A groundbreaking partnership between Spanish companies Sateliot and PLD Space will make history as the nation’s first entirely private satellite mission, the firms announced Tuesday.
The collaboration comes as private rocket manufacturers worldwide race to deploy thousands of internet satellites, competing for what industry experts predict could become a trillion-dollar space economy by 2030. European Union leaders are actively encouraging such partnerships to decrease the continent’s dependence on Elon Musk’s SpaceX while strengthening regional aerospace capabilities.
According to their joint announcement, PLD Space will transport two Sateliot satellites into low Earth orbit by 2027, with each satellite weighing 160 kilograms (353 pounds).
The mission will utilize PLD’s newest rocket technology, the Miura-5, a two-stage orbital launcher that features partial reusability. The rocket takes its name from a Spanish fighting bull breed.
This agreement advances Barcelona-headquartered Sateliot’s ambitions to become a major force in European satellite telecommunications. The startup counts defense contractor Indra, which is partially government-owned, among its investors with a 4% ownership stake.
“Selecting a Spanish partner helped safeguard European technological sovereignty and strengthen global 5G connectivity while improving security and defence capabilities,” stated Sateliot CEO Jaume Sanpera in the companies’ announcement.
Sateliot previously revealed ambitious expansion plans in May 2025, targeting deployment of 100 satellites by 2028 and projecting revenues of 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) by 2030.
PLD Space achieved a European milestone in 2023 by conducting the continent’s first completely private rocket launch. The company has set its sights on eventually transporting various cargo types and human passengers to space, positioning itself as a competitor to established players like SpaceX.
