In the context of the Dutch Utilisation Centre (DUC), the National Aerospace Laboratory NLR conducts projects for providing support to scientists, and to industrial and commercial users of space platforms such as sounding rockets, Spacelab and the International Space Station. These support projects are often carried out under contract to the Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programmes (NIVR) and the European Space Agency (ESA), and in co-operation with the Space Research Organisation Netherlands (SRON) and industries. A broad range of expertise is available, from definition and preparation to design and development, implementation and demonstration, and operational use.

Since 1989, the DUC activities at NLR (abbreviated as NLR-DUC) have included preparations for the utilisation of the International Space Station. NLR-DUC is preparing to be an active partner in the development of a Facility Responsible Centre at the Erasmus User Centre at ESTEC for the utilisation of the European Drawer Rack. In 1998, a DUC Steering group has been installed - with NIVR and SRON as points of contact - with the objective to co-ordinate and harmonise Dutch utilisation activities in the industry and the scientific community. Activities of NLR-DUC in this context are focused on technological aspects and operational support.

Further references:

• ESA
• NIVR
• SRON
• NLR