Oman Investment Authority Backed Space Firm PLD Space
The investment aims to develop launch infrastructure in Duqm for the Miura 5 vehicle.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Space
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The Oman Investment Authority has invested in the Spanish launch provider PLD Space through its second private equity fund. The deal includes a memorandum of understanding to assess the feasibility of launching the Miura 5 rocket from the port city of Duqm.
Why it matters
This investment supports the diversification of Oman's national portfolio while facilitating technology transfer to the region. It specifically targets the development of launch capabilities for small satellites destined for low Earth orbit.
The Spanish-Omani Private Equity Fund II comprises OMR45.6 million in total capital, with both the Oman Investment Authority and COFIDES committing equal shares of OMR22.4 million. This succeeds the initial 2018 fund, which operated with OMR89.5 million.
The players
PLD Space
An Elche-based aerospace manufacturer specializing in the design and operation of orbital launch vehicles.
Oman Investment Authority
The sovereign wealth fund of the Sultanate of Oman responsible for managing and investing national assets.
The details
Founded in 2011 and based in Elche, Spain, PLD Space designs and operates launch vehicles intended for satellite deployment. The firm is currently developing the Miura 5 rocket, a launch vehicle designed to transport small satellites to low Earth orbit. Through this agreement, the company is conducting feasibility studies for using the Duqm site for future orbital launches.
Timeline
2011: PLD Space was founded.
2018: The initial Omani-Spanish Private Equity Fund was established.
2023: PLD Space completed a successful rocket launch.
December 2023: The Spanish-Omani Private Equity Fund II was established.
20 February 2025: PLD Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Etlaq.
The Tech Race
PLD Space is positioning itself within the competitive market for small satellite orbital delivery. This partnership accelerates its roadmap to expand capabilities beyond its 2023 launch success toward higher payload capacities and eventually human spaceflight.
This agreement initiates a feasibility study that could eventually bring commercial space launch infrastructure to Duqm. Future satellite operators may see expanded options for reaching low Earth orbit as the company develops its Miura 5 launch schedule.
The takeaway
The move marks a significant step in the regional effort to build space-adjacent infrastructure. Watch for future announcements regarding the technical feasibility study of the Duqm launch site, which will confirm the project's viability.
Further reading
For more on how new launch providers are scaling operations, see our Space coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times of Oman.
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