PLD Space continues stellar year of growth with €158.9 million ESA award

Spanish space transportation company PLD Space has been awarded a substantial €158.9 million contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the European Launcher Challenge (ELC). This strategic initiative is designed to bolster Europe's autonomous, competitive, and resilient access to space. PLD Space, based in Elche, has experienced significant growth this year, securing an €180 million Series C funding round in March and a €35 million investment for its launch complex in the Guiana Space Centre.

The company's Executive President, Ezequiel Sánchez, emphasized that this award validates their long-term roadmap of developing a European launch capability with full control over technology, industry, and execution. The ESA's selection of PLD Space aligns with the broader trend of capital deployment in Europe's SpaceTech sector in 2026, with EU-Startups reporting over €672.5 million in financings across various space-related industries.

PLD Space's Executive President highlighted that this contract is part of a disciplined execution path, starting from MIURA 1, proving orbital capability with MIURA 5, and advancing reusability with MIURA Next. This award, covering Components A and B of the European Launcher Challenge, supports PLD Space's mission to provide sovereign, resilient, and competitive launch capabilities for Europe, solidifying their position as a leading European launch provider in the space transportation industry.