Several Dutch companies have presented their contribution to the so-called PAMI-1 satellite to Minister Ruben Brekelmans and State Secretary Gijs Tuinman of Defence. The companies presented their developments at Cosine, a supplier of measurement instruments and the primary sensor of the PAMI-1 satellite in Sassenheim.
PAMI-1 is a satellite that is to gather information from space for Defence. This information is intended not only for the Netherlands, but also for allies. PAMI-1 is the first satellite from a wider range of satellites. The satellite is due to be launched in early 2028. The satellite should use cameras and sensors to monitor what is happening on Earth. The technology used for this is being developed by parties on Dutch soil.
Exploring possibilities and opportunities
Minister Brekelmans and State Secretary Tuinman got an insight into the contributions they are making to the satellite at Cosine from the companies involved. They were also shown the mutual cooperation between knowledge institutions, industry and government. In addition, the parties shared a vision on the future of Dutch military spaceflight. The aim of the visit was to gain a better understanding of the possibilities and opportunities within the space domain for Defence and the Netherlands.
In a reaction, minister Brekelmans points to the many companies and institutions that are very progressive in the space domain. Brekelmans: "Those companies also see that rapid innovation is needed against increasing threats. The space domain is becoming increasingly important in modern defence and warfare. In this, the Netherlands possesses unique knowledge. We should not be completely dependent on foreign countries. That is why Defence has been cooperating with these companies in the PAMI-1 project since the very beginning. This way, we develop our own satellites and strengthen the information position of our armed forces. This actually creates opportunities to supply more from the Netherlands to foreign countries".
'Remaining dependent on Starlink is not an option'
The PAM-1 will be produced on a production line set up by VDL. This Eindhoven-based company is using knowledge transferred from the Americans for this purpose. The aim is for the Netherlands to become self-sufficient in this way.
"Remaining dependent on Elon Musk's Starlink network is not an option," says Tuinman about this. "We want the Netherlands to have a sovereign position in space as well. The Dutch PAMI-1 satellite will be equipped with laser communication. That is a huge step forward compared to traditional radio communications. In the coming years, we will build dozens of our own satellites. This will allow us to collect information and images independently."
Various parties involved
Several parties are involved in the project. For instance, Delft-based FSO Instruments, which specialises in using lasers for fast and secure communication, is taking the lead. The satellite will be built by VDL ET. Axient Systems, in turn, will take care of mission integration. Knowledge institutions such as TNO and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre are acting as subcontractors during the project.
PAM-1 will be a capability of the Defence Space Security Centre (DSSC), which is part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The DSSC is therefore supervising the project. Funding for the satellite will be provided by Defence and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Image: LoganArt via Pixabay
