The Netherlands and Norway are going to conduct scientific research in the field of space. It concerns matters that are relevant to military operations.
The focus is on designing a ‘space demonstrator’ using a small satellite. In this way the ministry of Defence shows that also in an international context a strategic niche capability can be developed. The combination of knowledge and experience in both countries ensures a significant enhancement. Norway already launched two satellites while the third is in preparation. The Royal Netherlands Airforce has a so called nano-satellite program. Other involved parties for the space research are the National Air and Space Laboratory, TNO, the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Netherlands Coast Guard. On the Norwegian side the ministry of Defence and the Defence Research Institute, FFI, are involved.
The research is done in the context of the Strategic Mutual Assistance in Research and Technology agreement (SMART), that the Netherlands and Norway signed a few years ago. It comprises the collaboration in strategic important fields of scientific research.
