PLD Space announces the Miura 9, the first Spanish reusable space rocket

The Spanish company PLD Space continues to take new steps to extend private enterprise into the realm of the space race in Spain.

PLD Space shows the QM2 of the Spanish Miura 5 space rocket and its launch site
A visit to PLD Space, creator of the Miura 5, the first two-stage Spanish space rocket

Earlier today, PLD Space announced the Miura 9, an evolution of its Miura 5 space launcher. The major highlight of this new project is that it aims to be Spain's first reusable rocket.

The complete launch vehicle (pictured above) will stand 42 meters tall with a diameter of 3 meters and will consist of two stages. It will be capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg of payload to a Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 500 km—a polar orbit commonly used by meteorological and observation satellites.

The second stage (pictured above) will be 16.5 meters tall and powered by a TEPREL Vacuum engine. This is where the payload will be housed.

The second stage (pictured above) will be the major innovation, as it is reusable. It will stand 25.5 meters tall and be powered by nine TEPREL engines. Much like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, this stage will return to Earth and land using its engines after the second stage has separated to proceed with placing the payload into orbit.

PLD Space has noted that the development of the Miura 9 "falls under the €158.9 million contract signed with ESA as part of the European Launcher Challenge," an initiative by the European Space Agency aimed at expanding the range of European launch services. On March 12, ESA had already identified PLD Space's Miura 5 launcher as part of this program.

PLD Space notes that the new Miura 9 launcher <strong>advances reusable technology in Europe and paves the way for faster, more competitive launches with higher frequency. It is a vehicle designed to meet the growing demand for sovereign, dedicated launches of medium-sized satellites and constellations in Europe and worldwide."

PLD Space confirmed this afternoon that its Miura 5 launch vehicle "is entering the final system-level validation phase as it moves toward its first demonstration flight from Kourou"—home to the ESA rocket launch center in French Guiana. "We are also unveiling the new specifications for the MIURA 5 Block 1.2—now commercially known as the MIURA 9—which is capable of delivering up to 1,500 kg to orbit. Our action plan is driven by a long-term vision, proprietary technology, and a proven ability to execute." For now, the Spanish company's outlook is optimistic: PLD Space expects the Miura 9 to be ready before 2028.

---

Images: PLD Space.