Sateliot and PLD Space Forge Partnership for Landmark Spanish Private Space Mission

Spain - Ekhbary News Agency

Sateliot and PLD Space Forge Partnership for Landmark Spanish Private Space Mission

In a move set to redefine the European space landscape, Sateliot, a burgeoning leader in Internet of Things (IoT) and direct-to-device (D2D) communications, has announced a pivotal collaboration with Spanish launch provider PLD Space. The agreement will see two of Sateliot's advanced, next-generation Tritó satellites carried into orbit by PLD Space's homegrown Miura 5 rocket, with the mission slated for liftoff in 2027. This venture is being hailed as a landmark achievement, representing the first fully private Spanish space mission and underscoring the nation's growing capabilities in the aerospace sector.

Sateliot, headquartered in Barcelona, is significantly upgrading its satellite constellation with the Tritó series. These new satellites, each weighing approximately 160 kilograms, represent a substantial leap in capability compared to the company's current 15-kilogram satellites that primarily facilitate IoT services. The enhanced Tritó satellites are designed to offer not only robust IoT connectivity but also direct-to-device (D2D) communications, enabling smartphones and other mobile devices to connect directly to the satellite network. This capability is crucial for both civilian applications and critical defense communications, promising seamless connectivity even in areas lacking traditional terrestrial infrastructure.

The company's ambitious roadmap includes deploying the first 16 Tritó satellites by 2027. These sophisticated spacecraft will be manufactured in a new, state-of-the-art factory being established by Sateliot in Barcelona. This expansion signifies Sateliot's commitment to building a comprehensive satellite constellation capable of providing global coverage and enabling a new era of connected devices. While the current agreement focuses on the PLD Space launch, Sateliot has further plans for deploying the remaining satellites in its constellation.

Meanwhile, PLD Space, based in Elche, Spain, is making significant strides with its Miura 5 small launch vehicle. This rocket is engineered to place payloads exceeding 500 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbits, positioning PLD Space as a key player in the burgeoning small satellite launch market. The company is targeting the maiden flight of the Miura 5 by the end of the current year, a crucial step towards commercial operations. The development of the Miura 5 is bolstered by substantial financial backing, including €169.1 million ($200 million) secured from the European Space Agency's (ESA) European Launcher Challenge at a ministerial conference in November. This funding, largely provided by Spain, is earmarked for launch service contracts and further enhancements to the Miura 5 rocket.

The partnership between Sateliot and PLD Space is celebrated not just for its technological advancements but also for its embodiment of national and European autonomy in space. "Our alliance with Sateliot is a key milestone for the Spanish and European space ecosystem," stated Raúl Verdú, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at PLD Space. "It demonstrates the ability of two national companies to break new ground and offer vertically integrated solutions like never before." This sentiment was echoed by Jaume Sanpera, co-founder and CEO of Sateliot, who remarked, "With this agreement, we fulfill two principles we set for Sateliot from the start: national and European autonomy and sovereignty. By launching our satellites with a Spanish company like ours, we support the Spain brand."

The launch operations are planned to take place from French Guiana, where PLD Space is currently constructing a dedicated launch pad. This strategic location, combined with the vertically integrated capabilities of both companies—from satellite manufacturing and rocket development to launch services—sets a new benchmark for the space industry. The mission signifies a powerful synergy, driving innovation and strengthening Spain's position as a significant contributor to the global space economy, while simultaneously advancing the reach of satellite-based communication technologies.

Ekhbary News Agency