PLD Space Expands Global Reach with New Launch Base in Oman
PLD Space, a Spanish company specializing in reusable launch vehicles, has announced the establishment of its second global launch base at the Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm, Oman. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s service deployment capabilities and meet the growing demand for commercial launches, particularly in the Middle East.
The Etlaq Spaceport, located on Oman’s southeastern coast, offers a highly flexible infrastructure with access to all commercially significant orbits. Its proximity to the equator provides increased efficiency for launches into low-inclination orbits, such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and medium-inclination orbits, including the International Space Station’s (ISS) current trajectory. Additionally, the site allows direct access to high-inclination orbits like Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) and polar orbits. These advantages make Etlaq an optimal choice for PLD Space’s expansion plans.
The collaboration between PLD Space and Etlaq was formalized during the inaugural Etlaq Launch Conference (ELC 2025) in Muscat, Oman. Raúl Verdú, Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer of PLD Space, signed the agreement with His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, Founder and CEO of Etlaq. The event was attended by prominent figures from the local and regional space sectors, government officials, industry experts, and representatives from academic institutions.
“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 Verdú. “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.”
Etlaq Spaceport is designed to support a wide range of launch vehicles, from micro to large classes, with the potential for interoperability between multiple launch complexes. The facility is powered entirely by on-site generated green energy and includes essential infrastructure such as mission control centers, range control, launch vehicle integration units, and storage facilities. These features align with PLD Space’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to reach this milestone with PLD Space. This collaboration 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.”
In addition to its strategic location, Etlaq offers excellent logistical connections to PLD Space’s headquarters in Elche, Spain. The region’s stable, dry climate is conducive to year-round launch operations, and the expansive oceanic downrange ensures safety during launches. The spaceport is also suitable for launching the entire MIURA rocket family, including crewed missions with the LINCE capsule, indicating a long-term collaboration between the two entities.
PLD Space is committed to generating local value in Oman by creating high-skilled jobs and establishing a robust supply chain. This initiative aligns with Oman’s ongoing efforts to develop its space industry and diversify its economy. The partnership is expected to bolster the nation’s position in the global space sector and attract further investments and collaborations.
With its existing launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in Kourou, French Guiana, PLD Space currently serves the Western market, primarily focusing on America and Europe. The addition of the Etlaq Spaceport enables the company to cater to the Eastern market, addressing the needs of clients in regions such as the Middle East. This expansion is part of PLD Space’s broader strategy to establish a global ‘multi-spaceport’ network, ensuring greater proximity to clients and maximizing flight availability.
To meet its ambitious goal of conducting 30 MIURA 5 flights by 2030, PLD Space plans to incorporate a third spaceport in the coming year. This additional facility will further enhance the company’s operational capacity and provide clients with more flexible and reliable launch options across different regions.
The MIURA 5, PLD Space’s flagship launch vehicle, is designed for versatility and efficiency in deploying small satellites into various orbits. The rocket’s development is progressing as planned, with the inaugural flight from the Etlaq Spaceport scheduled for 2027. This timeline reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the commercial space industry and providing timely solutions for satellite deployment.
The collaboration between PLD Space and Etlaq signifies a significant milestone in the expansion of global commercial spaceflight infrastructure. By leveraging Oman’s strategic geographic position and investing in state-of-the-art facilities, both organizations are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of space exploration and satellite deployment. This partnership not only enhances PLD Space’s service offerings but also contributes to the broader development of the global space industry.
As the space sector continues to evolve, collaborations like this exemplify the importance of international partnerships in advancing technology, expanding capabilities, and meeting the growing demand for access to space. PLD Space’s strategic expansion into Oman underscores its dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the pursuit of excellence in the rapidly changing landscape of space exploration.
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