Partner logins

Employee logins

Game Changer magazine

Game Changer in space technology


Space-based technology has revolutionised how we see the world – giving us a seamless and detailed overview of the entire planet. This isn’t just invaluable for applications like weather forecasting or satellite navigation. By integrating the wealth of available data, bulk logistics companies can now also gain a powerful competitive advantage too. We spoke with Marc Sandelowsky and Raoul Voeten from NL Space Campus to explore the groundbreaking opportunities.

Marc Sandelowsky is the Director and Manager of NL Space Campus in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, where he oversees the development and operation of this national hub for the Dutch space sector.

Raoul Voeten is the NL Space Campus Commercial Programme Manager, and he also serves as Managing Director at Metalot Future Energy Lab.

“Knowledge is power”, according to Marc Sandelowsky. “Today’s space technology is comparable to the horseman of olden times looking out for ships arriving at Rotterdam before swiftly riding off to report their approach to his masters portside. That early warning gave workers and traders a crucial advantage: those with first access to information could act before anyone else was even aware the ship had docked. Essentially, the horseman’s information turned uncertainty into actionable foresight. The big difference today is that such early insights can be on a global scale and with microscopic precision.”

How is space tech a game changer for the bulk logistics market?

Raoul Voeten: “Accurate position, navigation, timing and earth observation data are strong, competitive ingredients. And ’space driven applications’ can offer them all on a silver platter.

The current state of the art focusses on ‘real time’ as closely as technologically possible. Sounds like a game changing package, isn’t it? But it gets even better. Now you have more information from earlier and earlier in the supply chain which means you can deal with disruptions quickly and with more agility. You know when you have to compete with other buyers, so you can move assets where they need to be in good time and provide your clients with a better price.

Integrating space data into core business operations enables proactive risk management and delivers insights for smarter decisions. These capabilities fundamentally transform traditional industries, helping them evolve into intelligent, future-ready organisations. When curiosity meets connectivity, the possibilities for innovation truly become limitless. And it’s not just for global companies. Newcomers to the scene can also excel in this ever-changing global landscape.”

Will having their own satellite network give bulk logistics companies an extra edge?

Sandelowsky: “Currently, competing companies all use the same data from the same suppliers. But satellite infrastructure costs have fallen significantly which allows firms to own their global satellite channels instead of relying on third-party data providers.

This means businesses can monitor and track their proprietary assets exactly how they want, with full control over their data and communication. This creates a competitive advantage in information.”

How will space technology enhance insights into a product’s journey?

Voeten: “Space technology combined with blockchain enables next-level traceability by tracking a product’s entire journey from origin, through every handling point to final delivery. It creates a permanent record of locations, actions and quality at every point. This seamless integration creates unbeatable transparency and operational insight, establishing true alignment across all supply chain participants. Many companies aren’t yet set up to achieve quite that level of visibility, but those who are will redefine logistics by improving efficiency, reducing fraud, ensuring authenticity and enabling smarter decision-making.

Blockchain’s tamper-proof records paired with satellite data empower end-to-end trust and innovative new business models that will transform the global supply chain landscape. Such connected transparency is a game changer for industries, unlocking unprecedented possibilities at every step of the product lifecycle.”

The original text of this interview appeared in our Game Changer magazine. Read the full article here.