Pioneering in the first space research labs

In 1961, 1962 and 1965, three groups were set up in succession to design experiments for space research. The Space Research Laboratory in Utrecht, led by Professor Kees de Jager; the Cosmic Radiation Working Group in Leiden, led by Professor Henk van de Hulst; and the Photometry Working Group in Groningen, led by Jan Borgman, who later became a professor.

The labs designed experiments for scientific soundingrockets and balloons that could observe the outside world for a short period whilst high up in the atmosphere. In the initial experiments, they aimed to measure radiation from the Sun, cosmic rays and UV radiation from stars outside the atmosphere. Furthermore, they developed the first instruments for satellites capable of conducting observations for considerably longer periods whilst in orbit.

• Kees de Jager, founder of the Utrecht Space Research Laboratory. (SRON archive)
• Henk van de Hulst, founder of the Leiden Cosmic Ray Research Group. (SRON archive)
• Jan Borgman, founder of the Groningen Photometry Research Group. (SRON archive)
• The launch of a balloon experiment (SRON archive)
• The launch of a rocket experiment (SRON archive)
• Image from a feature in the weekly ‘Katholieke Illustratie’ 1965 about the expanding lab in Utrecht from the Delpher archive.