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, to minimise flight risk and ensure the vehicle's reliability before its first mission in 2026.

First integrated MIURA 5 unit – Validation of stages

The 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 systems

The 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.

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