Candace Johnson, one of the most influential figures in the global space industry and co-founder of SES, is joining the board of directors of PLD Space as an independent director, the Spanish space transport company announced on Friday 5 June. This appointment marks a strategic milestone as the company accelerates its development and prepares for the first test flight of its Miura 5 orbital launch vehicle.
In Luxembourg, the name Candace Johnson remains inextricably linked with the SES story. As a co-founder of the Société Européenne des Satellites in 1983, she helped build what has become one of the world’s largest satellite network operators, headquartered in Luxembourg. Her career then led her to launch Teleport Europe, described as Europe’s first cross-border satellite communications company, followed by Europe Online, a pioneer in satellite broadband internet. She also contributed to the development of major players in the sector such as Iridium and International Launch Services.
Fundraising of €180m
His appointment to the board of PLD Space comes at a particularly busy time for the Elche-based company. The company is seeking to establish itself as one of Europe’s leading space launch providers and is highlighting the upcoming entry into service of Miura 5, as well as its shortlisting by the European Space Agency as part of the European Launcher Challenge programme. This appointment also comes at a time when PLD Space is making a series of announcements. In particular, the company is highlighting a €180 million funding round led by Mitsubishi Electric, as well as a €30 million loan granted by the European Investment Bank.
“It is a real honour to welcome Candace Johnson to our board of directors,” said Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive Chairman of PLD Space, in the press release. According to him, her international experience and strategic vision will help support the company in its ambition to become a global player in space transport.
Candace Johnson has known the Spanish company for a long time. She recalls having presented PLD Space to European investors as early as 2015 at a conference of the European Business Angel Network in Porto. She now highlights the progress made by the company, whose reusable launch technology has attracted the attention of the ESA and leading financial partners. “I am a staunch advocate of entrepreneurs and the democratisation of space,” she says.
