PLD Space is driving the development of MIURA 5 with Europe's largest private testing infrastructure

 

The international space transportation company, PLD Space, has highlighted the crucial role of its testing center at Teruel Airport for the qualification and validation of the rocket's subsystems MIURA 5These facilities, designed and managed entirely for the company, they are a pillar of the model of vertical integration which allows them to have total control over the development process.

 

"Test like you fly" philosophy for maximum reliability

 

The progress in the MIURA 5 trials is based on the methodology “Test like you fly” (flight-like testing), which ensures that each component of the launcher is tested under conditions identical to those it will experience during flight. This approach not only reduces development time but is key to ensuring the reliability of the hardware end.

 

Raul Torres, CEO and co-founder of PLD Space, emphasizes the importance of this approach: “Reliability is built through testing. Our infrastructure in Teruel allows us to have absolute control over every component of the rocket, shorten deadlines, and ensure the highest technical quality. They are an essential part of our vertical integration model.”

 

The experience gained from the development of MIURA 1The company's technology demonstrator has been instrumental in laying the foundations for this robust system. testing which now drives the validation of MIURA 5.

 

With over 155.000 m² of facilities at Teruel Airport, PLD Space has the largest rocket testing infrastructure of a private company in Europe

 

Unprecedented agility in subsystem validation

 

The location in Teruel, strategically situated a few hours from the Elche headquarters, allows for synchronization agile between the engineering and manufacturing teams. This operational efficiency gives PLD Space the independence to to manufacture and test a component in less than 24 hours.

 

Currently, the facilities house 10 test benches (eight already operational and two nearing completion) custom-designed to validate all the main subsystems of MIURA 5, including: Motors, such as the TEPREL-C engine, the most powerful privately developed engine in Europe (190 kN). Hardware Critical propulsion components (turbopumps, combustion chambers, etc.). Tanks and stage separation mechanisms.

 

The ability to perform simultaneous trials And collecting real-time data is allowing the company to significantly accelerate its technical iteration cycles. Ezequiel Sánchez, CEO of PLD Space, emphasizes this competitive advantage: “Thanks to our testing infrastructure, we can design, manufacture, and validate hardware in a single day. This agility has allowed us to develop an orbital launcher in two years, with unprecedented speed, efficiency, and reliability.” Europe".

 

The company's objective is to complete the qualification and validation of all MIURA 5 subsystems in order to begin the first launch campaign in early 2026With this infrastructure, PLD Space not only leads European space transport, but also consolidates its industrial capacity Investment Destination for the sovereignty of Spain and Europe.