PLD Space expands global launch network with new Oman spaceport

PLD Space expands global launch network with new Oman spaceport
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Feb 21, 2025

PLD Space, a global provider of space services specializing in vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing, has announced its selection of the Etlaq spaceport in Oman as its second operational launch site for the MIURA rocket family. This addition strengthens the company's existing capabilities at the Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana, which is managed by CNES and ESA. By establishing this new site, PLD Space aims to enhance its launch services and meet increasing commercial demands, particularly from the Middle East market.

The company is also planning to establish a third spaceport in the near future to support growing operational needs and ensure the execution of the MIURA 5 launch schedule. This strategic expansion aligns with PLD Space's goal of becoming a multi-spaceport operator, maximizing launch availability and proximity for its customers worldwide. The MIURA 5 roadmap currently includes a total of 30 flights by 2030, requiring operational facilities in three distinct global regions.

With its CSG base supporting launches for the Americas and Europe, PLD Space has now partnered with Oman's Etlaq spaceport to cater to Eastern markets, particularly in the Middle East. Through this agreement, PLD Space becomes the first major launch provider to operate from this facility.

The official announcement took place on February 20, 2025, at the inaugural Etlaq Launch Conference (ELC 2025) in Muscat, Oman. PLD Space Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) Raul Verdu signed the agreement alongside Etlaq's Founder and CEO, His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said. The signing ceremony was attended by government officials, industry leaders, space sector experts, and academic representatives.

"Given the current shortage of launch infrastructure, we are excited to announce this strategic collaboration with Etlaq, which presents itself as a strategic solution to meet the needs of our customers globally," said Verdu. "We will begin working with Etlaq on the design, engineering, and construction of our launch base with the goal of performing the first MIURA 5 flight from there in 2027."

Strategically located in Duqm on Oman's southeastern coast, the Etlaq spaceport offers key advantages, including access to commercially significant orbits. Its proximity to the equator optimizes launches for low-inclination orbits such as GEO, while also enabling medium-inclination missions, including those to the International Space Station (ISS) orbit. Furthermore, the site provides direct launch access to high-inclination orbits like Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) and Polar.

His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, Founder and CEO of Etlaq, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating: "We are proud to reach this milestone with PLD Space. This collaboration with PLD Space demonstrates the increasing role of Oman in the global space sector. By working with international launch providers, we aim to enhance our capabilities and contribute to the growing demand for flexible, efficient, and well-positioned spaceports. We look forward to continuing to build partnerships that strengthen Etlaq's role as a key player in the industry."

Etlaq also boasts robust logistical connections to PLD Space's headquarters in Elche, Spain, a stable climate conducive to year-round launches, and a vast ocean downrange area for mission safety. The spaceport is designed to accommodate all members of the MIURA rocket family, including future crewed missions aboard PLD Space's LINCE capsule, making it a long-term strategic initiative.

PLD Space is committed to fostering local economic growth through job creation and the establishment of a high-value supply chain. This approach aligns with Oman's broader efforts to develop its space sector and strengthen its role in global space initiatives.

"We are excited to announce this strategic collaboration with Etlaq, the result of years of joint effort," said Verdu. "This decision reflects our commitment to listening to our customers and adapting our services to their needs, particularly their demand for greater proximity to launch bases. The partnership with Etlaq enhances our flexibility and complements our existing services, reinforcing our ability to deliver on the promise of 'Any Orbit, Any Time, Any Satellite.' With expanded capabilities from equatorial orbits to dedicated inclination missions, including SSO launches to the South, we are providing the solutions our customers have been seeking."