On 26 February 2025, NL Space Campus hosted an online Q&A session for its upcoming Summer School, a six-day programme designed to immerse students and young professionals in the Dutch space industry. The session outlined the programme’s structure, team projects, eligibility criteria, logistics, and registration process, while offering a glimpse into the unique opportunities available—from clean room tours at Airbus to real-world project assignments from leading space organisations.
Participants submitted questions in advance and via chat, covering topics like project selection, participation fees, and post-program benefits. Below is a structured summary of the Q&A session, capturing the key insights shared.
Q&A from NL Space Summer School Session
Programme Overview and Team Projects
- What does NL Space Summer School entail, and who is it for?
The six-day program,e offers a diverse exploration of the space industry, including lectures, workshops, company visits, and hands-on team projects. Themes range from Earth observation and space law to robotics and business cases, with no prior space experience required. It’s open to students at European institutions and young professionals under 30, welcoming diverse backgrounds like engineering, HR, psychology, law, business and social work.
- What are the team projects like?
Teams of seven participants with varied backgrounds tackle real assignments from partnering organisations like Airbus, ESTEC, and TU Delft. Projects vary annually based on company challenges, with past examples including business cases and technical innovations. Participants can indicate their top three project preferences during registration.
Eligibility and Registration
- Who can apply? Are first-year students eligible?
The program targets students registered at European institutions and young professionals under 30. First-year students are generally encouraged to have some study experience, but motivated applicants can justify their fit in the registration form. Non-EU nationals may face restrictions due to security protocols at space facilities, and visa support is not provided.
- Does the order of application affect acceptance?
It’s first-come, first-serve, with about 45 spots available. Registration opened post-Q&A on February 26, and acceptance depends on meeting requirements and paying the fee promptly. Only after payment has been received, your acceptance to the programme is confirmed.
- Does the programme incorporate aerospace for the military?
While the programme primarily focuses on civil and commercial space innovations, it also acknowledges dual-use technologies, such as satellites that can support both defence and civilian applications.
Logistics and Participation Fee
- What’s included in the fee?
This early-bird fee covers bus transport, lunches, dinners, a goodie bag with merchandise, a certificate, a mission patch, and access to tours, facilities, lectures, and a closing party with BBQ. The costs for students are heavily subsidised by NL Space Campus.
- What’s not included?
Accommodation, flights, and visa assistance are not provided. The programme generally starts and ends in Leiden, with some activities in Delft or other campuses, so participants must arrange their own lodging (preferably near Leiden Central Station).
- Are there scholarships or payment plans?
Scholarships aren’t available yet, though they might be coming in the future. Payment plans can be discussed for those unable to afford the fee upfront—contact the organisers directly.
Programme Experience and Outcomes
- What should participants bring, and what’s the dress code?
A valid passport is mandatory for entry to secure facilities like ESTEC (driver’s licenses or IDs won’t suffice). Business casual attire is fine, but professional clothing is recommended for the final presentation day, where participants present to challenge owners and get a professional profile picture. Also, participants should keep in mind that they may be visiting their future employer.
- What if I have dietary restrictions?
Dietary restrictions are accommodated, and organisers are flexible with mobility or other needs—participants are encouraged to reach out directly in case of special requests. The NL Space Summer School team will also reach out to confirmed participants before the beginning of the programme to gain insights into dietary and other restrictions.
- What happens after the Summer School?
Participants receive a certificate (recognised on LinkedIn), join an alumni network with events and gain access to NL Space Campus opportunities. Noteworthy, past attendees have secured internships, jobs, and even launched an official startup company.
NL Space Campus Summer School Showcase
Additional Questions
- Will there be another Q&A session?
Another NL Space Summer School Q&A may be organised once the full program is finalised (around May).
- How quickly do spots fill up?
We received high interest this year due to early promotion. As of 4 March, there are already 15 registrations and only 45 spots. We recommend applying as soon as possible, but at the latest in May.
About NL Space Summer School
NL Space Summer School, hosted by NL Space Campus, bridges students and young professionals with the Dutch space ecosystem. This year’s six-day programme offers interactions and tours with space organisations like Airbus, ESA ESTEC, Space Business Innovation Centre (SBIC) and EUSPA. Participants work on real-world challenges through interdisciplinary projects, attend workshops on various space topics, and build networks with peers and industry leaders.
For more details, visit the NL Space Campus website (here) or reach out to us via email: summerschool@nlspacecampus.eu.
Registration for NL Space Summer School is Now Open!
