PLD Space and CNES to Study a Second Launch Pad in French Guiana
PLD Space and CNES have entered into an agreement to explore building a second launch pad in French Guiana for PLD's MIURA 5 and MIURA 9 rockets. The pad would support these rockets, which are part of PLD Space's ESA launcher contract.
October 1, 2026 - 9:59 am
CNES president and CEO François Jacq (left) and PLD Space executive president Ezequiel Sánchez signed the agreement.
PLD Space, which already has a presence at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, announced the agreement. CNES is converting the former Diamant rocket site into a shared base for private launch companies.
The MIURA 5 and MIURA 9, covered by PLD's ESA contract, will be launched from the new pad. PLD Space aims for its first flight in 2026, following its successful MIURA 1 launch in October 2023.
Ezequiel Sánchez, PLD Space's executive president, stated, "This agreement with CNES reinforces PLD Space’s long-term commitment to the Guiana Space Centre and to Europe’s autonomous access to space."
Story by Ana-Maria Stanciuc, Editor-in-Chief, TNW
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