PLD Space begins integrated propulsion tests for MIURA 5 rocket

(SpaceEnergy) Spanish rocket developer PLD Space has begun system-level testing of MIURA 5's fully integrated second stage, advancing propulsion qualification ahead of the orbital launcher's planned inaugural flight in 2027.

The company announced on 19 October that the stage, combining structures, avionics, propellant feed systems, controls and propulsion, had entered its qualification campaign at Teruel, Spain.

The vertically mounted stage is scheduled to undergo a wet dress rehearsal involving propellant loading, followed by a static hot-fire test. Neither test was reported as completed.

PLD Space has separately completed stage-separation testing, verifying the interfaces, commands and timing sequences required to separate the launcher's two stages during flight.

The first flight-configuration TEPREL-C and TEPREL-C Vac engines have also been manufactured and are entering testing.

The company reported manufacturing and integrating seven complete engines, supported by production of 35 combustion chambers, 40 gas generators and 15 turbopumps.

It has manufactured three MIURA 5 vehicles, comprising two qualification units and the first flight vehicle, which remains under integration.

Production has also reached 13 complete propellant tanks, including liquid oxygen tanks for both stages, while flight avionics sets are available for four rockets.

At Teruel, PLD Space operates ten test benches, including a new 10.2m-high facility with an 8m-deep flame duct for complete second-stage testing.

Launch infrastructure preparations are continuing at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.

The first demonstration flight remains targeted for the first half of 2027.

The newly disclosed milestone is integration of the complete propulsion-equipped second stage and commencement of system-level testing, following the earlier assembly and subsystem qualification work.