JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

PLD Space Aims to Turn Elche into European Rocket Hub

October 22, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

PLD Space is developing its Miura 5 rocket in Elche, Spain.
The company has raised €488mn in public and private funding.
PLD plans to launch 32 annual units of Miura 5 by 2030.
The firm has grown to 550 employees, including at its Elche HQ.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

PLD Space's growth may indicate the potential for non-traditional locations to contribute to Europe's tech sovereignty agenda, which could lead to a more distributed and resilient space industry. The company's success suggests that public support and funding can play a crucial role in enabling start-ups to flourish in the space sector.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Spanish Launch Firm Leads New Space Economy Push

PLD Space, a Spanish launch firm, is developing its latest-generation Miura 5 rocket in Elche, a city traditionally known for its footwear industry. With €488mn in public and private funding, the company aims to become a global commercial launch company, planning to launch 32 annual units of Miura 5 by 2030. PLD Space’s growth has put Elche on the new space economy map, and its success may pave the way for other start-ups in the region. This development was reported by fDi Intelligence.

Source | Originally Published: October 22, 2026

Companies Mentioned