PLD Space has increased investments for the launch site of the spaceport in French Guiana

The European space launch sector is certainly less "bustling" compared to what can be seen in the United States or China. However, compared to the stagnation of a few years ago, Europe is gradually waking up, and there are several companies that could represent an interesting opportunity for our continent. Among the names that stand out the most is the Spanish company PLD Space, which aims to launch its Miura 5 rocket by the end of 2026, delayed compared to the plans from a few months ago.

Now PLD Space has announced new investments in the launch site dedicated to the Miura 5 rocket, located in the European spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana, near where the European Vega C and Ariane 6 rockets made by Avio and Arianespace are launched. According to reports, the Spanish company's investment is now at €35 million for the 2025-2026 period and will take advantage of the strategic location of the spaceport.

PLD Space announces new investments in French Guiana Of the total investment, €22 million has been spent within the French industrial ecosystem, with €13 million directly allocated to more than 20 companies based in French Guiana, creating between 250 to 275 indirect jobs related to the construction of the launch site. 35 jobs will be direct and related to managing the launch operations of future space vehicles.

Ezequiel Sánchez (executive president of PLD Space) stated, "This investment represents a milestone for PLD Space and for the emerging commercial launch ecosystem in Europe. The development of our launch infrastructure at the French Guiana Space Centre strengthens Europe’s autonomous access to space while also contributing to the industrial diversification of the GSC [Editor’s note: Guyana Space Centre]. It also reflects our long-term commitment to building scalable, competitive, and sovereign launch capabilities from Europe."

Let us remember that the Miura 5 rocket is a medium-light reusable two-stage vehicle designed to carry relatively light payloads into orbit. Despite this, it is possible to utilize this solution for rideshare launches of Cubesats, allowing greater mission flexibility and expanding the number of potential customers. In the future, 30 missions per year are planned from various launch sites, including the one in French Guiana.

Miura 5 measures 35.7 meters long with a diameter of 2 meters (Vega class) and features two stages with the option of an additional kick stage depending on the mission profile. At the base, there are 5 TEPREL-C engines providing 190 kN of thrust each, running on RP-1 and liquid oxygen, while in the upper stage there is a single TEPREL-C Vacuum engine with 75 kN of thrust. The structure is made of aluminum and composite materials. The performance indicates the capability to carry just over 1.1 tons to LEO (low Earth orbit) at about 300 km, while reaching a little over 400 kg at 800 km in sun-synchronous orbit.

The company aims to reuse the first stage similarly to what was seen with Rocket Lab's Electron (a now-abandoned project) with a parachute-assisted re-entry and splashdown. This does not envisage landing supports or particular technical complexities compared to a propulsive re-entry like that of the Falcon 9.