PLD space moonshot: From Spain to the Moon. Just one year after its MIURA 1 rocket launch, Spanish company PLD Space has announced a new roadmap and revealed two projects: the MIURA Next family of heavy-lift launch vehicles (MIURA 5) and LINCE, Europe’s first privately developed manned space capsule. The company’s leadership outlined its vision for the future, with plans for both unmanned and manned space missions in the coming decade.

MIURA 5 satellite launcher

Following the successful launch of MIURA 1 in October 2023, PLD Space has been working on its successor, MIURA 5. According to the company, This rocket will begin its launch campaign by late 2025 and will “offer reliable, tailored, high-frequency and cost-effective space access for small satellites.”

Raúl Torres, PLD Space’s CEO and co-founder, emphasised the importance of the TEPREL-C engine, which powers the MIURA 5. The liquid-fuel engine is fully developed in-house, according to the business. “The TEPREL-C engine, with 190 kilonewtons of thrust, is the heart of MIURA 5. It was designed and developed entirely by PLD Space to deliver reliability, stability, and cost efficiency. Additionally, this system features a high-performance turbopump, also developed by our company,” Torres highlights.

One of MIURA 5’s key features is its re-entry and recovery system, which allows the rocket to be reused, significantly reducing launch costs (in a similar manner as Space X’s rockets). The upgraded MIURA 5 1.2 version will feature even greater orbital capabilities and payload capacity.

MIURA Next: Increased payload

PLD Space also presented its MIURA Next family of launch vehicles, which can deliver over 53 metric tons to orbit. This new generation of rockets is scheduled for its first flight in 2030.

The MIURA Next range includes models with varying payload capacities, culminating in what will be its flagship: the MIURA Next Super Heavy. This rocket, in its expendable version (and 2.4 metric tons in its recoverable version), can transport up to 16 metric tons to the Moon and 13 metric tons to Mars. Torres underscored, “MIURA Next Super Heavy will be one of the most powerful rockets in the world.”

LINCE: Europe’s first manned space capsule by 2030

The company also unveiled LINCE, the first manned capsule developed by a private company in Europe. It has an interior volume of 8 cubic meters and can hold up to five astronauts. The capsule is expected to conduct its first unmanned test flight aboard MIURA 5 in 2028. The aim is to achieve a manned orbital mission by 2030. The first tests for Lince are scheduled to begin next year. “This programme will provide Europe with the capability to send astronauts into space and return them safely to Earth, reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty in manned space missions,” the company explains.

SPARK the next-gen astronauts’ program

PLD Space also introduced its SPARK program, offering free launch services for educational and research projects. Spain’s first female astronaut, Sara García-Alonso, presented the initiative, which has already gathered applications from 98 research entities across 24 countries. This program is to “inspire society to dream big”,” García-Alonso concluded, noting that the SPARK program’s goal is to foster innovation and captivate the imagination of students of all ages.