2023-10-09 08:00:21
The Miura 1 rocket, the pioneer of the future satellite launcher of the Spanish company PLD Space, has successfully achieved its space adventure in a test that consisted of reaching suborbital altitudes and returning safely to the waters of Huelva, from where it began its journey at 2:20 in the morning. With this feat, Spain joins the exclusive club of the 10 countries that have access to space and does so with a private company, all on continental soil. This triumph paves the way for the development of the Miura 5, which will have the commercial capacity to place devices weighing up to 540 kilograms into Earth orbit on each trip.
Raúl Torres, co-founder of the company, shared his thoughts after the successful flight: “We have faced numerous challenges, not only technical, but also financial and corporate. Over time, we have gained the trust of many people. Our incredible team has made it possible that we are all here today. We have given our best to get to this point.”
Ezequiel Sánchez, CEO of the company, also spoke about the success of the mission: “We entered space with great determination, despite having limited resources, but we achieved it.” He thanked investors, partners, suppliers, INTA (National Institute of Aerospace Technology) and State security forces for their support.
After two failed attempts, one due to incompatible winds at altitude and the other to a failure to unhook the charging cables from the navigation systems at the last moment, the Miura 1 finally took off from the INTA base, between the coastal enclaves of Mazagón and Matalascañas.
This Miura 1 rocket, 12 meters long and 70 centimeters in diameter, transported two PLD Space experiments and 100 kilos of material from the German Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity. In addition, it included all the flight systems that will be used in the Miura 5, nicknamed the “big brother”, which will measure 34.4 meters in length and will have the capacity to carry up to half a ton of cargo into Earth orbit.
Ezequiel Sánchez explained: “The Miura 1 is a technological demonstrator that allows us to apply all the technology and information in the next development. It is as if, in the world of car racing, instead of starting directly with a Formula 1 team , you will start in Formula 3, which allows you to access these capabilities more quickly and affordably.”
The launch of Miura 1 is an important milestone, since it places Spain on the list of the 10 countries with its own access to space, without depending on third parties, using developments from a private company and from continental territory. The main achievement is technological, since PLD Space has built this rocket “from scratch to the screws”, as mentioned by Raúl Torres, general director of PLD Space.
The rocket mission also positions the European industry at the forefront of developing cost-efficient space solutions, accelerating its leadership in the market for small satellites and megaconstellations, known as the “New Space”, which is crucial for the space development of the XXI century.
PLD Space has partnered with Arianespace, the European space transportation operator, to develop joint commercial offerings and increase space access capacity through micro launcher services. This will help meet the growing demand for small satellite launches and provide faster and more personalized access to space.
In summary, the successful launch of Miura 1 marks a historic milestone for Spain on its path towards access to space and represents a significant advance in the European space industry. With a focus on “New Space” and the ability to launch smaller satellites, PLD Space is poised to play an important role in the next era of space exploration.
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