Joint Mission Announced to Advance European Access to Space
Exolaunch Adds PLD Space MIURA 5 to Launch Vehicle Portfolio
A joint mission to expand European access to commercial space opportunities has been announced by Exolaunch and PLD Space, with the two companies signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement to provide competitive and sustainable end-to-end launch services for small satellites.
“This partnership will allow both of us to acquire new business opportunities and extend access to space for small satellites through our MIURA 5 launcher and Exolaunch's deployment systems.”
Raúl Verdú, PLD Space
PLD Space, a Spanish space launch company, and Exolaunch share the same vision of ensuring reliable access to space for small satellites. At the 4S Symposium held in Mallorca, Pablo Gallego, VP of Sales & Customers of PLD Space, and Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial Officer at Exolaunch, signed this agreement to obtain Exolaunch launch capacity on PLD Space’s MIURA 5 launcher and to provide deployment, mission management, and integration services on future missions.
“This partnership will allow both of us to acquire new business opportunities and extend access to space for small satellites through our MIURA 5 launcher and Exolaunch's deployment systems,” said Raúl Verdú, CBDO and co-founder of PLD Space.
The agreement solidifies Exolaunch’s intention to utilize launch capacity and integrate its customers’ satellites with PLD Space’s MIURA 5. This orbital launch vehicle is optimized to enable both dedicated missions and rideshare options, while minimizing the usual complexities and risks linked to launches via medium or heavy lift launch vehicles. Designed to place up to 540 kg (≈1,200 pounds) of mass into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), the MIURA 5 is set to offer a highly flexible service with 30 missions per year. MIURA 5’s first flight is currently scheduled for the end of 2025.
"This strategic collaboration combines our expertise in deployment technologies and mission management with PLD Space's innovative launch capabilities, enabling us to offer an unparalleled service to our customers," said Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial Officer at Exolaunch. "Together, we are committed to addressing the growing demand for small satellite launches, advancing Europe’s position in the global space industry, and pushing the boundaries of space exploration."
Under this partnership, PLD Space will enhance the MIURA 5 satellite deployment capabilities with Exolaunch’s flight-proven, industry-leading product line such as the CarboNIX ring-based separation system, the EXOpod and EXOpod Nova containerized deployment systems, and potentially the EXOtube universal modular adapter for rideshare missions which is currently in final stages of development.