PLD Space@PLD_Space·✅ Successful Burst Test of MIURA 5 Stage 1 LOX Tank.We've successfully completed the burst test of the stage 1 LOX tank for the MIURA 5. This milestone validates the structural performance of the tank under cryogenic temperature and extreme pressure conditions, and paves the way for full stage tank integrated qualification model, including all elements needed for flight.With this achievement, we continue to make solid progress toward the development and launch of MIURA 5.#GoMIURA
PLD Space@PLD_Space·🚀 MIURA 5 Stage 1 Engines: Introducing the fully integrated TEPREL-C!We have just finalized the engineering, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of the first unit of TEPREL-C in preparation for qualification test firings at our facilities.TEPREL-C is the most powerful privately developed rocket engine in Europe, with 190 kN of thrust, more than a x2 factor over the next in its class. This engine is the direct result of the technological evolution of TEPREL-B and more than a decade of experience in rocket engine development at PLD Space.Also, the first flight-ready Qualification Model is currently being built and will be shipped to our Teruel test facilities soon. There, it will undergo a complete mission duty cycle, along with incremental test firings to ensure the hardware is fully flight-ready.Looking ahead, we are preparing to scale production of the TEPREL engine family to one unit every two weeks by the end of the year.
With the advent of NewSpace, France and Europe are experiencing a flourishing interest in the development of new micro- and mini-launcher systems, enabling the sending of small satellites into low orbit. And in French Guiana, in Kourou, the Guiana Space Center offers both a favorable geographical location and extensive experience in launches. It is there, more precisely on the historic launch pad of the Diamant rocket , that these microsatellite launch systems will soon be installed. Systems developed and operated by young private companies emerging from the new space economy. A 5-part Q&A presentation of this unique reconversion project, emblematic of the transformation of the space economy and the role our national space agency plays in supporting and assisting new players in the ecosystem.How does the creation of a multi-launcher launch complex in Kourou mark a new stage for French and European space?The Guiana Space Centre, operated by CNES, is the historic launch site for French launchers, and later for European Space Agency (ESA) launchers. Currently, the rockets launched from Kourou are Ariane 6 and the small Vega-C launcher , both developed by ESA. The creation of a new multi-launcher launch complex aims to give the CSG access to micro-mini launchers developed by private companies. For the first time in the Centre's history, starting in 2026, the two launchers from the European programme will coexist with launchers developed by young companies from the new space economy, NewSpace. The objective of these companies is to capture the market for satellites weighing less than 1,500 kg in low orbit, which has been growing steadily for the past 10 years. The opening of this new launch complex will allow both an increase in activities in Kourou and the diversification of launches from Europe's spaceport.What are the advantages of the Guiana Space Centre for hosting micro and mini launchers?Companies hosted at the new launch complex will benefit from Europe's 60 years of experience and high-level services at the spaceport. CNES is responsible for the organization and overall coordination of launch operations, as well as for the protection of people, property, and the environment during launches.The Guiana Space Centre also offers Europe a privileged geographical position: its proximity to the equator and its 50 km of coastline provide access to an exceptional orbital inclination range, as well as numerous launch azimuth possibilities (the direction taken by the rocket during its launch). In addition, the area is free from hurricanes and seismic tremors.Why was the historic Diamant site chosen for this reception?The ELM project involved the conversion of a historic launch site, the Diamant launch pad. Owned by CNES, it hosted the launches of the Diamant rocket in the 1970s, which established France as a leading space power (see box). Renamed the Multi-Launcher Launch Complex (ELM), the site benefits from pre-existing networks, reducing the costs of rehabilitation work and the project's environmental footprint. The shared resources are funded by CNES as part of the France 2030 program to the tune of €50 million.How many private companies are expected on the ELM-Diamant?The ELM-Diamant will be able to accommodate a maximum of five micro-mini launchers, and four companies have signed a pre-contract of mutual commitment to carry out a feasibility phase: ISAR Aerospace , RFA , PLD Space , and Latitude .The next step is the signing of development contracts between the micro-mini launcher companies and CNES, for the implementation of the resources specific to each company. The installations could be carried out by the micro-mini launcher companies themselves, or by CNES at their request. A first contract was signed with PLD at the 2025 Paris Air Show (see box).In addition to these companies, the Diamant site will host the preparation and implementation of flights of the Callisto demonstrator , the aim of which is to test the concept of a reusable first stage launcher.What types of micro and mini launchers are planned, and for what types of missions?The pre-selected launchers are two- or three-stage and liquid-powered . The intended missions can be very varied (observation, telecommunications, navigation, etc.), as can the satellites launched (a single satellite per launch or the launch of satellite clusters). The only constraint for companies launching from the Diamant site is to operate launchers whose performance is below 1,500 kg in low orbit.With the establishment of its new operations center, the Guiana Space Center will have the capacity to carry out up to 30 to 40 launches per year, all launchers combined.
