Sateliot to launch satellites with PLD Space

WASHINGTON — Sateliot will launch two of its next-generation direct-to-device satellites on a PLD Space rocket in what is billed as the first fully private Spanish mission.

PLD Space announced Feb. 17 it signed a contract with Sateliot to launch two of that company’s Tritó satellites on a Miura 5 rocket in 2027. The companies did not disclose terms of the contract.

Sateliot, based in Barcelona, announced in November plans to develop Tritó, a 160-kilogram satellite more capable than its existing 15-kilogram satellites that provide Internet of Things (IoT) services. The new satellites will offer both IoT services as well as direct-to-device (D2D) communications to smartphones civil and defense applications.

Sateliot said at the time it planned to launch in 2027 the first 16 Tritó satellites, which will be built in a new factory in Barcelona. The company has not disclosed launch plans for these satellites beyond the contact with PLD Space.

PLD Space, based in the Spanish city of Elche, is working on Miura 5, a small launch vehicle capable of placing more than 500 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbit. The company currently plans a first launch of Miura 5 by the end of the year.

The company also secured 169.1 million euros ($200 million) in the European Space Agency’s European Launcher Challenge at the ESA ministerial conference in November. That funding, provided almost entirely by Spain, will go towards launch services contracts and upgrades to Miura 5.

The companies heralded the deal as the first completely Spanish private mission, involving satellites built in and operated from Spain and launched on a rocket also built in Spain. The launch itself will take place from French Guiana, where PLD Space is constructing a launch pad.

“Our alliance with Sateliot is a key milestone for the Spanish and European space ecosystem,” said Raúl Verdú, co-founder and chief business development officer of PLD Space, in a statement. “It demonstrates the ability of two national companies to break new ground and offer vertically integrated solutions like never before.”

“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,” said Jaume Sanpera, co-founder and chief executive of Sateliot, in the statement.