This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2017) |
Ruimteonderzoeksinstituut SRON | |
![]() | |
![]() SRON, Leiden; 2021 | |
Agency overview | |
---|---|
Abbreviation | SRON |
Formed | 1983 |
Type | Space agency |
Headquarters | Leiden |
Administrator | Michael Wise (Scientific Director) |
Employees | 250 |
Website | www |
SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) is the Dutch national institute for space research. It focuses on astrophysics, Earth observation, and exoplanetary research. SRON also develops new detection techniques for X-rays, infrared radiation, and visible light. As national expertise institute, SRON gives council to the Dutch government and coordinates national contributions to international space missions.
The Laboratorium voor Ruimteonderzoek (LRO; lit. transl. Laboratory for Space Research) was founded in 1961 in Utrecht as one of SRON's predecessors. In 1983, it joined forces with the space labs in Leiden and Groningen under the name Stichting Ruimteonderzoek Nederland (SRON; lit. transl. Foundation Space-Research Netherlands) as part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Later, the Leiden lab merged with the Utrecht location. By 2005, the organization was renamed SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research. In 2021, the Utrecht lab was relocated back to Leiden. Since then, SRON has been headquartered in Leiden with additional facilities in Groningen.