The European Investment Bank announced a €30 million venture debt loan to PLD Space to support the final development of its MIURA 5 rocket and scale its industrial and launch capabilities. The financing marks the EIB’s first direct investment in small satellite launchers and is backed by the InvestEU initiative.
The funding will enable PLD Space to advance MIURA 5, a two-stage rocket designed to deploy small satellites into orbit with greater flexibility and reduced scheduling complexity compared to traditional launch systems. The company is targeting its first test flight in 2026 and expects the rocket to support up to 30 missions annually from multiple spaceports, including the Guiana Space Centre.
The investment aligns with the EIB’s broader strategy to strengthen Europe’s technological innovation and strategic autonomy in space. The project also supports climate-related objectives, as MIURA 5 is being developed with reusability in mind to provide a more sustainable approach to satellite launches.
PLD Space said the financing builds on strong momentum in 2026, bringing its total funding secured this year to €210 million following a €180 million Series C round. The company continues to position itself among a select group of private firms globally developing end-to-end launch systems for reliable access to space.
The EIB noted that the investment contributes to its long-term priorities, including innovation, climate action, and strengthening Europe’s security and defense capabilities. The financing also expands the bank’s New Space portfolio, which includes investments across satellite manufacturing, communications, and orbital logistics.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am proud to announce today the signing of a €30 million European Investment Bank loan for the European company based in Spain PLD Space, to succeed in the launch of MIURA 5 rocket and to deploy small satellites into orbit, which will be key for communications, research and our security.”
Nadia Calviño
“Europe needs strong, independent launch capabilities to secure its autonomous access to space. With its innovative rocket technology and infrastructure, PLD Space is taking important steps in this direction. The EIB is proud to support PLD Space in scaling its launch services to reach globally competitive price levels, strengthening Europe’s autonomy in this critical segment.”
Robert de Groot
“Securing this unique €30 million financing from the European Investment Bank marks a decisive milestone for PLD Space and for Europe’s space industry. It strengthens our ability to expand the industrial and launch infrastructure required to provide dependable access to space for our global pipeline of commercial and institutional customers. We are grateful to the EIB for its trust and support; this backing reinforces our long-term vision and further consolidates Europe’s access to space.”
“With this new financing, PLD Space has now secured €210 million so far in 2026, following the €180 million Series C closed in March. Driven by European and international institutional and strategic backing, PLD Space continues to advance its roadmap and consolidate its position among the select group of private companies worldwide developing complete launch systems to enable reliable global access to space.”
Ezequiel Sánchez
“Today, we take an important step forward in Europe’s position in the global launch market with this €30 million investment in PLD Space’s MIURA 5.This is one step among many in a broader effort to support a dynamic new ecosystem of European access to space companies — combining strong public backing with a stable, forward-looking environment in which innovative industries can grow, scale, and invest with confidence. As space becomes increasingly strategic, access is no longer a luxury — it is essential to our security, our economy, and our future. That is why the European Union is committed to ensuring independent and reliable access to space. By backing innovative European companies, we are building a strong, competitive, and resilient launch industry — and securing Europe’s place as a global space power.”
Andrius Kubilius
