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PLD Space is among five preselected companies for the European Launcher Challenge.
This development schedule represents an unprecedented cadence in Europe, reinforcing PLD Space's position as the company that has developed an orbital launcher in the shortest time, just two years, with the highest quality standards.
PLD Space has presented the first integrated unit of the Miura 5, the Qualification Model 1 (QM1), marking a decisive advance in the validation campaign of the orbital launcher.
In parallel to the QM1, PLD Space is conducting qualification tests of other subsystems at its testing facilities in Teruel, including integrated engine tests in the new three-cell test stand and structural validation of tanks.
A second qualification unit will be ready by the end of December 2023, and PLD Space will present the flight-ready rocket in the first quarter of 2026 for the launch campaign in Kourou.
PLD Space aims to become the first private company to launch from the ELM-Diamant area of the historic European port, owned by CNES, the French space agency.
PLD Space plans to complete three integrated units of the Miura 5 within just five months.
The development, manufacturing, and qualification campaign of the Miura 5 is progressing robustly thanks to PLD Space's vertical integration model, the technological legacy of Miura 1, and its own industrial capacity.
By expanding its infrastructure, PLD Space strengthens its status as a leader in European space transport and supports Spain and Europe's space sovereignty.
PLD Space has constructed its facilities and tailored procedures over a decade, setting the foundation for its present testing system.
The proximity of Teruel to PLD Space's Elche headquarters ensures swift coordination between teams, cutting component validation intervals to one day.
PLD Space is actively qualifying all launcher subsystems for flight and forecasts its first launch campaign in early 2026.
PLD Space applies the approach 'Test like you fly' to ensure every critical launcher subsystem undergoes assessments that replicate flight conditions.
PLD Space's facilities are essential for developing and qualifying the TEPREL-C engine, which is the most powerful privately built engine in Europe with a thrust of 190 kN.
Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido believes that the Spanish reusable launcher Miura 5 from PLD Space will be one of the future European launch systems.
PLD Space can manufacture and test a component in less than 24 hours, providing full operational independence with quality control and unprecedented development timelines in Europe.
PLD Space can design, manufacture, and validate hardware in a single day thanks to its testing infrastructure.
The experience from developing Miura 1 has allowed PLD Space to generate valuable knowledge in subsystem testing and qualification.
PLD Space is operating its testing infrastructure at Teruel Airport, covering more than 155,000 square meters with 10 test benches for the Miura 5 rocket.
This agility enabled PLD Space to develop an orbital launcher in two years, achieving unprecedented speed, efficiency, and reliability in Europe.