PLD Space Wins €158.9 Million ESA Award Under European Launcher Challenge
Spain's PLD Space has secured €158.9 million from the European Space Agency as part of the European Launcher Challenge, capping a year of major fundraising.
AfroEuropa Newsroom
AfroEuropa desk
PLD Space, a launch company based in Elche, Spain, has been awarded €158.9 million by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the European Launcher Challenge (ELC), a programme designed to reinforce Europe's independent, competitive and resilient access to space.
The award adds to a run of financing for the company during 2026. According to EU-Startups, PLD Space closed a €180 million Series C round in March, secured a €30 million venture-debt facility from the European Investment Bank in April, and received a €35 million investment for its launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre in June.
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