Groundbreaking

Today marked a significant milestone in the advancement of space research and innovation as the official groundbreaking ceremony for the CometLab took place in Noordwijk. The event drew an impressive lineup of astronauts, dignitaries, and local officials who celebrated this major step forward for the space industry.

Astronauts Mark Pathy, Klaus-Dietrich Flade, and Jeffrey Hoffman were on hand to symbolically perform the first digging, adding a historic touch to the occasion. Their presence underscored the global importance of the project and its potential to propel the boundaries of space exploration and technology.

A distinguished panel of speakers, including Wouter Kolff, King’s Commissioner for the Province of Zuid-Holland; Dietmar Pilz, ESA Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEQ) and Head of ESTEC; and Roberto ter Hark, Alderman for the Municipality of Noordwijk, highlighted the vision behind CometLab and its anticipated impact.

This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a facility that will position the Netherlands as a leader in cutting-edge space technology. It reflects the spirit of innovation and international collaboration that the Province of Zuid-Holland is proud to support.

The importance of CometLab for the European Space Agency's mission is important. CometLab will not only bring significant economic and scientific benefits to Noordwijk but will also inspire future generations to look to the stars and dream big.

Located near ESA’s ESTEC facility, CometLab is set to become a state-of-the-art researc

h center dedicated to advancing technologies for space exploration, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.

Stay tuned to CometLab.nl for updates on this exciting journey toward shaping the future of space research.