PLD Space Wins First ESA GNC Contract for Hybrid Navigation Development

PLD Space has signed its first contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) in the field of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC). The agreement, valued at nearly €1 million, will support the development of HALCON, a hybrid navigation software system designed for reusable launch vehicles.

Contract Scope

The project has been approved under ESA’s NAVISP Element 2 program. It will be co-funded equally by ESA and PLD Space, with the company retaining ownership of the final development.

The HALCON project combines data from Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as Galileo and GPS. This approach aims to improve navigation accuracy during rocket launch and landing while reducing system costs.

Program Significance

According to ESA, the system will provide centimeter-level positioning accuracy, an important capability for the controlled landing of reusable launchers such as MIURA 5 and MIURA Next.

The technology also serves as a step toward the potential development of a European Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS), which could improve mission safety and operational autonomy in future launches.

Background

The contract was awarded following ESA’s Spanish NAVISP Call, launched in November 2024 with the support of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE). The call invited the Spanish industry to propose projects in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). PLD Space’s proposal was evaluated on technical feasibility, market alignment, and commercialization potential.

About PLD Space

Founded in 2011, PLD Space is headquartered in Elche, Spain, with facilities in Teruel, Kourou (French Guiana), and Duqm (Oman). The company develops reusable launch vehicles under the MIURA program and is working on future crewed capsule capabilities.