# PLD Space Initiates System-Level Testing for Miura 5 Orbital Rocket Spanish firm advances Miura 5 development with three parallel vehicle builds and infrastructure expansion. - **Source:** [The Next Web](https://brifing.si/source/afe24b20-b275-4c19-b9a6-8bb3c8babae7) - **Published:** 2026-10-19 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d60929b8-b28e-4047-a54e-4c443b055770 ## Parallel Vehicle Manufacturing Strategy PLD Space has successfully constructed three Miura 5 vehicles simultaneously at their Elche facility. Two units serve as dedicated qualification hardware, while the third is designated for the debut flight. This parallel production approach allows engineers to integrate real-time test data directly into the flight vehicle assembly, significantly accelerating the overall development cycle. ## Second Stage Testing Protocols The company has positioned a fully assembled second stage at their Teruel test site. This critical component integrates structural elements, electronics, fuel systems, and engine controls. The team is preparing for a wet dress rehearsal using actual propellants, followed by a static fire test to validate engine performance while the stage remains secured. ## Infrastructure and Site Expansion PLD Space manages 17,000 square meters of factory space in Elche alongside ten specialized test stands in Teruel. A new 10.2-meter stand has been specifically commissioned to accommodate complete second-stage testing. These facilities support the rigorous validation of flight electronics, which are currently prepared for four complete rocket units to ensure operational readiness. ## Flight Separation and Payload Protection Beyond stage testing, the company has completed validation for flight separation mechanisms between the two rocket stages. They have also finalized testing on two nose cone versions designed to protect payloads during atmospheric transit. These milestones are essential for ensuring the structural integrity of the Miura 5 during its ascent to orbital altitude. ## Ground Equipment and Launch Logistics Logistical preparations are underway at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, where PLD Space has received approximately 60 containers of ground equipment. Collaboration with the French space agency, CNES, focuses on establishing safety procedures. Simultaneously, engineers are testing launch pad hardware, including the strongback erector, hold-down clamps, and critical power and fuel connection lines. ## Financial and Supply Chain Backing The Miura 5 project is supported by a 288 million euro Series C funding round and selection for the European Space Agency’s European Launcher Challenge. PLD Space has engaged 493 suppliers, investing 42.7 million euros into the supply chain. This financial foundation supports the manufacturing of 13 fuel tanks and seven complete engines. ## Historical Context and Milestones The current development builds upon the technical experience gained from the successful flight of the smaller Miura 1 suborbital rocket in October 2023. By leveraging lessons from this previous mission, the company aims to mitigate risks for the Miura 5 demonstration flight, which remains scheduled for the first half of the year 2027. ## Strategic Development Outlook PLD Space is systematically moving toward orbital capability by integrating component testing with full-scale vehicle assembly. The combination of parallel manufacturing, expanded test infrastructure, and robust supplier partnerships positions the company to meet its 2027 launch target. Continued coordination with international space agencies remains a central component of their operational strategy. ## Sources covering this story - https://thenextweb.com/news/pld-space-miura-5-system-level-testing — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._