Some text from this news item is extracted from an earlier post on the NLSA website

For the first time since 1972, humans have returned to lunar orbit. NASA’s Artemis II mission, with a crew of four astronauts, launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 1 April 2026 (local time). The Netherlands has made a crucial contribution – the solar panels powering the Orion spacecraft were built by Airbus in Leiden. On behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA), Airbus is the prime contractor responsible for building the European Service Module (ESM). It provides the Orion spacecraft with propulsion, power, fuel and the life support systems the astronauts need to survive on their journey to the Moon. View mission photos via ESA website

Dutch-built solar panels with impressive wingspan

“A proud moment for the Netherlands.” This is how Daniël van Beekhuizen of the Netherlands Space Agency (NLSA) describes the launch of Artemis II. Representing the Netherlands on the ESA Programme Council that deals with manned spaceflight, he comments: “With the solar panels, the Netherlands is making a very tangible and visible contribution to this mission. The fact that Leiden-based Airbus was chosen within the collaboration between NASA and ESA underscores the confidence in the quality of our high-tech technology.”

The ESM’s four solar-powered “wings” are large, containing 15,000 solar cells capable of generating 11.1 kilowatts of energy. After the solar panels deployed in low Earth orbit, they give the Orion spacecraft its impressive wingspan of 19 metres. Each of the four solar arrays turns on two axes in order to be able to align with the sun for maximum power generation.

Long-term strategy in the Netherlands

Airbus Netherlands is supplying the solar panels for all six Artemis missions announced to date. Development started as early as 2012. It was 10 years later, in November 2022, that the first units went into space with the unmanned test flight Artemis I. The wings of Artemis II were built starting in 2017 and delivered to NASA in 2021.

The fact that Airbus Netherlands can participate in such a high-profile programme as Artemis is because the Netherlands has been investing in specific knowledge, experience and technology for more than 50 years, says Rob van Hassel, solar panel specialist at Airbus Netherlands. This began in the 1970s with solar panels for the first Dutch satellites, ANS and IRAS. Since then, Airbus Netherlands (formerly known as Fokker and subsequently Dutch Space) has supplied solar panels for some 160 different space missions. “An enormous track record, which we owe in part to our close collaboration with ESA and the Netherlands Space Agency,” said Van Hassel.

Custom-made for the Artemis missions

The solar panels of the European Service Module are uniquely custom-made for the characteristics of the Artemis missions. The fact that these are manned flights is a first complicating factor, explains Van Hassel. Because of this, the panels must meet the strictest possible safety requirements. “This is the reason there are four wings with solar panels, instead of the usual two. Even if one wing were to fail completely, the other three would still provide enough energy to complete the mission to the Moon.”

A second complication is the extreme vibrations and noise of the 98-metre-high SLS rocket during launch. The solid-fuel rockets and four large main engines together make more noise than has ever been fired at solar panels from any supplier. “Normally, solar panels are very thin to save weight. Those of Artemis, however, are extra thick so that they do not buckle under this heavy load during launch.”

Solar panels pass the test in space

The flight path of the Artemis missions also presents additional challenges. The solar panels must perform a number of manoeuvres. First, at the moment Orion receives a boost to fly into a higher orbit around the Earth. Then, during the translunar injection, the final push from the main engine that sets the spacecraft on course for the Moon.

Van Hassel continues: “The solar panels will endure significant shocks. Moreover, during that final push, we want to prevent jet dust from the rocket engines from damaging the panels. That is why they are being flipped forward. But things get tense at lower loads. To ensure that the Orion spacecraft can also be controlled manually, the crew pilot will practice with his joysticks for an hour. It is already established that the vibrations from the solar panels will influence that control. But how and to what extent will be tested for the first time in weightlessness. So, it will be exciting to see if the panels react exactly as in our simulations, because such manoeuvres have never been performed in space before.”

The astronauts are now on their return journey and the spacecraft will splash down near San Diego on 10 April (local time). The Airbus article, outlining the integral part of the ESM in NASA’s Artemis mission, concludes: “This voyage will confirm the reliability of Orion’s critical systems and the impact of deep-space flight on the physical and psychological health of the astronauts. The success of this mission rests on European industrial excellence: through the ESM, ESA, Airbus and its partners are demonstrating that Europe is a key partner in global lunar ambitions.”

Key moments of the mission can be viewed via the NASA website

Airbus and NLSA are partners of SBIC; view full news item on the NLSA website

ESA’s Dutch business incubation programme is welcoming new space business ideas:

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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:

The post SBIC partner Dynova offers subsidy advice and bridges funding gaps for startups appeared first on Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk.

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.”

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.

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