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Starting in 2026, the new multi-launcher complex will allow micro- and mini-launchers developed by private firms to operate alongside existing European launchers.
The new Multi-Launcher Launch Complex (ELM) is designed to host up to five launch providers with a combined annual capacity of 40 launches.
CNES authorized PLD Space to develop its own launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre, where its MIURA 5 launcher will begin operations in 2026.
Lanzo Batteries, a Basque company specializing in energy storage systems for the aerospace sector, will supply batteries to PLD Space for the Miura-5 rocket, the first satellite launcher developed entirely with Spanish technology.
The Miura 5 is a reusable orbital launcher capable of recovering and refurbishing its main components after each mission.
The lightweight panels will reduce the weight of the Miura 5 orbital launcher, increasing its payload capacity to orbit with the same fuel consumption.
PLD Space's strategy transforms the Miura program into a driving force for the industry in Spain and Europe, exemplified by its preselection by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the European Launcher Challenge (ELC) announced in early July.
The HQ-19 launcher is considered an equivalent to the American THAAD system and is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere.
The HQ-29 launcher serves as a strategic system for countering medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
The HQ-26 launcher is believed to provide terminal-phase defense against ballistic missiles and high-performance aircraft.
The Vega-C launcher returned to flight on the night of July 25-26, 2025, at 23:03 in French Guiana and 4:03 in Paris.
MaiaSpace is developing a small launcher with a reusable first stage and plans to construct a new factory outside Paris with support from the French government.
ESA selected five companies to advance in the European Launcher Challenge on July 7, 2025: Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, Orbex, PLD Space, and Rocket Factory Augsburg.
ESA launched the European Launcher Challenge to offer funding for companies developing smaller launch vehicles and upgraded vehicles for institutional payloads.
ESA received 12 proposals for the European Launcher Challenge.
Europe experienced a launcher gap caused by delays in Ariane 6, retirement of Ariane 5, loss of access to Soyuz after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the grounding of Vega C after a failure in late 2022.
ESA and the European Commission used SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch European science and navigation satellites during the launcher gap.
ESA launched the European Launcher Challenge to offer funding for companies developing smaller launch vehicles and upgraded vehicles, with selected companies potentially receiving up to €169 million each.
ESA and the European Commission contracted SpaceX to launch science and navigation satellites on Falcon 9 because of Europe’s launcher shortfall.
Selected companies in the European Launcher Challenge could receive up to €169 million each.