Space systems engineering
Aerospace plays a crucial role in the daily lives of everyone on Earth. Communication, navigation, and observation satellites as well as their innovative information systems, terminals, and high-tech instruments are becoming a unique part of our planet's infrastructure. We work on aerospace technology together with the Dutch government, companies, institutes, and universities.
The Space & Systems Engineering expertise group develops and supplies optomechatronic instruments and systems for aerospace, ground-based astronomy, and scientific research. Both existing and new technologies are needed to make these instruments and systems. Experts in optics, mechatronics, production, and testing work together to achieve the desired result. This requires a multidisciplinary setting and sound project organisation.
Watch the video below for a glimpse behind the scenes at the Space & Systems Engineering expertise group.
Get inspired
TNO’s view of 2030: Getting a grip on climate change from space
Greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere are one of the main contributors to climate change and must therefore be rapidly reduced if we are to meet the 2030 climate targets. TNO is working on new satellite technology that makes it possible to do so. Because the better we identify emissions, the more targeted the action we can take.


Earth observation: monitoring our planet
TNO has a long legacy in developing instruments that monitor our planet’s atmosphere and allow us to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases and air pollution.
SmallCAT laser communication system delivered for integration to Norwegian NORSAT-TD Spacecraft
The SmallCAT uses new optical communication technology that uses satellites to send information to Earth. This happens via invisible light signals and enables much faster data transfers than using the radio frequencies currently employed for communication everywhere.


Consortium led by TNO successfully transmits data via laser communication between optical terminals over 10 km ground-to-ground link
Successful field test of 10 km optical laser communication link Laser satellite communication uses satellites that send information to earth in the form of invisible light signals.


Optics
The Optics expertise group provides world-class technical solutions for high-performance compact optical systems in demanding environments. Discover how.