EIB Invests €30 Million In PLD Space’s MIURA 5 Launcher

This marks the EIB’s first direct investment in small satellite launch vehicles. The funding will also help PLD Space expand its production and launch capabilities as it moves toward full commercial operations.

The project supports the EIB’s goal of increasing investment in technological innovation across the European Union. It also helps strengthen Europe’s security and defence capabilities by improving independence in the space sector.

MIURA 5 is a light-payload two-stage rocket designed to launch small satellites more efficiently reducing the complexity and delays often linked to larger launch vehicles. It is being developed as a fully reusable rocket offering a more sustainable approach to space launches.

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The rocket is expected to have its first test flight in 2026 and aims to support up to 30 missions per year from multiple spaceports, including the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.

The financing of PLD Space strengthens the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) growing “New Space” portfolio, which supports innovative space companies across the full value chain from satellite manufacturing and ground stations to communications, data analytics, and propulsion.

Through initiatives like Space TechEU and partnerships with the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Innovation Council, the EIB combines funding and expertise to boost innovation and accelerate growth in Europe’s space sector.

This investment also aligns with the EIB Group’s 2024–2027 strategy, supporting key priorities such as strategic autonomy, climate action and defence capabilities. It contributes to the TechEU program, which aims to mobilise €250 billion in investment for startups and innovative companies by 2027.

The loan is backed by InvestEU, the EU’s flagship initiative designed to drive public and private investment in line with Europe’s policy goals.

“Europe needs robust and independent launch capabilities to ensure autonomous access to space ,” said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot . “With its innovative launch technology and infrastructure, PLD Space is making decisive progress in this direction. The EIB is proud to support PLD Space in expanding its launch services to achieve globally competitive pricing, thereby strengthening Europe’s autonomy in this critical segment of space . ”

“Signing this €30 million financing agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) is a significant milestone for PLD Space and the European space sector. This agreement will allow us to expand the industrial and launch infrastructure necessary to provide reliable access to space for our international portfolio of commercial and institutional clients. We thank the EIB for its confidence and support. This backing not only strengthens our long-term vision but also accelerates European access to space ,” said Ezequiel Sánchez, CEO of PLD Space .

About EIB Group

The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group), is the EU’s financing arm owned by its 27 Member States. It funds major projects and supports innovation. In 2025 it provided €100 billion for over 870 projects focusing on climate action, digital innovation security, infrastructure and attracting private investment across Europe.