Tag: PLD Space
-
ESA and European Commission Expand Flight Ticket Initiative for European Launchers
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC) have launched a new call for proposals under the European Flight Ticket Initiative, expanding opportunities for European launch providers to compete for institutional launch contracts. The two-part call invites European launcher developers to apply for framework contracts while also opening competition for the fifth batch…
-
PLD Space Invests €35 Million in Launch Complex at Guiana Space Centre
PLD Space has announced plans to invest €35 million ($40.8 million) in the development of its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana. The investment will be carried out between 2025 and 2026 and is intended to support the company’s upcoming Miura 5 launch vehicle program. First Private Operator at…
-
PLD Space Raises €180 Million Series C Led by Mitsubishi Electric
Spanish launch company PLD Space has raised €180 million ($209.5 million) in a Series C funding round, bringing its total funding to more than €350 million, the company said. The round was led by Mitsubishi Electric and included investment from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, COFIDES and Nazca Capital. PLD Space said…
-
Spanish launch startup PLD Space raises $209 million to scale its rocket production
PLD Space’s manufacturing facilities show the flow of production for its Miura 5 rockets. Image: PLD Space Spanish startup launch company, PLD Space, raised €180 million ($209 million) in its latest funding round as it works towards the inaugural flight of its next rocket, Miura 5. The company was founded in 2011, becoming the first…
-
Skyrora Eyes Orbex Assets Including Scottish Spaceport After Rival’s Financial Troubles
British rocket developer Skyrora said on Thursday it is considering acquiring selected assets from rival Orbex, including a planned spaceport in northern Scotland, after the smaller launch company disclosed financial difficulties. Skyrora, headquartered in Glasgow, said it intends to explore purchasing parts of Orbex’s business, notably the Sutherland Spaceport project on Scotland’s north coast, in…
-
Europe’s launch contenders revealed as Themis rolls toward reusability tests
The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing on its ambitions for future space transportation. This week, the agency has shortlisted five companies in the first stage of its European Launcher Challenge, aimed at igniting competition as well as increasing the availability of launch services in Europe. Meanwhile, the agency’s restartable Prometheus engine has recently completed…
-
PLD Space unveils ambitious plan for the next decade
PLD Space unveiled an aggressive 10-year plan last month at the company’s new headquarters building in Elche, Spain. This plan will begin by upgrading its under-development Miura 5 rocket with propulsive landing capability, which will aid in introducing a whole new family of rockets. This new family of rockets, Miura NEXT, would be partially reusable,…
-
PLD Space Launches MIURA 5 SPARK Program, Offering Free Satellite Launch Opportunities
Spanish aerospace company PLD Space has unveiled its MIURA 5 SPARK Program, aiming to provide global educational centers, universities, institutions, and companies with unprecedented access to space. Under this initiative, the first two launches of the MIURA 5 rocket will be made available free of charge, covering mission costs to foster scientific and technological innovation.…
-
PLD Space Secures ESA Boost! Contract for Payload Accommodation System on MIURA 5
Spanish aerospace company PLD Space has clinched a lucrative contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) under its Boost! program, aimed at advancing commercial space transportation endeavors. The contract, valued at 1.3 million euros, will facilitate the development of a versatile payload accommodation system on PLD Space’s MIURA 5 orbital launcher, enhancing flexibility for its…
-
Rocket Report: European rockets finally fly; Artemis II core stage issues
Welcome to Edition 6.15 of the Rocket Report! We’re now more than three-quarters of the way through the year, and as of Thursday, there have been 156 orbital launches since January 1. Last year, which set a record for global launch activity, we didn’t reach 156 orbital launches until mid-November. At the cadence set so…