PLD Space Secures €30 Million Financing from EIB to Support the Final Development Stage of MIURA 5

PLD Space, unlocking rapid, reliable, and sustainable access to space, led by Ezequiel Sánchez, Raúl Torres, Raúl Verdú, and the team, has secured a €30 million venture debt loan from European Investment Bank(EIB) to support the final development stage of MIURA 5, the company’s rocket designed to deploy small satellites into orbit. The operation marks the first direct investment by the European Investment Bank in small satellite launchers, while supporting PLD Space in scaling its industrial and launch capabilities as it moves toward commercial operations.

For Nadia Calviño, the €30 million loan from the European Investment Bank to PLD Space supports the development of the MIURA 5 rocket, enabling small satellite launches critical for communications, research, and security.

The project aligns with the goals of the European Investment Bank, supporting investment in European Union technological innovation while strengthening Europe’s security and defence capabilities through greater independence in space.

For Robert de Groot, strengthening Europe’s independent access to space is essential, with PLD Space advancing this goal through innovative launch technology, supported by the European Investment Bank to scale services and enhance global competitiveness.

Positioned in the small-lift segment, MIURA 5 is a two-stage rocket designed to reduce complexity and scheduling risks for small satellite launches compared to larger vehicles.

From a sustainability perspective, the rocket is being developed for full reusability, offering a more efficient approach to space transport. Its first test flight is targeted for 2026, with plans to support up to 30 missions annually from multiple spaceports, including the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s primary launch site.

For Ezequiel Sánchez, the €30 million financing from the European Investment Bank marks a decisive milestone for PLD Space, strengthening its ability to scale infrastructure, support global customers, and reinforce Europe’s independent access to space. The new financing brings PLD Space’s total funding to €210 million in 2026, reinforcing its roadmap and strengthening its position among a select group of private companies developing complete launch systems for reliable global access to space.

For Andrius Kubilius, the €30 million investment in MIURA 5 marks a key step in strengthening Europe’s position in the global launch market. Backed by the European Union, the initiative supports a growing ecosystem of space companies, reinforcing independent and reliable access to space as a strategic priority for security, economic growth, and long-term competitiveness.

The PLD Space financing expands the European Investment Bank’s diversified New Space portfolio, which spans the full value chain, from ground stations and satellite manufacturing to Earth observation, communications, orbital logistics, data analytics, and propulsion.

This strategy supports the European Union’s goal of strengthening space autonomy, alongside initiatives like Space TechEU and collaborations with the European Commission, European Space Agency, and European Innovation Council, combining financing and expertise to accelerate Europe’s space sector.

The PLD Space financing aligns with the European Investment Bank Group’s 2024–2027 Strategic Roadmap, supporting key priorities such as climate action and strengthening Europe’s security and defence industry.

It also contributes to TechEU, which aims to mobilize €250 billion in investments by 2027 for startups and innovative companies across Europe. The loan is backed by InvestEU, the European Union’s flagship initiative to drive public and private sector investment in strategic sectors.