PLD Space Evaluates Second Launch Pad in French Guiana
The firm and CNES are assessing the ELM-Diamant site to expand launch infrastructure for the MIURA 5 and 9 rockets.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Space
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PLD Space and the French space agency CNES have entered an agreement to study the development of a second launch pad at the Guiana Space Centre. This proposal focuses on repurposing the ELM-Diamant site to support the company’s future flight operations.
Why it matters
The project aims to accelerate Europe’s capacity to launch its own missions, directly supporting the European Launcher Challenge initiative to reduce reliance on overseas rocket providers.
The agreement covers a feasibility study for the ELM-Diamant site, which CNES is currently retrofitting for multi-company commercial use. The infrastructure is intended to scale throughput for the MIURA 5, which is slated for its first flight in 2026, and the upcoming MIURA 9.
The players
PLD Space
A Spanish launch vehicle manufacturer focused on reusable rocket technology and commercial satellite deployment.
CNES
The French national space agency responsible for managing the Guiana Space Centre and advancing European aerospace infrastructure.
European Space Agency
An intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space and the development of Europe's launch capabilities.
The details
CNES is executing a site conversion at Kourou, repurposing the legacy Diamant rocket facility into a shared-use base for private commercial launch operators. The study will determine whether the technical geometry of the site meets the launch requirements for the MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 rocket series. These vehicles are central to Europe’s push to build autonomous access to space.
Timeline
October 2023: MIURA 1 rocket launch occurred.
June 2025: PLD Space contracted for its first launch complex.
August 2026: ESA and PLD Space signed a €158.9 million launcher contract.
October 1, 2026: Agreement regarding the second launch pad announced.
2026: Scheduled first flight of the MIURA 5 rocket.
The Tech Race
The effort aligns with the European Launcher Challenge initiative to decrease dependence on non-European launch providers. It positions the Guiana Space Centre as a primary hub for scaling private commercial capacity alongside traditional government-led programs.
The expansion will support higher launch cadences for the MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 platforms, affecting commercial satellite operators and research missions relying on European transport. Availability for the new launch pad remains subject to the results of the feasibility study currently underway.
The takeaway
The move underscores the growing role of private firms in national spaceports to meet rising launch demand. Observers should track the outcome of the site feasibility study and the 2026 maiden flight of the MIURA 5 as key indicators of the program's progress.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in orbital transport, visit the Space section.
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