Latest news with #Elche
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ex-Ireland U21 man's big impact moments before coming off in Millwall friendly
Former Ireland Under-21 striker Aidomo Emakhu has continued his impressive start to pre-season with Millwall, with a fine display in Friday's friendly against Spanish side Elche at the Pinitar Arena. The 21-year-old laid on an assist for Luke Cundle right on the hour mark to put the Lions one-up against the side that last season won promotion back to La Liga. According to a report on the Millwall website, Emakhu advanced into the box before delivering a ball that was tucked home by Cundle. It was Emakhu's last action of the game, as Millwall boss Alex Neil made 11 substitutions immediately after the goal, fielding an entirely different team for the final half-hour. Unfortunately for Emakhu and the rest of the players that went off, they could only look on as Elche mounted a comeback, scoring twice to claim the win. For the Dubliner, however, it was another opportunity to stake his claim for a starting spot next season. Emakhu made 27 appearances last term, including 24 in the Championship. A groin injury picked up during the busy Christmas period saw him sidelined for the first two months of Neil's reign. However, he fought his way back into the side and made 15 appearances during the remainder of the campaign, including four starts. Millwall signed the forward from Shamrock Rovers in January 2023, after Emakhu made 46 appearances for the Hoops and scored six goals, including three in Europe. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
BBC News
5 days ago
- BBC News
Spain-based paedophile who groomed Lancaster child online jailed
A paedophile in Spain who police say groomed and exploited a vulnerable 12-year-old child online "for his own sordid sexual interests" has been jailed. Lancashire Police said Thomas Freret targeted the child for sexualised chats, pictures and videos and tried to cover his tracks by telling his victim to delete force said the offences took place in Lancaster in 39, was jailed for six years on Monday at Preston Crown Court after admitting sexual communication with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). 'Behind bars' Police said Freret lived in the Spanish city of Elche until his arrest on 10 November had previously been issued with a SHPO in 2013 which banned him from using the internet to contact or attempt to contact any child known or believed to be under the age of his latest sentencing hearing, Freret was also put on the Sex Offenders Register for life and made the subject of a new 10-year Sgt John Barton said: "Freret groomed and exploited a vulnerable child for his own sordid sexual interests. "Despite residing in Spain, officers worked tirelessly to ensure he faced justice back here in Lancashire and now he is behind bars where he belongs." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
PLD Space unveils the advanced industrialization plan for MIURA 5 and MIURA Next to its network of strategic partners
More than 100 representatives from PLD Space's national and international supply chain have participated in the Industry Days event held at the company's headquarters in Elche The company is executing this industrial flagship program with an investment of €50 million between 2024 and the first half of 2025, currently supported by an ecosystem of 397 key suppliers PLD Space has provided its collaborators with details on its integrated industrial model, the transition to serial production of MIURA 5, the initial development phases of MIURA Next, and the new infrastructure that will underpin its ambitious technological roadmap Elche (Spain). PLD Space, an international space services company with vertical integrated engineering and manufacturing, hosted the MIURA 5 Industry Days at its headquarters, a strategic event that brought together over 100 representatives from its supply chain across Spain and abroad. The goal: to share the advanced industrialization plan for MIURA 5 and MIURA Next, which will consolidate PLD Space's position as a European leader in access to space. During the event, PLD Space strengthened collaboration with its strategic national and international value chain, committed to the success of the MIURA program. 