ESA supports PLD Space with 159 million euros to lead the new generation of European launchers

Sovereign Access to Space

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected the Spanish company PLD Space within the framework of the European Launcher Challenge, awarding it a contract of 158,9 million euros to consolidate its MIURA 5 launcher and develop the capabilities of its future family of heavy rockets, MIURA Next.

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La Agencia Espacial Europea (ESA) has selected the Spanish woman PLD Space in the framework of European Launcher Challengeawarding him a contract of 158,9 millones de euros to consolidate its launcher MIURA 5 and develop the capabilities of its future family of heavy rockets, MIURA Next.

A strategic boost for Europe's space autonomy

In a geopolitical context where access to space has become a determining factor for strategic autonomy, Europa is redefining its launch capability. The initiative of the ESA seeks to strengthen a launcher ecosystem based on the resilience, competitiveness and independence. The selection of PLD Space, based in ElcheThis reinforces the company's role as a key provider of launch services, developing the technologies and industrial capabilities needed to ensure reliable and sovereign access to space for European institutions and businesses.

Contract details: consolidation of MIURA 5 and the vision of MIURA Next

The awarded contract is divided into two main components that outline a clear roadmap for the Spanish company. Component A It will boost the consolidation of the commercial orbital rocket launch service. MIURA 5 and will allow a progressive increase in its launch rate until 2030, a direct response to the growing interest this launcher is generating in international markets.

Furthermore, the Component B, focused on Upgraded Orbital Capacity (improvement of orbital capacity), will support the development of new capabilities for MIURA 5These upgrades are designed to support institutional and commercial missions that demand greater payload capacity and extended orbital range. Crucially, they will also incorporate propulsive landing capabilities, a fundamental step on the road to rocket reuse.

Breakdown of the ESA award to PLD Space.

Concept	Strategic objective
Total Contract Value	158,9 millones de euros
Component A	Commercial consolidation and increased launch frequency of MIURA 5.
Component B	Orbital capability enhancement of MIURA 5 and development of reuse technologies transferable to MIURA Next.

This development of enhanced capabilities for MIURA 5 It is a strategic move towards MIURA Next, the future family of heavy pitchers of PLD SpaceThe subsystems and advances achieved in this program are designed to be directly transferable to future generations of rockets, thereby accelerating development, reducing technological risk, and maximizing return on investment.

PLD Space's vision: "A launch capability designed to grow"

According to what has been valued Ezequiel Sánchez, CEO of PLD SpaceThis selection represents an endorsement of the maturity of the company's strategy. PLD Space by the ESA "This confirms the maturity of the roadmap we have been building for years: a European launch capability designed to grow with solid ambition, based on technology, industry, and execution capabilities under our own control," he stated. Sánchez. "For PLD SpaceThis contract is not an isolated milestone. It is part of a disciplined execution path: from demonstrating our technology with MIURA 1 until we validate our orbital capability with MIURA 5expand their capabilities and move towards reuse and, finally, transfer these critical technologies to MIURA Next. This is how Europa "It builds sovereign access to space: with ambition, but also with the capacity to execute."

This contract also strengthens the industrial model of PLD Space, based on the vertical integrationThe development of robust technologies and a "test-like-you-fly" validation methodology, which replicates real-world flight conditions on the ground, has been key to progress since the successful launch of MIURA 1 until the final development phase of MIURA 5consolidating the company founded in 2011 by Raúl Torres y Raúl Verdú as a benchmark in the sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the European Launcher Challenge?

It is a strategic initiative of the Agencia Espacial Europea (ESA) intended to strengthen the capabilities of Europa for access to space that is autonomous, competitive and resilient, supporting private companies such as PLD Space.

How will PLD Space invest the €158,9 million from the contract?

The funds will be allocated to two key areas: consolidating the commercial service of its orbital launcher MIURA 5 and the development of enhanced capabilities for it, including reuse technologies that will form the basis for its future family of heavy launchers, MIURA Next.

What is MIURA Next?

MIURA Next is the name of the future family of heavy launchers that PLD Space will develop. The technological improvements financed by this contract in MIURA 5 They will serve as a basis for accelerating the development of these new, higher-capacity rockets.