Spanish rocket company PLD Space has announced plans to conduct its first orbital launch from French Guiana in the first quarter of 2026. This comes after the company achieved a successful fully private European rocket launch earlier this month, despite being unable to recover the rocket after it landed in the sea. The primary goal of the test was not to recover the rocket, and the company will use the data gathered to develop a larger Miura-5, a full orbital launcher. PLD Space has already received interest from potential clients for contracts worth around 320 million euros.
The successful suborbital launch by PLD Space has paved the way for its future ambitions of conducting full orbital launches. The company has revealed plans to transport the larger Miura-5 rocket to French Guiana in two years for its first orbital launch in 2026. With the rapidly growing market for internet-beaming satellites, estimated to reach $1 trillion by 2030, PLD Space aims to capitalize on this opportunity by developing its orbital launch capabilities. The company expects to sign its first binding agreements with clients next year.
PLD Space’s achievements come at a crucial time for Europe’s efforts to develop its own capabilities in sending small satellites into space. The failed orbital rocket launch by Virgin Orbit from Britain earlier this year highlighted the need for reliable and efficient launch systems. The success of PLD Space’s private European rocket launch showcases Europe’s potential in the space industry and may attract further investment and interest. As PLD Space continues to develop and improve its technology, it is poised to play a significant role in the evolving space market.
