Spain Boosts ESA Funding to €2.275 Billion, Champions MIURA 5 Launcher Development
Spain announces a historic 50% increase in funding to ESA for 2026-2030, including substantial investment in the MIURA 5 launcher by PLD Space, underscoring its strategic ambitions in European space technology.
- • Spain’s ESA contribution increases to an annual €455 million for 2026-2030, totaling €2.275 billion.
- • Investment marks over 50% increase compared to current funding, more than triple that of 2017.
- • A dedicated €169 million will support the MIURA 5 launcher development by PLD Space.
- • MIURA 5 launch is planned for June 2026, with delivery expected in December 2025.
Key details
The Spanish government has announced an unprecedented increase in its financial commitment to the European Space Agency (ESA), raising its annual contribution to an average of €455 million for the 2026-2030 period. This totals €2.275 billion, marking a historic surge of over 50% compared to current funding and more than triple Spain's contribution in 2017.
Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities Diana Morant highlighted that this strategic investment is vital for consolidating Spain's role in the space sector, leveraging its industry and scientific expertise to tackle future challenges. The increased funding will back essential space services such as navigation, connectivity, and Earth observation, while fostering the development of dual-use technologies with both civilian and defense applications.
A significant element of Spain’s enhanced commitment is a €169 million investment dedicated to supporting the development of the MIURA 5 launcher by the Spanish aerospace company PLD Space. MIURA 5, the successor to the suborbital MIURA 1 rocket, is slated for delivery by December and an anticipated launch in June 2026. The project has already received €40.5 million from Spain's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, underlining government support for boosting national capabilities in European launcher technology.
This announcement coincides with Spain’s inaugural ministerial council at the ESA, managed by the newly created Spanish Space Agency (Agencia Espacial Española, AEE), which seeks to strengthen Spain’s leadership in European space initiatives.
Spain’s funding trajectory has shown steady growth—from €202 million in 2018, rising to €300 million for 2025—reflecting the country's intensified focus on advancing Europe’s strategic autonomy in space.
Morant emphasized that this enlarged investment will not only secure Spain’s position in vital European space programs but also amplify the growth of the national aerospace sector, supporting industrial and scientific advancements crucial for future European space endeavors.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
