Earlier this year, a new radio frequency (RF) anechoic chamber opened at the outdoor test area of SBIC Noordwijk to test antenna performance. The Compact Range Test Chamber is operated by Testar in collaboration with Antenna Systems Solutions (ASYSOL) and supported by the Provincie Zuid-Holland. This test chamber is a welcome addition to the space ecosystem and is just one of the recent initiatives that are strengthening the available lab facilities on NL Space Campus. Discover more as the experts from three labs invite you to step inside and discover more on 12 May.

The antenna test chamber currently operating in Noordwijk is designed to support a wide range of activities, including research and development (R&D), antenna measurement, product development, qualification, verification and pre-compliance testing. This facility makes advanced antenna measurements accessible to a broad range of companies and offers a professional RF-controlled environment without the need for permanent large-scale laboratory infrastructure.

Testar’s Iñaki Sorazu was interviewed by SBIC in February this year to provide more information about the antenna testing facility. “Access to the Compact Range Test Chamber is available to any company or organisation interested in renting it, such as anyone working in space, RF, telecom, defence and related high-tech sectors,” he comments. “SBIC Noordwijk was selected due to its strong connection to the European space ecosystem, the presence of innovative high-tech companies, and the availability of a suitable outdoor test area. The choice is also aligned with regional initiatives supported by the Provincie Zuid-Holland to strengthen NL Space Campus as a hub for space and technology innovation.”

Chance to step inside the chamber

On the afternoon of Tue 12 May, there will be a chance to step inside the RF anechoic chamber. The event will begin with an introductory session at SBIC, where attendees will be welcomed and introduced to the Testar team and hear about the capabilities of the Compact Range Test Chamber.

Following an exclusive guided tour of three facilities, organised by NL Space Campus, the event will conclude at SBIC with a closing session and a networking reception featuring Spanish food and wine. Testar shared the following on the announcement of the event: “This milestone represents an important step forward in high-precision antenna testing, fostering innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange within the global RF and antenna community.”

Below is info supplied by NL Space Campus about the event; click here for more

GUIDED TOUR OF THREE LAB FACILITIES ON NL SPACE CAMPUS

On 12 May, there will be the opportunity to visit three new facilities courtesy of NL Space Campus. The team has organised an event which includes an exclusive guided tour of the facilities (listed below) of Testar/ASYSOL, Stellar Space Industries and CometLab. Experts will be on hand at each location to answer all questions concerning using and hiring the facilities.

This tour is targeted towards startups and companies who are interested in using the facilities in the near future or find out about their potential for commercial use. There is a maximum amount of participants possible for this event, so early registration is required to increase the likelihood of securing your spot.

Get details about the registration process on the NL Space Campus website >>

JOIN THE VISITS TO:

Antenna test facility

Operated by Testar
with Antenna Systems Solutions

Professional antenna measurement services using the Compact Range Test Chamber. This containerised outdoor facility (anechoic chamber) delivers fast, repeatable RF characterisation, offering simpler access and logistics than traditional indoor facilities.

Thermal vacuum chambers

Operated by Stellar Space Industries

This space simulation test facility provides access to two thermal vacuum chambers (TVAC) and enables critical environmental testing of space systems and components under representative space conditions, with short turnaround times.

Fabrication prototype laboratory

Operated by CometLab

Fast and affordable experimentation, prototyping, manufacturing and meeting facilities with availability of space-related equipment and materials, cutting-edge digital design tools and open-source technologies.

The lab facilities visited on the tour are supported by Provincie Zuid-Holland.

Reception with Meindert Stolk

Registered participants are welcome to arrive at SBIC Noordwijk from 13:30. The programme will start at 14:00 with an introduction by Testar about the antenna test facility. The tour will then commence, giving participants the chance to visit all of the three facilities listed above. Each location will offer a short explanation by an expert about the unique aspects of each lab and a chance to have a look inside. There’s be chance for questions and answers with the attending experts and discussions can be continued during the post-tour networking at SBIC.

The programme will be closed by Meindert Stolk, Regional Minister Economy and Innovation from the Provincie Zuid-Holland. At the closing reception, food and drinks will be supplied courtesy of Testar, offering Spanish food and wine.

Related post:

Antenna testing facility at the SBIC outdoor test centre opens for bookings

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Dynova has a wide-ranging catalogue of clients. These customers have accelerated their growth and innovation thanks to the company’s service portfolio – from smart subsidy solutions to project pre-financing. Dynova brings ideas into reality and makes the most of opportunities, and the team is looking forward to sharing expertise and building strong collaborations within the SBIC community.

