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PLD Space and Exolaunch join forces to expand commercial access to space

 28 May 2024 

PLD Space and Exolaunch today announced their joint mission of expanding European access to commercial space opportunities, with the two companies signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement to provide competitive and sustainable end-to-end launch services for small satellites.

PLD Space, the pioneering Spanish space launch company, and Exolaunch, a global leader in launch mission integration and deployment technologies, share the same vision of ensuring reliable access to space for small satellites. At the 4S Symposium held in Mallorca this week, Pablo Gallego, VP of Sales & Customers of PLD Space, and Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial Officer at Exolaunch, penned 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.

“We’re delighted to elevate our relationship with Exolaunch to new heights, a company with a strong track record in the industry”, said the CBDO and co-founder of PLD Space, Raúl Verdú. “This partnership will allow both of us to acquire new business opportunities and extend access to space for small satellite through our MIURA 5 launcher and Exolaunch's deployment systems.”

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 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.

"We are thrilled to partner with PLD Space and leverage their cutting-edge MIURA 5 launch vehicle to further our collective mission of providing seamless and reliable access to space for small satellites,” remarked Jeanne Allarie, Chief Commercial Officer at Exolaunch. “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. 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. 

In addition, the companies intend to mutually identify strategic future business prospects based on MIURA 5 to serve the increasing launch service demand for small satellites. 

"This agreement strengthens PLD Space's leadership in offering a premium service for small satellites,” stated Pablo Gallego, VP of Sales & Customers of PLD Space. “The partnership with Exolaunch empowers our value proposition to customers in providing a reliable, customised, and high-frequency service.”