PLD Space awarded €158.9 million ESA contract

The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a €158.9 million contract to the Spanish company PLD Space as part of the European Launcher Challenge. This agreement aims to strengthen Europe's autonomous access to space and reduce reliance on non-European launch providers.

The contract is divided into two main components. Component A focuses on providing orbital launch services for the ESA and other European institutional clients between 2026 and 2030. Component B, known as Upgraded Orbital Capacity, is designed to fund technical improvements for the Miura 5 rocket, including increased payload capacity, broader orbital reach, and the development of propulsive landing capabilities to move toward rocket reusability.

The funding is milestone-based rather than a single lump sum. To fulfill the requirements, PLD Space must demonstrate improved flight capabilities, including reaching orbit before 2028 through successful flight demonstrations. The company is also preparing infrastructure at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou to support these operational goals.