The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €30 million venture debt loan with PLD Space, a space transportation company based in Elche, Spain, to fund the final development phase of the MIURA 5 rocket. This two-stage launcher targets small satellites, aiming to simplify orbital insertion and reduce scheduling risks associated with larger vehicles.
The deal marks the EIB’s first direct investment in small satellite launchers. It will also expand PLD Space’s industrial and launch capabilities as it shifts to commercial operations. MIURA 5 incorporates measures for full reusability, promoting a more sustainable approach to space access. The rocket is on track for its first test flight in 2026, with plans for up to 30 missions annually from sites including the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.
EIB President Nadia Calviño stated: Es un orgullo anunciar hoy la firma de un préstamo del Banco Europeo de Inversiones de 30 millones de euros para la empresa española PLD Space y financiar así MIURA 5, que pondrá en órbita pequeños satélites claves para las comunicaciones, la investigación y también nuestra seguridad.
EIB Vice President Robert de Groot added: Europa necesita unas capacidades de lanzamiento sólidas e independientes para garantizar un acceso autónomo al espacio. Con su innovadora tecnología e infraestructura de lanzamiento, PLD Space está avanzando decisivamente en esta dirección.
PLD Space CEO Ezequiel Sánchez noted: Firmar esta financiación de 30 millones de euros del Banco Europeo de Inversiones constituye un importante hito para PLD Space y para el sector espacial europeo. This brings the company’s total funding in 2026 to €210 million, following a €180 million Series C round closed in March.