Pablo Álvarez, Spanish ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, visited the facilities of PLD Space and boarded the LINCE crew capsule.
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Press Release, Elche, 14 March 2025: [auto-translated] Pablo Álvarez, Spanish ESA astronaut, visited the facilities of PLD Space, an international space services company with vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing, with Diana Morant, Minister of Science, Innovation, and Universities; Juan Carlos Cortés, Director of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE); and Carole Mundell, ESA Director of Science and Head of Establishment at ESAC.
During the day, in addition to visiting PLD Space’s headquarters in Elche, guests had the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in the company’s technological program, as well as about social initiatives such as the PLD Space Academy, which provides university students with the opportunity to gain professional experience developing the most innovative solutions in the aerospace sector.
The highlight was Pablo Álvarez’s boarding of LINCE, the first manned capsule developed in Europe by a private company with a capacity of 8m³. This was the first time the Spanish astronaut had sat inside a space capsule. “It’s the first step in the right direction, and it’s very important for astronauts to see this ambition and that there are people who truly want us to have European technology so that people can access space,” said Pablo Álvarez. “It’s something we’ve never had in Europe.”
The visit of the first Spanish astronaut of the century confirms that PLD Space has positioned itself as a key player in this sector, contributing to the development of innovative technologies that will have a significant impact on the future of access to space.
“At PLD Space, we work to guarantee national and European sovereignty over access to space; but we are not alone; we are part of a global context with a similar strategy and ambition,” emphasised Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive President of PLD Space. “To achieve this, it is essential to have the necessary support in all areas, including the development of talent, as is the case with Pablo, an example of commitment and an icon for all, or the team of more than 300 professionals that currently make up PLD Space.”
During her visit, Minister Diana Morant also highlighted the Spanish government’s growing interest in and support for the national space industry. “The Spanish Government has a very clear commitment to science, technology, and innovation, and of course, to talent. And our astronaut Pablo Álvarez and the employees at PLD Space are an example of our finest talent, capable of developing capabilities and technologies to make our country a leader. Furthermore, in a few months, PLD Space will have the first satellite launcher with 100% European technology, and that is an unprecedented technological milestone in our history,” highlighted Diana Morant, Minister of Science, Innovation, and Universities.
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