Space Systems and Applications at TNO

TNO is involved in exploration and space science, earth observation, satellite navigation, satellite telecommunication and human spaceflight. Working for ESA and other international partners, TNO’s systems perform vital tasks, such as measuring local ozone concentrations on earth from space, detecting exo-planets in space or measuring the satellite’s orientation based on its angle from the sun. TNO continues advanced development of these vital systems through miniaturisation; resulting in smaller systems with unprecedented accuracy, weight, reach and reliability. We develop and deliver - in close co-operation with Dutch industry and SMEs - recurrent space products such as sun sensors, igniters and Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC’s).

Data gained from navigation satellites and earth observation satellites is a key aspect of Space Applications for monitoring and managing the environment and security. Working in the international arena of GMES, Galileo and Satcom, TNO develops, together with industrial partners, technology to process satellite data and integrate this data with measurements taken in the atmosphere and on earth. The resulting end-user applications are of great social value and make improvements in domains like air quality, water management, mobility, crisis management and security feasible.

TNO also manages the Dutch Technology Transfer Programme (DTTP) which has been created to promote the transfer of space technology to non-space domains.