PLD Space has secured financing through COFIDES' Fund for Foreign Investment (FIEX), aimed at enhancing the international expansion of Spanish businesses. This funding bolsters PLD Space's mission to provide Europe with competitive, autonomous access to space and to improve its space infrastructure.
The MIURA rocket family is designed to accommodate a wide range of payloads, from small satellites to larger cargoes of up to 50 tonnes. Additionally, PLD Space aims to achieve Europe's first commercial manned spaceflights with its LINCE capsule by 2030.
The funding agreement was formalized at COFIDES' headquarters, attended by Secretary of State for Trade Amparo Lopez Senovilla. Ezequiel Sanchez, Executive President of PLD Space, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, 'We appreciate COFIDES' confidence in PLD Space. Our mission is to provide Europe with a comprehensive payload launch capability.'
Lopez Senovilla emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships, noting, 'This initiative exemplifies the critical role of public-private collaboration in supporting strategic and innovative projects.'
COFIDES Chairperson Angela Perez highlighted PLD Space's pioneering role in reusable rocket development, reaffirming the institution's commitment to innovation and European technological leadership.
The MIURA 5 complex at CSG spans 15,765 square meters, featuring a launch pad, preparation facilities, and a control center. Preparations for the inaugural flight of MIURA 5 are set to begin in late 2025.
PLD Space's initiatives are projected to create over 10 direct and 50 indirect jobs initially in Kourou, with further growth anticipated as launch frequency increases. The company is also focused on establishing a network of regional industrial suppliers to strengthen the local supply chain.
Advisory roles in this transaction were provided by Deloitte, KPMG, and Hogan Lovells, offering legal and financial expertise to both PLD Space and COFIDES.