Here, we share insights from our contact person at Dynova, Menno Crol. He is a strategic partner manager and risk analyst at the firm and can guide you when applying for subsidies and financing for your innovative plans. He comments: “I’m particularly interested in space-tech companies within the SBIC community and I’d love to hear what you’re building. If you’re dealing with timing gaps between costs and subsidy payouts, need short-term liquidity to keep momentum going, or are looking for guidance on identifying and applying for relevant subsidies, I’m happy to think along.” Discover more in this interview with Menno and your next step can be to plan a meeting.

What initially drew you to the community at SBIC Noordwijk?

My position combines both commercial and financing roles where I set up partnerships with companies involved in the development of innovation, like the startups at SBIC and ESA BIC Noordwijk. I am responsible for the short-term financing side, which allows me to support startups in navigating their growth, connecting them to the right opportunities, and helping them build sustainable relationships that contribute to their long-term success.

What is the primary focus of Dynova’s work?

At Dynova, we support innovative startups and scale-ups in securing non-dilutive funding. We provide three types of products. Our core focus is on subsidy advisory, such as the WBSO (Research and Development Promotion Act) tax credit and European, national and/or regional grants). We offer strategic subsidy advice combined with short-term financing solutions. This allows companies to accelerate their R&D and bridge funding gaps without giving up equity. Our top sectors currently include high-tech and deep-tech companies, as well as health and biotech. However our clients differ from every sector (as long as they are an innovative company).

Example subsidy: The Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation subsidy (DEI+) helps entrepreneurs get sustainable innovations to market faster. The scheme supports companies that want to demonstrate energy and climate innovations, and makes pilot and demonstration projects more financially feasible. Dynova can provide support with a strong application and ensures that funding becomes available at the right time. dynova.nl/dei

Can you tell us about your team and the approach you take?

We currently have 25 colleagues – with offices in Bunnik (near Utrecht), Eindhoven and Zaandam – and we are growing. Our team combines expertise across multiple sectors and disciplines – together, we can create a strategic grant roadmap. We take a hands-on and tailored approach: first, getting to know the technology and roadmap of a company; and, then, translating that into a clear non-dilutive funding strategy. We work closely with founders as a long-term partner rather than a one-off advisor.

How can you support our space community of entrepreneurs?

We help space startups navigate the complex funding landscape by identifying relevant subsidies, structuring applications and increasing success rates. In addition, we offer short-term working capital (typically 6–9 months) and pre-financing of subsidies, ensuring startups can continue development while waiting for grant disbursements.

Are there any recent developments in your company that will benefit the SBIC partnership?

We are continuously expanding our expertise and network, and we’re excited about becoming an SBIC community partner. This allows us to further expand our reach within the space ecosystem, collaborate more closely with innovative startups, and provide more tailored support to help them grow and succeed.

What draws you to our community?

The SBIC community brings together highly innovative, science-driven startups that operate at the forefront of technology. That combination of ambition and technical depth is exactly where we can add the most value.

What do you like most about space and space business?

Personally, as a kid my grandmother used to take me to de sterrewacht (observatory) and that’s where my interest in space started. For Dynova, I think the companies within SBIC are the combination of cutting-edge technology and real-world impact. From Earth observation to communication and deep-tech innovation, space companies are solving some of the most complex global challenges.

How can our community reach out to you?

I’m always available for a cup of coffee and I aim to be at SBIC once every 2 weeks. If people want to reach out to me, feel free to send me an email or simply walk by my desk in the co-working space when I’m around at SBIC.

Meet Dynova at SBIC Noordwijk

For the SBIC community wanting to reach out with Dynova, your first line of contact is Menno Crol.

And did you know that, through the partners-in-residence scheme that SBIC offers, you can reserve a free half-hour expert session? The booking option is available on this page of the SBIC website; just click the Dynova logo and select a time slot.

About: Dynova helps businesses unlock their potential through tailored subsidy and financial solutions. The team specialises in connecting innovative companies with the resources they need to succeed. Expertise spans a wide range of innovation grants, including WBSO, Eurostars, Horizon, DEI+ and MIT, ensuring that the right opportunities are identified for each client. Combined with financial solutions, such as pre-financing of approved subsidies and working capital financing, Dynova enables businesses to accelerate their projects without financial barriers. dynova.nl

Interested in becoming a partner of SBIC? Discover more on our partner page:

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Antennas are designed for transmitting and receiving radio waves and can be used in space or from the ground as the communication link with space, forwarding satellite signals to ground stations and vice versa. Until recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) was the only location in Noordwijk where antennas could be tested in the compact antenna test range and other RF anechoic chambers, which are screened against electromagnetic radiation and have interior walls that are covered with large foam wedges that absorb RF signals and prevent unwanted reflections. Now, there is a new anechoic chamber on campus. Only 5-minutes’ drive away ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), this new antenna test facility is located within SBIC Noordwijk’s outdoor test centre.