PLD Space@PLD_Space🇬🇧 #MIURA5 Stage 1 transport container has been manufactured in preparation for its transport to CSG @EuropeSpacePort #GoMIURA5🇪🇸El contenedor de transporte de la primera etapa de #MIURA5 ha sido fabricado para su transporte al centro espacial de Guayana Francesa CSG. #VamosMIURA5
QuotePLD Space@PLD_Space🇬🇧 #MIURA5 Stage 1 transport container has been manufactured in preparation for its transport to CSG @EuropeSpacePort #GoMIURA5🇪🇸El contenedor de transporte de la primera etapa de #MIURA5 ha sido fabricado para su transporte al centro espacial de Guayana Francesa CSG. #VamosMIURA5https://x.com/PLD_Space/status/1973363252919771583
Oct 6, 2025The first chapter of our “Path to Space” Series is here! In “Resilience behind MIURA 1 SN1 Flight Mission” we celebrate the second anniversary our of our MIURA 1 flight on October 7th 2023. We deep dive into inedit behind the scenes challenges and triumphs and share some personal stories of our team during the mission that took us to space. Enjoy!
PLD Space@PLD_Space·🚀 Today, we celebrate the second anniversary of our successful MIURA 1 flight on October 7th, 2023. We mark this milestone with the first chapter of our new “Path to Space” Series:🎥 “Resilience Behind MIURA 1 SN1 Flight Mission”In this episode, we dive deep into exclusive behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs and share some personal stories of our team during the mission.You’ll also learn how MIURA 1 has contributed to increasing speed, subsystems’ reliability and scalability during MIURA 5’s production.Click below and enjoy!
PLD Space@PLD_Space·Auto-translated by Grok🔥 Our Propulsion Team is now performing the first MIURA 5 second stage engine qualification test campaigns.***🔥 First images of the MIURA 5 second stage engine qualification campaign that our Propulsion Team is carrying out.
Íñigo@inigogmez·PLD Space's workers playing in the water while the team tests the water deluge system for Miura 1's engine fire tests and flight
Over the past few months, the teams at PLD Space have made significant progress at speed and scale in the development of our MIURA 5 launch system, from rocket design and manufacturing to testing and launch infrastructures building, alongside other exciting, specific program milestones, including:> First and second stage tanks are being qualified.> First TEPREL-CVac engine tests are performing nominally, and TEPREL-C engines are ready for fire test.> First elements of our transport and logistics system are coming to life.> Initial launch pad structures are being manufactured in Spain while construction works of our launch complex at CSG (Kourou) have started.
Raúl Torres🇪🇸@RaulTorresPLD#MIURA5 stage 1 transport container is at @PLD_Space in preparation for first #MIURA5 stage 1 transport to the test bench for the very first Wet Dress Rehearsal testing at qualification level.
