In the world of the aerospace industry, the Spanish company PLD Space continues to take important steps in the development of its orbital rocket miura 5. Based in Elche with operational centres in Teruel, the company has become a benchmark thanks to projects such as the Miura 1, which made history by becoming the first private rocket developed and launched in Europe in 2023. But it is the miura 5 which is now the focus of all attention, as its launch is scheduled for the end of 2025.
The Miura 5 is a much more ambitious rocket than its predecessor, and to achieve this, PLD Space has initiated numerous tests and strategic alliances. In this article, we tell you about the latest developments regarding this project that promises to revolutionize the European space sector.
Test bench in Teruel: preparing the Miura 5
One of the most recent milestones in the roadmap of the miura 5 is Construction of a test bench at Teruel Airport. This bench will allow the necessary tests to be carried out to test the key subsystems before launch. This is a seven-story infrastructure and 20 meters high, designed specifically for Testing the structure of the tanks and other critical rocket components.
This tower will allow the tanks to be placed vertically and the propellants to be loaded, as well as carrying out compression tests by means of hydraulic cylinders, which will help to bring the structures to their structural breaking point. All this with the aim of guaranteeing the reliability of the rocket during its launch.
The bank will also serve to rate the engine components of the Miura 5, which will be powered by a new generation of engines Teprel-C, designed by PLD Space itself and more efficient than the previous ones. These tests will be carried out before the start of the launch campaign in French Guiana.
The Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system
Another of the most notable advances in the development of miura 5 is collaboration with the company Deimos, which will be responsible for co-directing the development of the system Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) of the launcher. This system is key to ensuring that the Miura 5 accomplishes its mission with precision, controlling the trajectory and guaranteeing the stability of the rocket during all phases of flight, from takeoff to delivery of the payload.
El NCG It is one of the most critical subsystems in any space rocket, and Deimos will bring its expertise to bear verify and validate the software on board the Miura 5, increasing the reliability of all the systems involved. This collaboration ensures that the launcher will meet the expectations of both commercial and scientific missions.
A promising future: more than 30 launches per year
PLD Space has big plans for the miura 5 and is not limited to a single release. The company's roadmap contemplates that The rocket carries out more than 30 missions per year by 2030, making it a robust and reliable option for transporting small satellites into space. Missions can be conducted from a number of spaceports, including the Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana, where the first test flight of the Miura 5 will take place.
Thanks to the CNG system and other technological innovations, the miura 5 will be able to offer both Custom missions such as shared flights, which opens the door to greater flexibility for customers.
Advanced technology and commitment to the environment
El miura 5 not only stands out for its technical ability, but also for its approach to sustainability. One of the main innovations of the launcher is the reuse of its first stage, which allows for reduced launch costs while minimising environmental impact. After recovery at sea, the first stage can be refurbished for future missions.
Furthermore, the miura 5 uses biokerosene and liquid oxygen as fuels, which contributes to reducing carbon emissions. This commitment to the environment makes PLD Space a benchmark for cleaner, more sustainable rockets.
Beyond the Miura 5: future projects
Not content with the development of the miura 5, PLD Space is also working on other ambitious projects for the coming decades. During a recent event, the company announced the development of a manned capsule called Lince, with which they hope to carry out flights with people on board starting in 2030.
The first test flight of the capsule will take place in 2028, and the rocket miura 5 will play a key role in the initial missions before the Miura Next, a more advanced version of the rocket that the Spanish company is already developing.
El miura 5 It is a project that not only promises to take satellites into space, but also points towards a future in which manned exploration and trade missions are a common occurrence for Spanish companies.
With all these advances, the miura 5 de PLD Space It is shaping up to be a rocket that will not only put Spain on the map of the aerospace industry, but will also strengthen the position of Europe as a key player in the global space race.