In this interview, we find out more about the containerised anechoic antenna measurement facility, which is a state-of-the-art resource that expands the access for the Dutch space ecosystem to antenna testing. The test facility is being operated by Testar and used for advanced antenna measurements in collaboration with ASYSOL, whose skilled technicians will operate the portable anechoic chamber and conduct precise antenna measurements. It is now operational and ready for your antenna testing needs. Here, we discover more from Testar’s Iñaki Sorazu Nido.

What exactly is the new antenna test facility?

The new test facility is a mobile anechoic antenna measurement facility, installed at the SBIC Noordwijk test site on the NL Space Campus.

It is designed to support a wide range of activities, including research and development (R&D), antenna measurement, product development, qualification, verification and pre-compliance testing.

It offers a professional RF-controlled environment without the need for permanent large-scale laboratory infrastructure.

“With the support of the Province of Zuid-Holland, this initiative strengthens the testing capabilities available at NL Space Campus”

Iñaki Sorazu

Which companies collaborated to realise this initiative?

This is the result of a collaboration between Testar, as operator of the facility, and ASYSOL (Antenna Systems Solutions), as technical partner. With the support of the Province of Zuid-Holland, this initiative strengthens the testing capabilities available at NL Space Campus and makes advanced antenna measurements accessible to a broad range of companies.

In addition, Testar and ASYSOL have formalised a strategic collaboration agreement to jointly offer advanced antenna measurement services, reinforcing their long-term commitment to innovation, quality and technical excellence.

ASYSOL brings extensive experience in operating and renting professional anechoic chambers, including its own fixed indoor facility, and this know-how has been directly transferred into the mobile chamber now located at SBIC, ensuring high-performance measurement capabilities and reliable results.

What was the journey for the container?

The journey of this mobile test chamber was a long and carefully managed process. The container structure was initially fabricated and assembled in the United Kingdom, following the design developed by ASYSOL and Testar. Then, it was transported to ASYSOL’s facilities in Santander, Spain, where the full anechoic treatment, RF instrumentation and antenna measurement system were installed, integrated, aligned and tested.

Once fully assembled and validated, the container travelled by road to the Netherlands, where it was installed at the SBIC Noordwijk test site. This journey ensured a high level of confidence and reliability before entering operational service.

How was the location SBIC Noordwijk test centre selected?

SBIC Noordwijk was selected due to its strong connection to the European space ecosystem, the presence of innovative high-tech companies, and the availability of a suitable outdoor test area. The choice is also aligned with regional initiatives supported by the Province of Zuid-Holland to strengthen NL Space Campus as a hub for space and technology innovation.

What are the unique aspects of this test lab?

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few outdoor, portable anechoic antenna test facilities of this type currently available in the Netherlands. Key highlights include:

• Fully anechoic RF environment in a containerised, outdoor format
• Designed for antenna characterisation (gain, radiation patterns, polarisation, etc.)
• Suitable for R&D, qualification, verification and pre-compliance activities
• Easy physical access compared to indoor anechoic chambers located inside buildings
• Fast availability and simplified logistics for users
• Located directly at the SBIC Noordwijk outdoor test centre on NL Space Campus.

A list of specifications – including the maximum antenna under test (AUT) size and weight, the anechoic chamber dimensions and the frequency range – is shown in the table.

Which other countries have mobile test facilities like this?

ASYSOL has extensive experience in operating and renting its own fixed anechoic chamber, which is regularly used by industrial and R&D customers. This long-standing operational expertise has been directly transferred to the mobile facility, providing users with a high level of confidence, reliability and quality of service.

In addition, ASYSOL has successfully delivered similar antenna measurement projects in South Korea, England and Scotland, further demonstrating its proven capability and track record in deploying high-performance anechoic measurement systems worldwide.

Is there anything else you would like to highlight?

This facility is intended to be a shared, accessible testing resource, lowering barriers to professional antenna measurements and supporting innovation, product development and industrial validation across the SBIC Noordwijk and NL Space Campus ecosystems.

Who can make use of this facility?

Access to the Portable Compact Range Test Chamber is available to any company or organisation interested in renting it. Potential audiences include the SBIC Noordwijk community, members and associated companies, the wider NL Space Campus ecosystem, Dutch and international enterprises, startups, small–medium enterprises, researchers, and research organisations working in space, RF, telecom, defence and related high-tech sectors.

How can people book in a project?

Interested users can contact Testar directly, provide a short description of the intended test campaign, align on technical requirements, scheduling and support needs. A product request submission form will be provided by email so all the necessary information can be supplied in order to make a technical assessment and offer a quotation. Extended bookings (e.g. multiple consecutive days) will naturally benefit from a more advantageous rate than a single-day reservation.

Getting in touch with Testar:

Contact person: Iñaki Sorazu
Email: info@testarhub.com

There will be launch event (on 12 May 2026) with an introduction to the antenna facility and hear about its capabilities – details & registration >>

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