'The key to our business is providing reliable and scalable launch services with a clear market focus. To achieve this, we are forging strong, long-term alliances with our network of industrial partners' said Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive President of PLD Space. PLD Space detailed its manufacturing model based on a vertically integrated approach unique in Europe. The company designs, manufactures, tests, and operates all key subsystems of its launch vehicles internally within its own industrial, testing, and launch facilities. This industrial model enables PLD Space to ensure maximum technological reliability, control costs and timelines, and minimize risks in a highly competitive market. This strategy positions the MIURA program as a driving force for industry in Spain and Europe, as evidenced by its preselection by ESA for the European Launcher Challenge (ELC) last week. This strategic initiative, with funding of up to €169 million per company, represents a national opportunity to establish a Spanish leader energizing the launcher sector, supported by an integrated value chain currently comprising 397 key partners, predominantly located in Spain and Europe. A robust supply chain to lead satellite launches into space To meet the milestones of its roadmap, PLD Space is working to consolidate its global supplier network. Between 2024 and the first half of 2025, total investment in the MIURA 5 supply chain reached €50 million. "We are building relationships with our ecosystem of partners based on operational excellence and delivery at a competitive level in terms of timeframes and cost—unprecedented in Europe—without compromising the reliability of our rockets," Sánchez emphasised. From pre-series manufacturing to the goal of 32 MIURA 5 launchers per year by 2030 During the event, the company explained to its network of partners the transition to the serial production phase of MIURA 5. Following the success of the MIURA 1 demonstrator, which positioned PLD Space as the first private European company to launch a rocket into space on its first attempt, the company is advancing the development of the initial units of MIURA 5, set to fly from the European Spaceport CSG in Kourou (French Guiana), owned by CNES, starting in 2026. PLD Space's industrialization plan outlines a progression to reach 32 annual units of MIURA 5 by 2030. The company will go through an intermediate phase of semi-serial manufacturing of this vehicle before scaling up to full-scale production, scheduled for 2027. In parallel, it will begin manufacturing the first units of its MIURA Next launcher, capable of placing up to 13 tons into orbit. "Launch cadence and reliability are the keys to leadership. To ensure this, we have designed MIURA Next based on MIURA 5 technologies, following the same strategy as between MIURA 1 and MIURA 5. This way, our methods for producing engines, structures, or avionics are applicable to any launcher in our MIURA family, allowing us to scale and maintain production cadence at a fraction of the cost of current operators," highlighted Raúl Verdú, Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer of PLD Space. Additionally, to realize this vision, PLD Space plans to expand its manufacturing, testing, and launch infrastructure to support the serial production of MIURA 5, initiate production of MIURA Next, and develop the LINCE crewed capsule. About PLD Space PLD Space is an international company dedicated to transporting satellites and people into 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 global benchmark in the small satellite launch sector. Its family of MIURA launchers and LINCE crewed capsule position the company as a leader in European technological sovereignty for space transportation, covering the full spectrum of space missions. With a team of more than 350 employees, PLD Space operates over 188,000 m² of facilities in Elche, Teruel (Spain), Kourou (French Guiana), and Duqm (Oman), enabling it to provide comprehensive satellite and payload launch services into space.
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
NYCFC sign Nicolas Fernandez to bolster attack
Nicolás Fernández described the decision to join New York City FC as a 'no-brainer' as he stood near the Top of The Rock observation deck at the Rockefeller Center during a promotional shoot for his arrival at his new club. The newest member of NYCFC was getting his first taste of his new home earlier this week as the team prepared to roll out its latest signing. NYCFC made it official Friday that the 25-year-old Argentinian attacking midfielder would become a member of the club as a Designated Player, making the jump from Elche CF in Spain. In an exclusive conversation, Fernández told The Post he had been 'really struck by how interested' NYCFC had been in him. Advertisement 3 Nicolás Fernández poses at the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center with an NYCFC jersey. NewYork City FC 'I wanted to come and be part of this challenge and a new challenge in my career,' he said, 'be part of this club and I've been really excited for this move.' Fernández will join a squad that has held a playoff position for most of the regular season in its first year under new head coach Pascal Jansen. But when it comes to goal scoring, NYCFC has been in the middle of the pack. Advertisement Its 27 goals scored this season rank 20th among MLS teams, and its expected goals sit at 33.38, which is 17th in the league. 