Driven by worldwide geopolitical changes, The Netherlands has recognized a need to strengthen their information position. Intelligence from satellites has become indispensable to provide the information needed for armed forces around the world. Space intelligence is provided by cameras and other sensors with the ability to acquire the information, as well as by the ability to transfer this information in a fast and secure manner back to earth.

The Dutch Armed Forces need to continue to build up their sovereign space capabilities

The Armed Forces of the Netherlands have identified a need to further develop their own space capabilities. The Defense Space Security Centre, part of the Royal Dutch Air Force, leads the effort of implementing the space strategy for the Netherlands’ Defense. PAMI-1 provides a significant step towards establishing the Dutch capability to gather sovereign intelligence from space. The capability will also contribute to further strengthening international cooperations within NATO, EU and others.

PAMI-1 will be built by a Dutch consortium, making use of world class capabilities

The consortium that will build PAMI-1 is led by FSO Instruments and Axient Systems. FSO Instruments, which initiated the project, will take a leading role in the PAMI Project Office, in addition to providing the laser satellite communication technology. Axient Systems, a Delft-based wholly owned subsidiary of Astrion, a 6000 person US defense contractor, contributes its wealth of experience in space projects by taking responsibility for mission integration.

The satellite will be fully built in the Netherlands. A key member of the consortium is contract manufacturer VDL ETG who will build the satellite. This will be a space-flight-proven Saturn ESPA-grande satellite platform from Blue Canyon Technologies, Raytheon’s small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider. The earth observation payload will be developed and delivered by cosine, a leader in the development of optical remote sensing payloads based in the Netherlands. The project is further supported by the world class Dutch ecosystem for space and high-tech, encompassing research institutes TNO and NLR as well as a range of larger and smaller companies. The consortium combines the world leading position that the Netherlands has in high-tech manufacturing for semiconductors with the equally advanced expertise on space technology also available in the Netherlands.

Will Crowcombe, Managing Director of FSO Instruments, says “We are thrilled with the opportunity to work closely together with the Dutch Armed Forces and our ecosystem partners to support the space security needs of the Netherlands with the Dutch high tech ecosystem. This is one of the best ways we can think of to showcase our dual-use technology and further develop the Dutch manufacturing capabilities for industrial space.”

Jay Kovacs, Managing Director of Axient Systems and Sr. Vice President for International and Commercial Programs for Astrion, added “We are proud to bring our mission integration experience to the PAMI-1 mission and the Netherlands. PAMI-1 will help establish a sovereign space capability for the Dutch Space Security Centre and we are excited to partner with FSO Instruments and our other consortium members help them realize this goal.”

PAMI-1 will launch in the first half of 2027 as the first satellite in a series

The longer term space ambitions of the Netherlands, both for military and civilian applications, reach beyond a single mission. In order to fulfil future requirements, e.g. to collect more data and to provide better coverage, multiple satellites will be required for which the consortium partners will invest in the associated manufacturing capacity. As such, the PAMI program will support the development of the Dutch manufacturing infrastructure for space assets.

PAMI-1 is funded through Industrial Participation from Raytheon and other government sources

FSO Instruments and consortium partners have been able to realize the project kick-off in a short period of time. This has been made possible by Raytheon, who is supporting the project with Industrial Participation funding, as well as by support from the Netherlands’ Ministries of Defense and Economic Affairs.

About FSO Instruments

FSO Instruments, domiciled in Delft, The Netherlands, develops, produces and supplies high-quality instruments for free-space optics (FSO), in particular products for laser satellite communications. FSO Instruments, a joint venture of Demcon and VDL Groep, builds on groundbreaking technology developed by TNO, the Dutch organization for applied scientific research. A core team of systems architects, senior engineers and business developers works closely together with Demcon, VDL ETG, TNO and specialized suppliers.

Artist impression of PAMI-1 satellite in orbit