PLD Space advances Elche project with a new headquarters and a 140,000-square-foot facility
The countdown to construction began this week as PLD Space, an Elche-based aerospace company, planned to establish its new headquarters on land within the IFA-Fira Alacant zone. The agreement to locate the company was signed by the Generalitat Valenciana, Elche City Council, the Project Association for Digital Transformation (SPTD), and PLD Space. The site is set to attract innovative firms and support traditional industries in their shift toward digitalisation, a commitment announced by the Centre for Rocket Production leadership and regional authorities. The land, affiliated with IFA, is expected to accelerate this digital transition and boost local economic activity. [CITATION: Regional press coverage]
A 140,000-square-foot tract will host a new collaborative project steered by a private urban development body. The transfer of developer status for the TO-4 sector of Elche’s General Town Planning Plan (PGOU) was approved, enabling the Project Community for Digital Transformation to guide the initiative under the Ministry of Innovation. [CITATION: Planning authority statement]
PLD Space aims to relocate production and operations to this site as part of a broader plan to expand capabilities in Elche and strengthen ties to the nearby airport. The project is designed to anchor a disruptive industrial cluster, merging aerospace manufacturing with digital transformation efforts through a coordinated urban planning framework.
PLD Space completes first Elche rocket test and eyes a mid-April takeoff
Today, PLD Space stands as the sole local innovator showing sustained interest in the area. Its progress reflects internal strengths and the advantage of proximity to major transportation hubs. This aligns with the company’s strategy to build on Elche’s aerospace heritage while leveraging the region’s growing digital ecosystem. The signing ceremony, held in Elche, was witnessed by the President of the Generalitat, the Minister of Universities, Elche’s mayor, and other signatories. It underscored a shared commitment to accelerate urban and industrial modernization with active participation from all parties. [CITATION: Local briefing]
The council and regional leaders describe Elche as a hub for high-tech development and a gateway to global markets. The PLD Space effort is framed as a strategic regional project supported by the Consell, with a focus on high-technology employment, innovation, and international leadership.
PLD Space reaches a €60 million milestone with institutional and minority investors
Following the agreement, PLD Space is positioned as a future operator of the new site, with plans to purchase the land once milestones are satisfied. The Digital Transformation Projects Community (SPTD) will oversee the process, including urban studies of the TO-4 sector and the implementation of precision urban tools. Elche City Council has committed to swift execution of the required arrangements. [CITATION: Municipal press release]
The signing ceremony at the Town Hall drew all parties together, signaling a strong consensus around the project. PLD Space anticipates completing land acquisition within the year and aims to commence operations in the new facilities within approximately two years, as confirmed by company leadership. The plan includes a production campus of more than 40,000 square meters near the IFA area, with related facilities to support the Miura family of rockets and future Miura 5 capabilities. Investment exceeds €30 million for land, warehouse, and infrastructure development. [CITATION: Company briefing]
Growth expectations and job creation
The expansion plan envisions ongoing hiring, with an expected rate of 4 to 6 new positions per month as the company grows from a smaller operation into a larger manufacturing hub. Current staff numbers are estimated around 140, with a significant share of senior professionals and engineers. The recruitment drive is set to include electronics, welding, and other technical specialties, alongside legal and administrative roles. A majority of employees are Spanish, with many returning from abroad, reflecting a broader repatriation trend. [CITATION: Corporate overview]
The five-year expansion plan includes more than 40,000 additional square meters within the IFA ecosystem, extending the company’s footprint well beyond its existing facilities in the Business Park where Miura 1 was developed. The larger facility will house production, testing, offices, and a central hub for operations. PLD Space has already secured substantial financing to support multiple growth initiatives totaling over €65 million. [CITATION: Investment update]
Strategic leadership and regional impact
The Consell has highlighted the Elche project as a symbol of regional wealth, employment, and a bright future, noting the pivotal role of UMH and the broader academic ecosystem in sustaining innovation. The regional president emphasised the importance of aligning university capacity with research and industrial strength to sustain a forward-looking economy. [CITATION: Government briefing]
As the project advances, officials acknowledge a heavy administrative workload but stress that all parties are committed to accelerated processes. The signing effort is described as a landmark moment for the city and a catalyst for ongoing transformation in Elche’s economic model. [CITATION: Official remarks]
Launch prospects and public demonstrations
PLD Space plans to launch a locally built Miura 1 rocket as part of a broader European program. The first Spanish and European private rocket to reach space is expected to perform a full-power static ignition test soon, followed by a planned launch window in early June, weather permitting. The mission aims to demonstrate suborbital capabilities and validate critical technologies ahead of more ambitious milestones with Miura 5. Final launch timing depends on weather and safety clearances, and the company will provide a public stream of updates. [CITATION: Launch brief]
Miura 1 is a compact rocket designed to place small satellites into orbit. It will test roughly 70 percent of the technologies intended for Miura 5, signaling a step toward commercial cargo missions. The aircraft will lift off from a European test site and is designed to return via parachute recovery for analysis and reuse. [CITATION: Technical summary]
The Teruel facility and associated test benches will remain part of PLD Space’s broader testing and development program, reinforcing the company’s capability to scale up operations across Spain. [CITATION: Corporate update]