launched a new website and online presence to reflect its new identity. The new website provides access to information, such as news, activities, innovation calls, projects, initiatives that stimulate innovation – such as ESA BIC Noordwijk and the satellite data portal. nlsa.nl
Making expertise more accessible
The launch of the Netherlands Space Agency began with the unveiling of a new logo, with the grand finale being the launch of the new website at nlsa.nl . Designed in accordance with the new visual identity, the portal offers visitors access to familiar information, such as news updates, details about calls, and the latest images from the satellite data portal. Additionally, the Netherlands Space Agency will be building a knowledge database to make expertise more accessible.
About: The Netherlands Space Agency is the space organisation of the national government. The organisation is responsible for advising on and implementing space policy. It does so through projects and programs that connect the capabilities of space technology and satellite data to national societal interests. The organisation provides objective direction for the Netherlands’ involvement in space, based on expertise, and represents Dutch interests at a international level. nlsa.nl
NLSA is an incubation partner of SBIC and view full news item on the NLSA website
The ESA business incubation programme is welcoming new space business ideas!
Get help with preparing your application for submission by the spring or fall deadlines.
