PLD Space and D-Orbit sign launch agreement for equatorial missions
D-Orbit will launch various payloads aboard MIURA 5, including its flagship ION Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV).
The contract ensures continued access to flexible and efficient launch solutions tailored to the evolving needs of satellite operators worldwide.
With this agreement, PLD Space has now fulfilled more than 80% of the slots in its manifest until 2027.
Elche (Spain): PLD Space, an international space services company with vertical integrated engineering and manufacturing, has signed an agreement with D-Orbit, a global leader in space logistics and orbital transportation, to deploy satellites aboard MIURA 5 to equatorial orbit. With this, PLD Space has now fulfilled more than 80% of the slots in its manifest until 2027.
With investment in space accelerating at an unprecedented rate -particularly in Southeast Asia and other geographies situated near the equator- PLD Space and D-Orbit are well positioned to capitalize on this growth. MIURA 5, launching from its strategic site at the CSG (Kourou, French Guiana), provides one of the few dedicated low-inclination launch opportunities available, offering customers direct access to equatorial orbits. This differentiates PLD Space from other major providers, whose standard offerings for many seeking access to space do not include this service. Currently, the niche is primarily served by one or two launch vehicles offering very low cadences, underscoring the importance of PLD Space's entry into this underserved market.
Through this agreement, D-Orbit will fly payloads aboard MIURA 5, including its flagship ION Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV). D-Orbit provides logistics services to the space sector, including in-orbit satellite transportation with individual deployment into specific orbital slots, as well as in-space testing of hosted payloads. The company also offers satellite operators in-orbit storage and advanced computing capabilities. As the market leader in in-space logistics, D-Orbit has successfully deployed satellites into precise orbits through 17 ION missions to date. The contract with PLD Space ensures continued access to flexible and efficient launch solutions tailored to the evolving needs of satellite operators worldwide.
'From our launch complex in Kourou, French Guiana, and Duqm, Oman, we offer one of the widest ranges of orbital inclinators providing our customers with a significant competitive advantage,' said Raúl Verdú, CBDO and Co-founder at PLD Space. 'The agreement with D-Orbit strengthens our position as a leader, especially in markets that require reliable equatorial access, a capability that remains extremely limited in today's industry.'
'Working with PLD Space will allow us to expand our launch offering to equatorial missions, an option that is becoming increasingly interesting for our customers, enabling us to better meet their evolving needs while building a promising collaboration with PLD Space,' commented Matteo Lorenzoni, VP Commercial Strategy of D-Orbit.
PLD Space is currently ramping-up the serial production for MIURA 5 units using the flight proven technology coming from MIURA 1, with the aim of starting its test flight campaign by the end of 2025. Commercial flights of MIURA 5 will begin in 2026 with the objective of scaling up to 30 launches per year by 2030.
About PLD Space
PLD Space is an international space services company with its own engineering and manufacturing. It is dedicated to transporting satellites and people to space, vertically integrating the engineering, testing, manufacturing, and operations of its reusable and sustainable rockets. Headquartered in Elche (Spain) and founded in 2011 by Raúl Torres and Raúl Verdú, PLD Space has established itself as a benchmark in the space launcher sector globally. Its MIURA family of launchers and its LINCE manned capsule position the company as a leader in European technological sovereignty in space transport, covering the entire range of space missions.
With a team of more than 300 employees and more than 12,500 m² dedicated to advanced manufacturing, PLD Space manages facilities in Teruel, Kourou (French Guiana) and Duqm (Oman), allowing it to offer complete satellite launch services and other payloads to space.
