SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research is the Dutch expertise institute for space research. The institute develops and uses innovative technology for groundbreaking research in space, focusing on astrophysical research, climate science and planetary research. In addition to this, SRON has a line of research into new and more sensitive sensors for X-rays and infrared radiation. SRON is the national center of expertise for the development and exploitation of satellite instruments in astrophysics and earth system science. SRON is part of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). Science and technology The institute has about 200 staff who are employed at a support department and five divisions: high-energy astrophysics, low-energy astrophysics, Earth observation, sensor development and engineering. Together they form a unique melting pot of top scientists and technologists who inspire each other to perform at their absolute best. Problems faced by scientists challenge sensor developers to construct increasingly more sensitive technology. Together with mechanical and electronic engineers they ultimately develop a scientific space instrument with an exceptional level of performance under the extreme conditions of space. The scientific breakthroughs made with such devices in turn inspire new research and new technology.