Ramona Adams
International technology conglomerate GMV has entered into an investment agreement with PLD Space to further develop the latter’s small launch vehicles.
PLD Space said Monday it will collaborate with GMV to develop the flight software, guidance, navigation, telemetry and control systems of the ARION 1 and ARION 2 rockets.
GMV’s endorsement helped PLD Space raise $7 million through two investment vehicles and funds from the Spanish government and public organizations, PLD Space added.
GMV will also assist in the integration, qualification and launch support operations for ARION 1 and ARION 2 during test and commercial flights through the agreement.
ARION 1 is designed to support scientific research and technology development in space conditions and is scheduled to make its maiden flight in late 2018.
The launcher will serve as a test platform and predecessor of ARION 2, which is slated to launch by the mid-2020s to deploy small satellites into orbit, PLD Space noted.
PLD Space also received a contract from the European Space Agency to build reusable rocket launchers under the Future Launchers Preparatory Program.
Under the contract, PLD Space will work to retrieve the entire ARION 1 and the first stage of ARION 2 from space then apply technology developments from the project to future launchers.