3 Nicolás Fernández helped Elche earn promotion to La Liga last year. NurPhoto via Getty Images Fernández is coming off a breakout season with Elche in which he helped the club attain promotion to La Liga for next season. He scored a career-best six goals during the 2024-25 campaign, and his 14 goal contributions — goals and assists combined — were the best of any player on the team last season. 'I bring a lot of fight and grit to the team,' Fernández said. 'I like to attack, I like to go forward, so it's something that I wanted to help. I like to keep possession, so being a little bit more offensive and helping the team on the attacking end.' Advertisement Where exactly he'll fit into NYCFC's scheme is unclear, though there is some thought he could fill the hole left by Santiago Rodríguez, who departed the club earlier this year to join Brazil Série A side Botafogo. 3 Nicolás Fernández spoke with The Post's Christian Arnold about signing with NYCFC. NewYork City FC Fernández primarily played attacking midfield or winger during his time with Elche, but also has played as a left back and wingback. Though the Argentine said he hasn't had too many conversations yet with Jansen, he said he wasn't coming into the club with a set role. 'As the trainings go on and the more conversations that I have with coach, the more and more I'll know my role on the team,' he said. 'I'm here to fight for my place on the team. No place is given to anybody. Really looking forward to competing for my teammates and earning my spot on the team.' Advertisement Fernández will be available to debut when the MLS summer transfer window opens July 24, though it wasn't immediately clear when he will take the pitch for his new club. New York City FC is in the midst of a lengthy stretch on the road that will keep it away from Yankee Stadium and Citi Field — both of which serve as the club's home stadiums until its permanent home is completed at Willets Point in 2027. That sets the stage for Fernández's potential debut coming when NYCFC finally returns home in August.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
PLD Space preselected by ESA for the European Launcher Challenge
Funded with €169 million, the ELC is one of the largest space contracts ever involving Spain and will be awarded following ESA's Ministerial Conference in November PLD Space's proposal, fully aligned with its technological roadmap presented in October 2024, includes the MIURA 5 and its future large reusable launcher, MIURA Next Elche (Spain). PLD Space, an international space services company with vertical integrated engineering and manufacturing, has been preselected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to participate in the European Launcher Challenge (ELC), the largest European program aimed at fostering new sovereign launch capabilities on the continent. ESA officially launched the ELC this year as a strategic initiative that will award up to €169 million per company in its final phase. The program is structured in two components: contracts for launch services of ESA institutional missions between 2026 and 2030, and a development track requiring a demonstration of enhanced launch capacity by 2028. The final selection of companies will be announced at ESA's Ministerial Conference to be held in Bremen this November. A proposal fully aligned with PLD Space's technological roadmap PLD Space formally submitted its proposal to the European Launcher Challenge with a plan that perfectly aligns with its technological roadmap through 2030, which the company publicly presented on October 7, 2024 during its Beyond event—prior to ESA's announcement of the challenge. In this context, PLD Space has positioned the MIURA 5 as the first operational element of the program, and its future large reusable launcher, MIURA Next, as the second pillar to address Europe's institutional needs and ensure competitive, sustainable access to space. An industrial driving force for Europe and for Spain The MIURA program is a clear industrial driving force. Through ESA's preselection for the ELC, PLD Space represents a unique opportunity for Spain to have a national prime leading the launcher industry, with a value chain made up of 397 partners, largely anchored in Spain and across Europe. Moreover, the ELC exemplifies a new model of public-private collaboration in Europe, similar to what is already underway in Spain with the Aerospace PERTE program, under which the government—through CDTI—has awarded PLD Space €42 million to develop the country's first national launcher. ' The European Launcher Challenge marks a milestone for Europe's space industry, but it is also a unique national opportunity to have a Spanish prime leading launcher development. Our project directly impacts the entire value chain, mobilizes cutting-edge technology, and places Spain at the center of Europe's future access to space,' said Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive President of PLD Space. 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: Maria Climent, Head of Communication at PLD Space Burson