For more information:
María Climent, Communications Manager at PLD Spacemaria.climent@p
ldspace.comwww.pldspa
ce.com
Burson
equipoburson.pldspace@bcw-global.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Campaign ME
6 days ago
- Campaign ME
What D&AD's first creator content jury reveals
This year, D&AD introduced its first-ever Creator Content category – spotlighting work where creators weren't just amplifiers, but active cultural collaborators. It felt timely. It felt necessary. And it felt personal. I had the privilege of serving on this inaugural jury as the only representative from the region. As we judged more than 140 entries, one thing became clear: the word 'creator' has evolved. The best work didn't just feature creators – it was shaped by them. From meme accounts with cult followings to indigenous influencers preserving endangered cultures, this year's winners proved that influence today comes in many forms – and from many unexpected places. Rede fi ning content creator If there was one consistent thread in the jury room, it was this: the definition of 'creator' has outgrown its roots in follower count and amplification. In the strongest work, creators showed up as architects – of meaning, of culture, of experience. These were not just people with followers – they were communities, meme accounts, collectives, and even non-humans. In The Gravy Race – a clever, highly-awarded campaign this year, Sheba built an entire entertainment property around internet-famous cats. In Into the Aldiverse – a beautiful campaign by ALDI gaming, the creators weren't individuals, but a collective where partnering with an anime studio in Japan, the brand showed us how co-creation can extend into entire worlds. From individuals with unique POVs to cultural collectives and meme machines, creators are being redefined – not by format or following, but by the role they play in shaping attention and emotion. What makes work win Across all the work, three things stood out: 1. Simplicity wins: This year's graphite pencil winner and jury favourite, Handwash Legend by Savlon India, transformed a single hip hop gesture into a national hygiene movement. By remixing Emiway Bantai's iconic 'hand rub' into a handwashing anthem, the campaign blurred the lines between music, meme, and message. It was simple, sticky, and smart – and a reminder that when brands co-create with cultural figures, even a hygiene habit can go viral. 2. Speed matters: Another standout was the Blurred Unboxing by Colombian snack brand Ramo. It began with a TikTok creator cheekily blurring out a brand logo; within 24 hours, the brand responded with a custom, pixelated package that was sent to the creator, sparking a viral moment that was awarded D&AD's yellow pencil this year. In a world where culture moves at the speed of social – this campaign is a masterclass in listening, agility, and the impact of a simple, real-time gesture. 3. Take it further: Some of the most impactful work also moved beyond the feed and into the real world. Amazon's Money Can't Buy Experiences, a wood pencil winner, reframed creators as experience designers, co-creating events that felt personal, not promotional. In an age of digital fatigue, this campaign was a reminder that true influence isn't confined to screens and taking co-creation further gave the campaign weight-and longevity. Quick note to the region: How to 'win in creator content' On a personal note, I was thrilled to see Dubai represented in the Safe at 3AM campaign. It was sharp, relevant, and executed with insight – live streaming a runner through the city to tackle global perceptions around safety. While it didn't make the shortlist at D&AD, it deserves recognition. Perhaps it's a reflection of where the bar now sits: strong insight and elegant execution are a starting point. But to win in creator content, ideas need to go further – beyond narrative into participation, experience, and depth. There's no shortage of creative talent or storytelling in the region. According to We Are Social's latest Global Digital Report, influencer marketing continues to grow rapidly across MENA with influencer advertising spending up 12.5 per cent (YOY) and 13.7 per cent (YOY) in 2025, for the UAE and KSA respectively. The challenge – and the opportunity – is to take what's working and stretch it. Final takeaway: Stop chasing in fl uence. Start building culture The creator content category is growing up. Creators are no longer just channels. They're collectives, studios, and custodians of identity. The brands that win, will be ones that let a creator's perspective shape the work – not just promote it. With campaigns that are rooted in culture, built for longevity, and extend beyond the screen. And the next generation of pencils? They'll be awarded to brands that stop chasing followers and start building worlds. By Akanksha Goel, Founder & CEO, Socialize / We Are Social
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Investment Office launches Automotive Programme
