From 6 to 11 July, the NL Space Summer School 2025 took place for students and young professionals with an intensive programme exploring the space industry. Organised by NL Space Campus, eductional institutes and organisations in the space sector, it offers a unique opportunity and experience to find out firsthand what the Dutch space sector has to offer, for anyone. Whether your background is psychology, biology, business, science, law, engineering, or anything else.
Participants toured key space organisations across South Holland, including ESA ESTEC, SRON, Airbus, TNO, DAWN, S[&]T, SBIC Noordwijk, Unmanned Valley, and the Leidse Instrumentmakers School. These visits were combined with lectures and workshops on robotics, law, business, communication, data applications and more. The programme also included networking events, team-building exercises, and an industry-facing final presentation at Space Expo, with projects from NLR, ESA, S[&]T, Groundstation.space, EUSPA, NSO and SRON:
High-Accuracy UAV Swarms for Disaster Response
Offered by EUSPA, this challenge focused on using the Galileo High Accuracy Service to support the coordination of drone swarms in emergency scenarios, such as floods.
Urban Heat Mitigation through Satellite Data
Provided by the Netherlands Space Office, students worked on identifying how Dutch municipalities could use satellite-based insights to reduce urban heat risks.
NEBULA-Xplorer: Relatable Space Science & Technology
Led by SRON, this challenge focused on public engagement around the NEBULA Xplorer satellite, the first Dutch research satellite since 1974. Students explored communication strategies such as posters, newsletters, and social media campaigns to help the public better understand the satellite’s value and complexity. The challenge emphasised realistic, student-led approaches to make the project more accessible and relatable to different audiences.
EUDR Compliance through Satellite Monitoring
Offered by S[&]T, this challenge explored how European companies can use Earth Observation data to ensure compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Framed through the lens of a Dutch coffee roaster, students identified the data, reporting tools, and monitoring methods needed to demonstrate sustainable sourcing in line with regulatory requirements.
Crystal Growth and Re-entry Experiment
This challenge, developed by NLR, asked students to design a low-budget experimental mission for a startup aiming to grow protein crystals in space. The goal was to prove the crystals could be safely returned to Earth for pharmaceutical use, requiring a complete mission design including hardware, launch, and retrieval strategies.
Market Strategy for Protein Crystals in Space
Building on the technical challenge, this business-focused follow-up required students to develop a go-to-market plan for commercialising protein crystals grown in space. They created value proposition canvases, analysed market opportunities, and outlined business strategies to attract investors and reach pharmaceutical customers.
Trusted Marketplace for Satellite Data and Tools
Led by dotSPACE, this challenge invited students to design a concept for an online marketplace where organisations can offer, find, and purchase Earth Observation data and smart tools. The task included considering legal, technical, business, and trust-building aspects to create a safe and effective platform.
Emergency Space Traffic Management – Astra Ostium
In this scenario-based challenge, students worked on an urgent space debris crisis: a non-functioning Dutch satellite is on track to trigger the Kessler Syndrome unless action is taken within 6 to 24 months. Teams were tasked with designing a feasible and legally sound mission to prevent collision—while also convincing the UN, industry stakeholders, and the public of its urgency and viability.
Interested in joining the next edition?
The NL Space Summer School is an annual 6-day programme for students and young professionals interested in exploring the Dutch space sector. Organised by NL Space Campusthe Summer School offers hands-on learning, expert sessions, company visits and interdisciplinary teamwork. No prior knowledge of space is required, just curiosity and a willingness to engage. Participants build their network, learn from industry experts and work in diverse teams to solve actual space-related challenges.
The next edition will take place in week 28 of 2026. Pre-registrations open on the website www.nlspacesummerschool.nl by the end of August. Stay informed about openings and updates about the summer school by signing up for the community updates.
