PLD Space is a Spanish aerospace manufacturer specializing in developing reusable launch vehicles. Founded in 2011 by Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, the company is headquartered in Elche, Spain. PLD Space has raised over €350 million in funding, with significant recent investment from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The company focuses on providing cost-effective and sustainable launch solutions for small satellites, aiming to revolutionize access to space through its MIURA series of rockets. PLD Space is recognized for its innovations in the space industry, notably becoming the first company to launch a private rocket in Europe.
March 2026: PLD Space secured a €180 million Series C funding round led by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. This funding supports their transition to commercial operations and expands their industrial and launch capabilities. PLD plans to scale manufacturing of Miura 5 rockets and aims for over 30 launches annually by 2030. The funding round also included investements from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, and COFIDES.
November 2025: The company unveiled the first integrated MIURA 5 unit. This model will undergo qualification tests to ensure reliability ahead of the first flight scheduled for Q1 2026. PLD Space continues to build related infrastructure in French Guiana.
October 2024: During the Beyond_ event, PLD Space outlined its strategic roadmap, including the MIURA Next family of large reusable launchers and Europe's first private manned capsule, LINCE.
2025: PLD Space achieved major milestones, including progress on the MIURA 5 development and capturing a €900 million European Launcher Challenge grant. Their expansion plan included a new production facility in Elche dedicated to producing six MIURA 5 launchers and 60 TEPREL-C engines by 2025.
July 2025: PLD Space announced an agreement with Etlaq Spaceport in Oman to facilitate Miura 5 launches starting in 2027.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Elche, Spain |
| Founders | Raúl Torres, Raúl Verdú |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, COFIDES |
| Industry | Aerospace, Space Transportation |
| Number of Employees | Over 435 (as of March 2026) |
Founded in 2011 by Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, PLD Space emerged as a pioneer in the private aerospace sector. The founders, who shared a passion for space exploration, aimed to develop reusable rocket technology that could provide affordable and frequent access to space. Initial development efforts focused on propulsion systems, leading to the creation of the Miura 1 suborbital rocket as a technology demonstrator. In the early years, PLD Space was supported by various institutional investments, including significant grants from the Spanish government and support from the European Space Agency (ESA). The successful maiden flight of the Miura 1 in 2023 marked PLD Space as the first private company in Europe to launch a rocket into space, solidifying its status in the aerospace industry.
PLD Space has established itself as a leading provider of launch solutions for small and medium-sized payloads in the competitive aerospace industry. Their business model relies on vertical integration, allowing for comprehensive control from design to launch, ensuring high-quality standards and rapid development cycles.
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Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:
PLD Space, operating as an international aerospace company, focuses on providing innovative launch solutions tailored for small satellites and general low Earth orbit (LEO) access. Their Miura 5 vehicle is positioned as a cost-effective and reliable option for operators needing flexible launch schedules.
PLD Space's innovative approach has established it as a leading entity within the European aerospace sector. With significant investments and strategic partnerships, the company is on track to solidify its role as a major provider of commercial launch services. Their ambitious roadmap, focusing on reusable technology and expanding global market reach, potentially positions PLD Space as a significant player in future space transportation operations. As the company advances towards launching more complex missions, including manned capsules and larger payload rockets, PLD Space is set to play a pivotal role in the industry's evolution towards cost-effective and flexible space access solutions.