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) today announced the launch of a major economic programme targeting the establishment of an end-to-end automotive ecosystem. Backed by multi-billion-dirham investments from global industry leaders, the programme aims to transform Abu Dhabi into the region's foremost hub for smart automotive manufacturing and assembly, R&D, restoration, auctions and luxury automobiles. Announced during the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE), the automotive programme is projected to contribute AED100 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP by 2045, attract over AED8 billion in FDI and create 7,000 high-skilled jobs. The inclusion of advanced R&D and engineering centres, as well as participation from Tier 1 and 2 suppliers and premium OEMs, ensures that the entire value chain, from design and manufacturing to aftersales, generates sustained economic impact and long-term industrial competitiveness. In addition to manufacturing, the holistic ecosystem will encompass activations, annual product launches, motorsport and industry events, luxury car restoration and premium vehicle auctions. Talent development will also be a cornerstone of the automotive programme. In collaboration with top universities, ADIO has created the region's first Automotive AI Curriculum, focused on product design. The programme combines advanced research, AI, training and international placements, further embedding local talent in the global mobility value chain. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said, 'Backed by automotive OEMs, our automotive programme is a defining step in Abu Dhabi's evolution as a global economic powerhouse, reinforcing our strength in advanced manufacturing, future mobility and design excellence. It reflects Abu Dhabi's long-term vision to build not just competitive sectors, but entire ecosystems that shape global standards and unlock innovation. It signals that the emirate is not just a destination for investment, but a global, export-driven hub where talent, technology and bold ambition converge.' Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Industry and Trade Officer at ADIO, added, 'With the launch of the automotive programme, we are moving beyond assembly to create an end-to-end manufacturing and innovation ecosystem, where global OEMs, specialist automotive suppliers and emerging technology players can co-locate, collaborate and scale from Abu Dhabi. This is how we industrialise opportunity: by combining strategic infrastructure, future-focused talent and global partnerships to make Abu Dhabi a centre of gravity for automotive production and smart mobility systems.' More than ten commercial and investment agreements were announced as part of the automotive programme during the MIITE Forum, marking the first full demonstration of Abu Dhabi's automotive programme in motion. Leading automotive manufacturers, including Genesis and ROX Motors, confirmed new manufacturing agreements with W Motors in Abu Dhabi, establishing the emirate as a production hub for regional and international markets. Additionally, AIH Group, one of the world's largest automotive assembly providers, is now embedded in the local manufacturing landscape as the technical lead for high-volume vehicle production. These anchor projects are complemented by a robust network of local supply chain partnerships that enhance each stage of automotive production. This includes lightweight materials through Borouge, battery systems by Enercap, and aluminium components through Automotive Precision Technology (APT), establishing a full-spectrum vehicle manufacturing ecosystem. Together, these investments mark a pivotal step in shaping Abu Dhabi's automotive future, one that blends advanced manufacturing with cutting-edge design, sustainable mobility and global reach. By anchoring world-class talent, technology and supply chains in the emirate, the automotive programme sets a new standard for industrial excellence in the region and beyond.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Zawya
ADNOC, Tubacex sign agreement to localise oilfield technology
ADNOC announced today the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Tubacex, a global leader in advanced tubular solutions, to localise critical oilfield technology, enhancing the resilience of the UAE's industrial base. The announcement was made at the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum in Abu Dhabi. The agreement grants ADNOC perpetual and exclusive rights to utilise Tubacex's Sentinel Prime premium tubular joint connection technology, which is critical for completing oil and gas wells while reducing costs and ensuring supply chain resilience. Tubacex will establish a dedicated research and development (R&D) centre in Abu Dhabi. This facility will act as a hub for advanced engineering and train highly skilled technicians in-country – contributing to the development of local talent. Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC Upstream CEO, said, "This strategic partnership secures ADNOC access to an important technology for completing oil and gas wells, reinforcing our role as a reliable global energy provider and our efforts to boost domestic manufacturing capacity. We welcome Tubacex's investment in a new research and development centre in Abu Dhabi which will enable knowledge and technology transfer, help develop local talent and support the goals of the Make it in the Emirates initiative.' Tubulars, also known as Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG), are specialised steel pipes used in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells. These components must meet stringent standards for strength, durability and reliability to operate in high-pressure, high-temperature environments deep underground. Josu Imaz, Tubacex Group CEO, said, 'The licencing arrangement with ADNOC confirms Tubacex's commitment to innovation and excellence in the energy sector and reinforces our position as a strategic contributor for major players in the industry.' The 'Make it in the Emirates' forum is taking place from 19-22 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It is the UAE's flagship industrial event, designed to accelerate the country's manufacturing ambitions.
