Spanish launch provider expands Kourou spaceport capabilities to strengthen Europe’s sovereign access to space
PLD Space, the Spanish space transportation company, has announced a €35 million investment to develop and deploy its dedicated launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, over 2025–2026.
The initiative marks a major step in Europe’s effort to expand independent and commercially driven launch capabilities, with a strong focus on small satellite deployment and reusable rocket infrastructure.
Strengthening Europe’s space launch ecosystem
Of the total investment, €22 million will be executed within the French industrial ecosystem, while €13 million will be allocated directly to more than 20 local companies in French Guiana, supporting SMEs and regional space-sector development.
The project aligns with broader European priorities around strategic autonomy in space transportation and diversification of launch capacity beyond traditional institutional programs.
Building infrastructure for MIURA 5
PLD Space is developing the launch complex for its MIURA 5 orbital rocket, which is currently in its final civil works phase at the ELM-Diamant site in Kourou. The infrastructure is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with first launch operations targeted later that year.
The company is working in collaboration with CNES, the French space agency, to integrate launch systems and ensure operational readiness at the spaceport.
From Spain to global launch operations
Founded in 2011 in Elche, Spain, PLD Space develops reusable small satellite launchers under its MIURA rocket family, alongside the LINCE crewed capsule program.
The company operates across Spain, France, and Oman, with more than 450 employees and over 188,000 m² of industrial and testing facilities.
Its vertically integrated model covers engineering, manufacturing, testing, and launch operations, positioning it as one of Europe’s leading private launch providers.
Economic and industrial impact in French Guiana
According to the company, the investment is expected to generate significant local economic impact, including job creation and industrial development around the Guiana Space Centre.
Using regional economic multipliers, the project is projected to support hundreds of indirect and induced jobs during construction, as well as new direct operational roles once launch activity begins.
Strategic autonomy and commercial space growth
The new launch complex will enable European institutional and commercial payloads to be launched from European territory using a European-built rocket, reinforcing the continent’s strategic autonomy in space access.
PLD Space CEO Ezequiel Sánchez described the project as a milestone for Europe’s commercial space ecosystem, highlighting its role in building scalable and competitive launch infrastructure.
About PLD Space
PLD Space is a Spanish space transportation company focused on small satellite launch services and reusable rocket systems. Founded in 2011, the company is developing the MIURA family of launchers and expanding its infrastructure across Europe and international launch sites.
