New milestone for PLD Space from Elche last October Made history by launching the first Spanish rocket into space, Miura 1. The company founded by Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú was awarded the second phase of the project for the implementation of the Spanish microsatellite launcher, which is part of the project called Perte Aerospacial. The decision means the company will provide injections 40.5 million public money For the development of Miura 5.
This will be a rocket The first company with commercial cargo carrying capacity –Miura 1 was a technological demonstration- and its first flight is produced through 2025 and in this 2026 The beginning is yours promotional operations. for him, PLD Space plans to build a large factory on the land next to the Alicantina Fair Authority.
He served as Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities.Diana Morantwhose responsibility was it announce the news This Friday, during the closing of a meeting on artificial intelligence and human development at the University of Valencia. The Minister underlined this support. It will allow Spain “to be at the forefront of a technology that does not yet exist in Europe.”
In the same vein, he also reminded us how successful the company already is.”keep us glued to the screen We are seeing a rocket take off for the first time in our country. “Countdown in Spanish”. According to the minister, “There is no better way than to invest in the talents emerging from universities and the talents we have in Spain.”
The selection of PLD Space took place after the company received the tender. best technical rating contract desk consisting of independent experts Technological Development and Innovation Center (CDTI). The company has already received this award. first stage 1.5 million euros were allocated – in this case together with the company Pangea Aerospace. looper design. For six months the company focused on achieving this preliminary design, which led to them being selected as the sole contractor for the second phase.
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In line with the foundations established in the process, PLD Space will receive 40.5 million euros for the development of Miura 5, but this is money that will have to be returned in the future. Specifically, the project is managed through a tool known as “pre-commercial public procurement“requires a refund of the amount I received. This refund is made through payment. copyrights of the first ten years from the moment it started billing its customers to carry their microsatellites into space, to its commercial phase.
In any case, this is a very important boost for the company to date. has already raised more than €65 million in capital from various investors, this new support has now been added.
“The technical decision taken in favor of PLD Space confirms: Our technological development strategy is successful and this is based on a solid business plan,” emphasizes PLD Space’s executive chairman. Ezequiel Sánchez. “Winning this public tender to create a strategic country capacity strengthens our position as the leading company guaranteeing Europe’s access to space,” the executive added.
After the successful launch of the Miura 1 last October, the company is currently working on a new product. first factory and new headquarters Elche, Where will you be responsible for development? prototypes and integrate first units. “we are building A unique industrial capacity in Europe From ‘provinces’ based on the verticalization and strengthening of the regional and national supply chain to give us stability, control and agility,” says head of Business Development and co-founder of PLD Space. Raul Verdu.
But the real leap will come with the next stage; factory for mass production of rockets. A project that will cover an area of approximately 75,000 square meters. Here are some plans that will make you combine the mean 30 new workers every three months through 2024. Currently the company has approximately 170 employees.
On the other hand, construction works will be completed in the second half of 2024 Launch base at European spaceport CSG, in Kourou (French Guiana), is owned by CNES. The next phase of the expansion of the company’s test benches at Teruel Airport is also planned for this period.
In 2025 the focus will be on: qualification and first flight First unit of Miura 5 start of commercial activity The company is expected to 2026 with the ultimate goal of overcoming 30 annual launches by 2030.
unprecedented crisis
Absolutely, this morning the executive chairman of PLD Space, Ezequiel Sánchez, He warned of the “unprecedented crisis” Europe faces in access to space as a replacement will not arrive immediately following the withdrawal of Ariane 5.
A few days ago, the news that the company was closed also emerged. Selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission (EC), one of five companies that will launch corporate missions to space within the framework of the Airfare Initiative.