About NL Space Campus
NL Space Campus is the gateway to the Dutch space cluster and a key European space hub. Located in Noordwijk, it brings together ESA’s technical heart —the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) — and the Galileo Reference Centre (GRC), SBIC Noordwijk (home of the ESA BIC programme), and Space Expo. It fosters collaboration between students and the space sector within a strong Dutch space ecosystem, which includes the LDE universities alliance. With around 70 companies and over 3,000 high-tech professionals, it offers an inspiring place to visit, meet, and work.
What we do for future talent and young professionals
We connect communities, strengthen student societies, and create business opportunities through interdisciplinary education programs, masterclasses, and workshops. Our goal is to prepare talent for future societal and industrial challenges. On campus, we offer facilities such as the maker space at CometLab for the community and an on-site Thermal Vacuum Chamber for performing critical environmental testing on space systems and components.
By organising community events like the monthly Network & Drinks, the Connecting the Curious networking event, and programmes such as NL Space Summer School, One Space Hub, Space for Talent, and ESA Phi-Lab NL, we help accelerate start-ups and young talent navigating the Dutch space industry. Here’s where students, companies, and investors meet, connect, and find new business or career opportunities. Every year, NL Space Week, powered by NL Space Campus and partners, takes place. During this week, the space industry opens its doors to the general public, hosting events such as ESA ESTEC Open Days, SRON Open Days, and more.
NL Space Campus has established partnerships with various knowledge institutes, including SRON, NLR, TNO, Radboud RadioLab, Aerospace Innovation Hub, and KNMI. We also collaborate with prominent colleges in The Hague and Leiden, as well as the Leidse Instrumentmakerschool (LIS). Additionally, other universities in the Netherlands, such as Wageningen, Twente, and Eindhoven, as well as European institutions such as the International Space University, are welcome to join our ecosystem.