On 12 May 2026, NL Space Campus welcomed interested visitors from across the space sector for an open afternoon showcasing three new facilities on campus. Companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and other potential users were invited to explore the facilities, meet the teams behind them and learn more about the opportunities they offer for testing, development and collaboration within the Dutch and European space ecosystem.
Three facilities, three capabilities
The facilities have recently opened and are already being used by startups, established companies, researchers and students. During the event, visitors were able to tour the facilities and speak directly with the technical experts operating them.
Compact Range Test Chamber
The Compact Range Test Chamber provides a controlled environment for high-precision antenna measurements and RF characterisation. The facility supports the testing and validation of antenna performance parameters such as gain, radiation patterns, directivity and signal integrity, without external electromagnetic interference. These capabilities are relevant for satellite communication systems, payload development and other advanced space applications.
More information and booking options: https://www.sbicnoordwijk.nl/testar-and-asysol-new-antenna-testing-facility-opens-at-sbic-noordwijk/
Thermal Vacuum Chambers
Space components are exposed to vacuum conditions, extreme temperature variations and thermal cycling. For this reason, hardware and systems are qualified on Earth under representative space conditions before launch. Stellar Space Industries operates thermal vacuum chambers that can accurately simulate these environments in a controlled setting. This allows validation of whether hardware remains reliable and operational under realistic mission conditions.
More information and technical specifications: https://www.stellarspaceindustries.com/nl/tvac
CometLab
CometLab is a new digital manufacturing lab and collaboration platform for the space industry, focused on rapid, affordable experimentation, prototyping and low-TRL development. Users have access to digital design tools, 3D printing, electronics workstations, material processing and testing facilities, complemented by space-related equipment and materials. The platform supports startups, students, researchers, engineers and established companies that want to build, test and iterate early-stage concepts within the NL Space Campus ecosystem.
More information and access options: https://www.cometlab.nl/
Collaboration as a driver for innovation
The Province of Zuid-Holland continues to invest in strengthening the regional space sector. NL Space Campus plays a central role in this effort by bringing together knowledge institutions, industry and government in one location.
Deputy Meindert Stolk (Economy and Innovation) concluded the successful introduction of the three new facilities for the many visitors attending the event. He emphasised that the province remains committed to strengthening the knowledge economy and actively supporting the growth of the space sector in Zuid-Holland.
“NL Space Campus is a place where knowledge institutions, industry and government come together, and where ideas can grow into real applications. By making high quality facilities like these accessible to a broad group of users, from startups to established companies and knowledge institutions, we create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.”
— Meindert Stolk, Deputy for Economy and Innovation, Province of Zuid-Holland
About NL Space Campus
NL Space Campus is the place in Zuid-Holland where space companies, researchers and students work together on the technologies of the future. The campus connects knowledge institutions and industry and strengthens the position of the region as an international player in the space sector. With the presence of the European Space Agency ESA, Zuid-Holland holds a unique position within the European space landscape and aims to further strengthen that position.
Featured image credit: (C) Fred Libochant Fotografie
This article was developed based on the Province of Zuid-Holland announcement published on 12 May 2026: https://www.zuid-holland.nl/actueel/nieuws/mei-2026/nl-space-campus-opent-deuren-nieuwe-gebruikers/