Rocket launch market expert Jose Manuel Rodriguez from PLD Space discusses the shortage of rocket companies in Europe and the need for new players. They also talk about changing dynamics and the future of launch companies in Europe, along with the challenges of scaling operations within the space industry.
PLD Space is addressing the capacity crisis in Europe's space industry by developing small rockets and providing faster and more reliable rocket deliveries.
PLD Space differentiates itself by focusing on customer needs, providing a premium service, and developing reusable rockets for long-term sustainability in the industry.
Deep dives
PLD Space: Increasing Europe's Access to Space
PLD Space, a Spanish company founded in 2012, aims to increase Europe's capacity to access space. Initially focusing on designing and manufacturing the first rocket engine in Europe, PLD Space has now grown to a team of 150 people. They recently had a successful launch of their rocket, Mira 1, and are developing the Mira 5 rocket for future launches. The company also plans to develop its own spaceport and is actively addressing the capacity crisis in Europe's space industry.
The Need for More Rockets in Europe
Europe is currently experiencing a shortage of rockets, with only 6 launches in 2021 and potentially no launches this year. This crisis has led to discussions about the lack of capacity to access space in Europe. Both large and medium rockets face challenges, with delays in the availability of rockets like Arianne 6. The small rocket segment is a new trend in the market, with a few companies developing the capability to launch small satellites. PLD Space is one of these companies, leading the way in developing small rockets and aiming to provide a variety of solutions for customers.
PLD Space's Differentiation and Business Model
PLD Space differentiates itself by providing a premium service with a focus on customer needs and flexibility. They aim to offer faster and more reliable rocket deliveries, addressing the pain points of customers in terms of availability and reliability. Additionally, PLD Space stands out as one of the few companies globally to develop reusable rockets, emphasizing the importance of long-term sustainability in the industry. While the space industry requires significant upfront investment, PLD Space believes that the returns on these investments will be positive, especially as the market becomes more competitive in the future.
In our series Making Sense of Space, we discuss the rocket launch market, mainly from the European perspective where the supply shortage is most acute. Jose Manuel Rodriguez from PLD Space joins us.
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