PLD Space, a Spanish company specialising in reusable space launchers, has secured an EUR 11 million loan from COFIDES to support the development of its MIURA 5 rocket launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. The company plans to invest a total of EUR 16 million in constructing and operating the facility, which is located at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG). This site is managed by the French Space Agency (CNES) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
The loan was granted through the Fund for Foreign Investment (FIEX), which aims to support the international expansion of Spanish businesses. This funding contributes to PLD Space’s goal of enhancing European space infrastructure and providing competitive and autonomous access to space.
PLD Space is developing the MIURA rocket family to accommodate a range of payloads, from small satellites to larger loads of up to 50 tonnes. The company also plans to introduce human missions by 2030 with its LINCE commercial manned capsule, potentially advancing European involvement in space exploration.
The agreement was formalised at COFIDES headquarters, with the Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, in attendance.
“We appreciate COFIDES’ confidence in PLD Space. Our mission is to provide Europe with a comprehensive payload launch capability, and this support inspires us to continue driving European space sovereignty while strengthening its strategic space infrastructure,” said Ezequiel Sánchez, PLD Space Executive President.
“This initiative exemplifies the critical role of public-private collaboration in supporting strategic and innovative projects, which rely on institutional backing as an anchor investor during the early stages of technological development. This project underscores COFIDES’ position as a leading institution in managing public funds to support Spanish companies’ international investment ventures,” said Amparo López Senovilla.
“COFIDES is committed to supporting companies that contribute to global technological transformation. PLD Space is a pioneer and a benchmark in Europe in the development of reusable rockets, and this collaboration reaffirms our commitment to innovation and the consolidation of European technological leadership,” said Ángela Pérez, COFIDES Chairperson.
The MIURA 5 launch facility will cover an area of 15,765 square metres and include a launch pad, preparation zone, and control centre. The first MIURA 5 flight campaign is scheduled for late 2025.
In its initial phase, the project is expected to create more than 10 direct jobs and 50 indirect positions in Kourou, with employment opportunities anticipated to increase as launch activities expand. The company also plans to collaborate with regional industrial suppliers to establish a strong local supply chain.
Deloitte advised both PLD Space and COFIDES on the transaction, with KPMG providing financial advisory services and Hogan Lovells serving as legal counsel.
Malaysian defense company, Deftech, displayed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intheir booth during the DSA 2022 expo. The…
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus’ A380 test aircraft MSN 1…
Cargojet has entered into a five-year strategic agreement with DHL, with a renewal option for an additional two years, to…
The Icelandic airline Eagle Air and the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft have announced a renewal of their support contract…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPNM Malaysia for collaboration and training of faculty…
Meopta is displaying a wide range of military-grade optical gun sights, scopes, and night vision equipment at the Defense Services…
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s G7 Aerospace at DSA 2022 event on Monday (Mar. 28), Infoglobal…
Insight Atlantic, a Malaysian defense equipment supplier, is displaying a range of made-in Germany, Lowa tactical footwear in its booth…
PAL Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to jointly develop the next generation of mission system during the DSA…
Airod Techno Power (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honeywell International to provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)…
Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) has signed an MoU with Nexter on the third day of the DSA 2022 event, Wednesday…
In a public announcement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Wednesday (Mar. 30), there have been 54…
Sikorsky and Boeing on Thursday announced six new members, including Magnaghi Aeronautica and Collins Aerospace, of Team DEFIANT. The suppliers…
MA Group will provide the fully integrated landing gear system for the DEFIANT X helicopter, consisting of the nose and…
After spending about US$7.4 million on the project, the Australian government has cancelled its Project Air 7003, a program that…
AerCap has signed lease agreements for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with ITA Airways.…
A routine service test for an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft on April 1 has ended with a surprising result. …
Malaysia-based DefTech and Iveco Defence Vehicles are joining hands to establish an authorised MRO centre for Iveco Defence Vehicles trucks…
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has begun the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned…
FL Technics has launched a dedicated business line for wheels and brakes maintenance and opened a specialized shop at the…
ScioTeq has launched RDU-4208 LAD, its new full redundant Large Area Display (LAD) that can be deployed in new cockpits…
Etihad Airways, on March 31st., 2022, unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from…
RGA-Black Stone Airlines, a newcomer in the Indonesian aviation business, officially started its business in the country after having its…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Impeccable Vintage Properties…
Honeywell has signed separate MOUs with Malaysian firms Airod Techno Power (ATP) and Galaxy Aerospace that will further strengthen the…
AirAsia has announced that it will resume international flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Flights are now available from…
Embraer and the Brazilian Army have inked a contract to develop and implement Phase Two of the Army's Strategic Program…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially inducted two Turkish-made T129B ATAK attack helicopters and an Airbus Defense and Space C-295…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to support the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) RPAS Project. Operations will…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) S26T submarine acquisition project from China is at risk of cancellation due to Germany’s refusal…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.