In a major boost for Spain's burgeoning space sector, PLD Space has been named a preselected participant in the European Launcher Challenge (ELC) by the European Space Agency (ESA), a high-profile initiative aimed at securing Europe’s independent access to space. The program, unveiled earlier this year, could award up to €169 million per company, marking one of the most substantial space contract opportunities in Spain’s history.
The ELC is structured around two pillars: institutional launch service contracts covering the 2026–2030 period and a development pathway requiring flight demonstration of advanced launcher systems by 2028. Final selections are expected at ESA’s upcoming Ministerial Conference in November, to be held in Bremen, Germany.
PLD Space, headquartered in Elche, Spain, submitted a proposal that closely aligns with its long-term strategic roadmap unveiled during its Beyond event in October 2024. Central to the company’s pitch is its MIURA program — specifically, the MIURA 5 orbital launcher and the next-generation, partially reusable MIURA Next vehicle. These systems are designed to provide Europe with competitive, sustainable, and sovereign launch capabilities.
“This preselection is more than recognition — it’s a defining moment for Spanish leadership in the European space ecosystem,” said Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive President of PLD Space. “The European Launcher Challenge is not only a milestone for the continent, but also a unique national opportunity to have a Spanish-led solution at the heart of Europe’s space ambitions.”
PLD Space has positioned itself as a national champion in the launch services sector, with the MIURA program already driving economic and industrial development through a network of 397 partner companies and institutions across Spain and Europe. The company’s selection reinforces Spain’s growing stature as a key aerospace player on the continent.
The ELC also reflects a broader shift in ESA’s strategy, emphasizing public-private partnerships and innovation-driven procurement — principles aligned with Spain’s Aerospace Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE). Under PERTE, PLD Space has already received €42 million from the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) to support development of the country's first domestically produced orbital launcher.
As Europe seeks to reduce dependence on foreign launch providers and adapt to the rapid growth of commercial and government satellite activity, initiatives like the ELC aim to cultivate a competitive ecosystem of homegrown launch providers.
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