PLD Space, a Spanish aerospace company specializing in the development of reusable rockets for small satellite launches, successfully closed a Series B funding round in December 2021, securing $28 million. This investment was pivotal in advancing the company's mission to provide dedicated launch services for small satellites, positioning Spain among the few nations capable of independently deploying such payloads into space.

Background and Company Overview

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Elche, Alicante, PLD Space has emerged as a leader in Europe's small satellite launch sector. The company focuses on developing and operating reusable rockets, notably the MIURA 1 suborbital and MIURA 5 orbital vehicles. These innovations aim to offer cost-effective and reliable access to space for small satellite operators, addressing a growing demand in the aerospace industry.

Details of the Series B Funding Round

The $28 million Series B funding round was led by Arcano Partners, Aciturri, and the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) through the co-investment initiative of the Innvierte program. This round also saw increased participation from existing shareholders and the inclusion of new strategic financial partners. Notably, ArcanoBlueBull, Arcano's specialized Tech M&A division, not only enhanced its investment through its IMASDE fund but also served as the financial advisor for the round. This operation brought the total capital raised by PLD Space to over $50 million, underscoring strong investor confidence in the company's vision and capabilities. ([pldspace.com](

Strategic Milestones and Future Plans

The capital raised was earmarked for several key initiatives:

  • MIURA 1 Suborbital Rocket Launch: Scheduled for the end of 2022 from El Arenosillo, Huelva, this launch aimed to demonstrate the company's technological advancements and readiness for commercial operations. ([pldspace.com](
  • MIURA 5 Orbital Vehicle Development: The funding supported the manufacturing and planned launch of the MIURA 5 orbital vehicle in 2024 from French Guiana, marking a significant step towards offering orbital launch services. ([pldspace.com](
  • Expansion of Operational Capacity: The company planned to increase its workforce to 200 employees in 2022, with projections to triple its size over the subsequent three years, reflecting its commitment to scaling operations in line with growth objectives. ([pldspace.com](

Investor Perspectives and Industry Impact

Raúl Verdú, COO and Co-founder of PLD Space, expressed gratitude towards all investors, emphasizing that the funding ensured the company's financial viability to undertake significant milestones, including the first commercial launch of MIURA 5 and the internalization of key rocket production processes. ([pldspace.com](

Álvaro Fernández Baragaño, General Director of Aciturri, highlighted the strategic importance of this investment, reinforcing Aciturri's position as a reference industrial partner in the Aerospace & Defence segment. He expressed confidence in PLD Space's capabilities to become a major player in the global market. ([pldspace.com](

Javier Ponce Martínez, General Director of CDTI, noted that the support for PLD Space was part of the Spanish Administration's commitment to the "new space," which is transforming space activity and presenting opportunities in a high-tech sector. Through the INNVIERTE program, CDTI has been supporting the capitalization of technology companies in co-investment with other private investors since 2019. ([pldspace.com](

Subsequent Developments

Following the successful Series B funding round, PLD Space continued to make significant strides in the aerospace sector. In March 2026, the company secured a €180 million Series C funding round, led by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, marking a substantial milestone in its growth trajectory. This funding aimed to accelerate PLD Space's industrial scale-up and support new commercial contracts for MIURA 5 in Japan and the broader Asian market. ([pldspace.com](

As of August 2026, PLD Space remains a key player in the European aerospace industry, with ongoing developments in its rocket programs and expanding commercial partnerships. The company's focus on reusability and cost-effective launch solutions continues to attract attention from both private investors and public institutions, solidifying its position in the competitive landscape of small satellite launches.

Sources

  • PLD Space — PLD Space closes a Series B investment round of $28 million —
  • PLD Space — PLD Space secures €180 million Series C to accelerate global access to space —