In a landmark deal for Europe’s space industry, Spanish launch provider PLD Space and satellite operator Sateliot have signed the first commercial contract for a dedicated MIURA 5 mission. The agreement, announced today, will see two Tritó satellites launched into Low Earth Orbit in 2027, marking the first fully Spanish private space mission.
The contract covers the deployment of two next-generation 5G Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellites, each weighing approximately 160 kilograms. By securing a dedicated flight rather than sharing a rocket with multiple payloads, Sateliot gains precise control over orbital insertion parameters—a critical advantage for optimizing its constellation’s performance.
“This is what we envisioned when founding PLD Space 14 years ago,” said Raúl Verdú, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer. “Our alliance with Sateliot demonstrates how two national companies can deliver vertically integrated solutions that compete at the highest level. For us, ensuring these satellites reach their required orbit on time is the absolute priority.”
The mission represents a complete Spanish value chain: Sateliot’s satellite manufacturing and operations paired with PLD Space’s MIURA 5 launch vehicle, designed and built entirely in Spain. This vertical integration strengthens European technological sovereignty at a time when independent access to space has become a strategic priority for the continent.
Enhanced Capabilities for Defense and Security
Sateliot’s Tritó satellites represent a significant advancement in capacity and performance. Beyond standard IoT connectivity, the new-generation spacecraft will enable full D2D services based on the 5G standard, allowing mobile units to access data, voice, and video directly from space.
This capability proves particularly valuable for defense and security applications. The increased operational power of the payload enables critical communications when terrestrial networks are unavailable or compromised, maximizing network resilience for civil protection agencies and security forces.
“With this agreement, we fulfill two core principles since launching Sateliot: autonomy and national sovereignty,” explained Jaume Sanpera, co-founder and CEO of Sateliot. “Launching with a Spanish partner supports the ‘Marca España’ while ensuring worldwide D2D connectivity with enhanced defense capabilities. We become the strategic backup when ground networks fail.”
MIURA 5, PLD Space’s two-stage reusable orbital launcher, was specifically designed for small satellite missions like this one. The rocket’s dedicated service model allows operators to avoid the compromises inherent in rideshare missions, where orbital parameters represent averages rather than optimal values for each customer.
The 2027 mission will demonstrate that Spain’s private sector can now deliver complete space solutions independently—from manufacturing and launch through operations and commercialization—positioning both companies as serious competitors in the global New Space economy.
