A Spanish aerospace company announced Wednesday that it successfully secured 180 million euros ($209 million) in new investment funding, with Japanese electronics giant Mitsubishi Electric among the key investors backing the rocket manufacturer’s expansion plans.
PLD Space’s latest capital raise reflects Europe’s growing push toward independent space and defense capabilities, driven partly by President Trump’s “America First” approach and ongoing conflict in Ukraine that has highlighted the need for strategic autonomy.
The Madrid-based firm described this Series C funding round as crucial for transitioning into full commercial operations while expanding both manufacturing capacity and launch infrastructure. This type of investment round typically helps startups scale operations, develop new products, or prepare for potential public stock offerings.
Since its founding, PLD Space has now accumulated more than 350 million euros in total investment capital.
The company gained international recognition in 2023 when it successfully launched Europe’s first completely privately-developed rocket. As part of the new partnership, PLD Space will offer small satellite launch services to Mitsubishi Electric using its Miura-5 rocket system for missions serving Japan and the broader Asian market.
The Miura-5 rocket takes its name from a renowned Spanish bull breed featured in traditional bullfighting. Company officials indicated the rocket’s inaugural test flight is scheduled for 2026, with projections showing commercial launch operations could reach more than 30 missions annually by 2030.
Additional participants in this funding round included Spain’s Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation alongside COFIDES, a partially government-owned Spanish entity that finances private sector investments.
