On October 7, 2024, the Spanish launch company PLD Space unveiled a new strategic plan to lead the future of access to space and revolutionize the European space sector.
As part of the ambitious roadmap, PLD will develop a new class of large reusable launchers to succeed the Miura 5. Moreover, the company unveiled a prototype of a crewed capsule. The new projects confirm a very ambitious vision for the Spanish company, which aims to become a leader in Europe and a major competitor in the global market.
Advertisement
MIURA Next
With the launch of MIURA 1 in 2023 and the development of MIURA 5, PLD had already established itself as a key player in the European race for small-lift launch vehicles. Now, however, the Spanish company seems poised to take a major step toward the development of much larger and more powerful rockets.
MIURA Next will be a family of medium-heavy launchers, composed of MIURA Next, Next Heavy, and Next Super Heavy. The last two will be equipped with two and four boosters, respectively, identical to the core stage, all designed with reusability capabilities. As they declared, the company aims to “generate a 100% European-based launch capability that covers 100% domestic and international payloads launch needs.”
The data and timelines presented today by PLD are, to say the least, highly ambitious. The two-stage rocket will stand 60 meters tall with a diameter of 3.5 meters. MIURA Next’s first stage will be equipped with five RP-1/LOX engines, and in its base configuration, it will be capable of carrying up to 13,580 kg of payload to LEO, and 36,000 kg for the NEXT Heavy configuration.
.@PLD_Space presents its plans for the future: Miura Next, Miura Next Heavy, and Miura Next Super Heavy. pic.twitter.com/IGREyQhjHo
— Andrew Parsonson (@AndrewParsonson) October 7, 2024
Meanwhile, MIURA Super Heavy will be one of the most powerful launch vehicles in the world, with a capacity of 53,000 kg to low Earth orbit, up to 16,695 kg to the Moon, and 13,660 kg to Mars.
According to PLD, the first MIURA Next will be on the pad by 2030, while Heavy and Super Heavy will launch 1-2 years later.
Advertisement
MIURA 5 plans
Currently, PLD’s focus is on expanding its production capabilities and developing MIURA 5, which is scheduled to launch in 2025 from the launch site in French Guiana, currently under rapid construction. Version 1.2 of the rocket will be implemented to enhance launch capacity and reusability capabilities. PLD aims to launch 5 missions in 2026 and 10 in 2027. The new production facility in Elche (Alicante) is set to produce six complete MIURA 5 launchers by next year.
At the heart of MIURA is the TEPREL-C, the fourth generation of the engine entirely developed by the Spanish company, generating 190 kN of thrust at liftoff. It is designed with the goal of delivering reliability, stability, and cost efficiency.
Previously, in July the company secured a €31.2 million loan for the development of Miura 5, bringing the total amount raised for this program to €150 million.
Advertisement
LINCE
If that weren’t enough, PLD has unveiled the development program for the first private European crewed capsule, showcasing a prototype as well. During the scenic presentation, a ‘volunteer astronaut’ entered the capsule to display some details of the interior.
LINCE has an 8 m³ capacity and can host up to five astronauts per flight. The spacecraft cargo configuration will be capable of carrying up to 5000 kg to LEO and returning 3.400 kg. The first uncrewed test is scheduled for 2030 on top of a MIURA Next rocket. However, already in 2025, a drop test will be conducted, while in 2028 an in-flight abort test mission will be launched aboard a MIURA 5.
With LINCE, PLD aims to become the first private company in Europe to launch a crewed spacecraft. Earlier this year, the ESA awarded contracts to The Exploration Company and Thales Alenia Space for its LEO Cargo Return Service initiative. Additionally, a consortium led by the German company RFA is developing a space cargo transport system called Argo.
“We are confident that we are building a company with the strength and solvency to meet the challenge of providing full access to space.”
— Ezequiel Sanchez, CEO at PLD Space
Advertisement
