Spanish space transportation company PLD Space and 5G satellite telecommunications operator Sateliot have signed a commercial contract to launch their first two high-capacity 5G D2D (direct-to-device) satellites.

The agreement includes the launch of two Tritó satellites, each weighing approximately 160kg, and their subsequent deployment into low Earth orbit (LEO). The flight will be carried out on a dedicated Miura 5 mission and is scheduled for 2027.

This commercial contract establishes the first fully Spanish private space mission and highlights the strength of national capabilities by covering the entire value chain: manufacturing, launch, operations and commercialisation.

Sateliot’s choice of PLD Space is based on Miura 5’s ability to provide an independent, dedicated service tailored to the client’s needs, ensuring optimal launch conditions for deploying its space infrastructure.

Miura 5 is a two-stage reusable orbital launcher for small satellites. Its mission is to provide customised launch services.

Sateliot’s Tritó satellites are said to represent a qualitative leap in capacity and performance for defence and security, thanks to the increased operational power of their payload. In addition to providing dual connectivity for IoT devices, they will enable D2D connectivity for mobile units, enabling access to data, voice and video services based on the 5G standard. These capabilities will enable the deployment of critical applications in security, civil protection and defence.

“I founded PLD Space 14 years ago to make this happen,” said Raúl Verdú, chief business development officer of PLD Space. “Our alliance with Sateliot is a key milestone for the Spanish and European space ecosystem. The level of competitiveness of this approach is unmatched in our sector. For PLD Space, the priority is ensuring that Sateliot’s satellites reach the required orbit at the required time.”

Jaume Sanpera, CEO of Sateliot, added: “With this agreement, we fulfil two core principles we have upheld since launching Sateliot: autonomy and national and European sovereignty.”

Sateliot (sateliot.space) is a European satellite telecommunications company headquartered in Barcelona. Founded in 2017, it has more than 100 employees and operates Europe’s first 5G satellite centre, where it develops the Tritó satellites capable of connecting 5G devices to deliver mobile data, voice and video services.

PLD Space (www.pldspace.com) is headquartered in Elche, Spain, and was founded in 2011. It has more than 400 employees and over 12,500m² dedicated to manufacturing, with facilities in Teruel in Spain, Kourou in French Guiana and Duqm in Oman.