PLD Space logra un contrato de la ESA de 159 millones para lanzadores espaciales

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded PLD Space a €158.9 million contract as part of the European Launcher Challenge to develop the Miura 5 launcher and its associated infrastructure. PLD Space launched its demonstrator Miura 1 in 2023, which served as the basis for the development of the Miura 5 and its supporting infrastructure.

The Miura 5 is designed to transport payloads of up to 540 kilograms and is scheduled to launch from the European Spaceport in French Guiana. PLD Space plans to enhance the Miura 5 to handle institutional and commercial missions requiring greater payload capacity and orbital reach. The contract, mainly funded by Spain with contributions from Germany, will support PLD Space's commercial orbital launch services and increase the frequency of launches by 2030.

The Miura 5 improvements will also help develop new capabilities such as propulsive landing for reusability. The European Launcher Challenge also awarded contracts to Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Isar Space. RFA is developing the RFA One, while Isar Space is developing the Spectrum launcher. The ESA's Transport Directorate Director, Geraldine Naja, highlighted the funding to support European launch capabilities and expand launch services for institutional and commercial clients.