Sateliot and PLD Space Sign First Commercial MIURA 5 Launch Deal

Sateliot and PLD Space Sign Landmark Commercial Launch Contract for MIURA 5

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Feb 18, 2026 - : 9:36 am

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The European space sector has reached a defining milestone in its pursuit of sovereign orbital access as Sateliot and PLD Space formalised their first commercial launch agreement on 17 February 2026. This strategic partnership will see the deployment of two high-capacity Tritó satellites aboard the MIURA 5 orbital launcher, marking a significant leap for the Spanish aerospace ecosystem. The mission, scheduled for 2027, is designed to strengthen the global 5G direct-to-device (D2D) infrastructure, providing a critical boost to the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape.

The contract underscores a shift towards independent European space logistics, moving away from a historical reliance on external heavy-lift providers. For the Asia Pacific region, this mission carries substantial weight, as Sateliot’s 5G-enabled constellation is increasingly targeted at closing the digital divide in remote maritime and agricultural zones across Southeast Asia and Oceania. By leveraging 3GPP Release 17 standards, the Tritó satellites allow standard NB-IoT devices to connect directly to space-based networks, a capability that industry analysts expect will disrupt traditional telecommunications models in infrastructure-poor regions.

According to initial report from Reuters, the two Tritó satellites each weigh approximately 160 kilograms and will be positioned in low Earth orbit (LEO). This dedicated mission allows Sateliot to dictate precise orbital parameters, ensuring optimal coverage for its burgeoning international client base. Sateliot, which counts Spanish defence titan Indra as a minority shareholder, aims to deploy a 100-satellite constellation by 2028, projecting annual revenues of €1 billion (US$1.06 billion) by 2030.

Sovereignty and strategic autonomy in orbit

The collaboration is framed as a victory for European technological sovereignty. By utilizing the MIURA 5—a 35.7-metre-tall, two-stage partially reusable rocket—the mission bypasses the scheduling bottlenecks often found with larger, multi-payload rideshare providers. This autonomy is particularly relevant for the defence and security sectors, where secure, independent communications are paramount. The MIURA 5 is currently undergoing rigorous qualification phases at PLD Space’s facilities in Elche, with its maiden flight expected from the Guiana Space Centre later this year or in early 2026.

Executive perspectives on the mission

The leadership of both firms highlighted the geopolitical and commercial gravity of the deal. Jaume Sanpera, CEO of Sateliot, stated: “By launching our satellites with a Spanish company like ours, we support the Spain Brand and guarantee D2D connectivity worldwide in any scenario, with enhanced capabilities for defence and security.” Echoing this sentiment, Raúl Verdú, Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at PLD Space, noted that the agreement validates the MIURA 5 as a reliable commercial vehicle, confirming that the company has already attracted commercial interest exceeding €596 million (US$630 million).

Implications for the Asia Pacific IoT market

As the satellite IoT market is projected to reach US$15.8 billion by 2035, the Asia Pacific region stands as the primary beneficiary of standardized non-terrestrial networks (NTN). The ability for unmodified mobile devices to switch seamlessly between terrestrial towers and LEO satellites will be transformative for logistics in the South China Sea and mining operations in the Australian Outback. This mission serves as a precursor to a more integrated global network, where European launch technology provides the backbone for digital expansion in the East.