Our Gas Generator Qualification Model (QM) has completed 20 test runs, accumulating over 15 minutes of operation and covering all launch and re-entry burn profiles: more than 400% of a single mission requirement
The company presents its first qualification model (QM1) of the MIURA 5 launcher, designed to complete the validation of complete subsystems before its first flight, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. With the aim of ensuring maximum launch reliability, PLD Space will manufacture three complete rocket units in less than five months. This first qualification model demonstrates that the development of MIURA 5 is progressing robustly, consolidating PLD Space's leadership in speed, quality and competitiveness. Tests continue in parallel at the company's testing facilities in Teruel, including structures, avionics and propulsion. Civil engineering work is also progressing on the launch complex at the European spaceport, the CSG in Kourou (French Guiana).Elche (Spain), 20th November 2025 – PLD Space, an international space transportation company, has unveiled the first fully integrated MIURA 5 unit, the Qualification Model 1 (QM1), marking a decisive step forward in the orbital launcher validation campaign. This unit will enable the completion of full rocket subsystem testing, such as the first and second stages, under real conditions, with the aim of minimising flight risk and ensuring the vehicle's reliability before its first mission in 2026.First integrated MIURA 5 unit – Validation of stagesThe QM1 unit will serve to qualify two key elements of the launcher. Firstly, the MIURA 5 second stage will undergo a destruction test in the United States to validate the functioning of the Flight Termination System. This test will verify the operation of the explosive charges onboard the vehicle, designed to destroy the launcher in the event of an in-flight anomaly.Secondly, a Wet Dress Rehearsal will be carried out on the rocket’s first stage – a full propellant loading test that replicates all structural load scenarios during the fuelling and pressurisation phase. This test is essential to validate the behaviour of structures under real operational conditions.“Presenting our first integrated MIURA 5 unit is proof that our model works: vertical integration, proprietary infrastructure and a philosophy based on testing, learning and improving. This combination allows us to move faster than ever without compromising reliability, which is what truly makes the difference in this sector,” says Raúl Torres, CEO and co-founder of PLD Space.This achievement comes at a pivotal moment for the company, which expects to complete three integrated MIURA 5 units within just five months. By the end of December, a second qualification unit will be ready, and in the first quarter of 2026 PLD Space will unveil the flight rocket that will travel to Kourou for the launch campaign. This unprecedented development cadence in Europe reinforces PLD Space’s position as the company that has developed an orbital launcher in the shortest time – just two years – whilst meeting the highest quality standards.Ongoing test campaign – propulsion, structures, avionics and critical systemsThe development, manufacturing and qualification campaign for MIURA 5 is advancing strongly thanks to PLD Space’s vertical integration model, the technological heritage of MIURA 1 and its in-house industrial capability. In parallel with QM1, the company continues to carry out qualification tests for the remaining subsystems at its Teruel test facilities, including integrated engine tests on the new three-cell stand, structural validation of tanks and interstage, avionics tests, and trials of other components such as the fairing retention and separation mechanisms.At the same time, civil works for the launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) are progressing, with advances in the launch pad areas, vehicle preparation zone and control centre. In doing so, PLD Space will become the first private company to fly from the historic ELM-Diamant area of the European spaceport, operated by CNES.“The simultaneous advancement of all MIURA 5 subsystems demonstrates the robustness of our industrial strategy and our ability to tackle any challenge with speed, quality and cost-efficiency. This integrated approach guarantees the highest standards of reliability and competitiveness, consolidating PLD Space as a European benchmark and strengthening the technological excellence we have built over the years,” states Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive President of PLD Space.This first MIURA 5 qualification unit marks a steady pace towards the inaugural demonstration flight scheduled for 2026 and reinforces PLD Space’s position as a key player in Europe’s access to space. MIURA 5 is funded by Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, with European Union – NextGenerationEU funds, under the Aerospace PERTE programme managed by CDTI.
https://www.pldspace.com/en/news/pld-space-unveils-the-first-miura-5-qualification-unit.html
👉 We are boosting the national industry with an investment of €169 million to ensure that PLD Space 's MIURA 5 launcher joins the next generation of European launchers.
PLD Space@PLD_Space·Our “test-like-you-fly” approach has always been a critical part of our DNA and vertical integration strategy in other to ensure rapid iterations and vehicle reliability.Over the past few months, we’ve exponentially scaled our testing infrastructures in Teruel (Spain) up to 155,000 sqm. featuring 8 integrated test benches – expanding to 10 shortly – and operated by a team of up to 50 fellow coworkers.Discover more about our full-spectrum testing capacities here ⬇️
PLD Space@PLD_Space·Our team has started test campaigns on TEPREL-C throttle capabilities to enable future Stage 1 re-entry control. This effort includes testing materials, engine components, and operational sequences to ensure MIURA 5 can perform powered re-entry retro-propulsive manoeuvre prior to landing.These test campaigns have been developed in collaboration with ESA’s FLPP framework contracts and will be progressively implemented in upcoming MIURA 5 flights.
