Spain is about to mark a historic turning point in the aerospace field with the arrival of the Miura-5 rocket from the start-up PLD Space in Kourou. With an investment of 10 million euros, the Spanish company is transitioning from a young start-up to a real launch operator. Standing at 35 meters tall and with a capacity of 540 kilograms in orbit, the Miura-5 rocket promises to revolutionize the market for small European launchers and strengthen Spain’s position in the space race. This achievement, scheduled for late 2025, will kick off several commercial launches starting in 2026, heralding a new era for the European aerospace industry.
The Spanish company PLD Space is set to make a significant breakthrough in the aerospace field with the launch of its rocket from the Kourou Space Centre. The start-up is investing 10 million euros to build a dedicated launch complex, marking a crucial milestone for Spain in the European race. The inaugural flight of the Miura-1 rocket, Spain’s first private launcher, is planned for late 2025. With a height of 35 meters and a payload capacity of 540 kilograms, this first launch aims to position PLD Space as a major player, with the ambition to conduct up to 30 annual launches by 2030.
The Spanish company PLD Space is set to write a new chapter in the history of European aerospace by launching its rocket from Kourou. By investing 10 million euros in building a launch complex at this iconic site, PLD Space positions itself as a key player in the small launcher industry. The Miura-5 rocket, standing 35 meters tall, is scheduled for its inaugural flight in late 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for the Spanish start-up.
The ambitions of PLD Space and the importance of the Kourou site
With a projection of five commercial flights in 2026 and up to 30 by 2030, PLD Space clearly demonstrates its ambitions. This company is not limited to constructing and launching rockets but aims to become a European leader in launching small payloads into low Earth orbit. The Kourou base in French Guiana offers favorable climatic conditions, with no cyclones, as well as an ideal geographic position for sending rockets into space. These factors make Kourou a strategic choice for PLD Space.
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Development prospects and European innovation
The launch of the Miura-5 rocket from Kourou represents a unique opportunity for Spain and for PLD Space to prove their ability to compete with giants like Arianespace and SpaceX. With substantial investments and a visionary development strategy, the Spanish company could redefine the standards of innovation and space technology in Europe. The success of their first Spanish private rocket, Miura-1, launched successfully after several delays, is a testament to their determination and expertise.
