PLD Space: A Spanish Company Revolutionizing Space–How You Can Join

Spain is making waves in the space industry, and PLD Space is leading the charge. PLD Space is a private aerospace company focusing on the development of reusable launch vehicles. From their early successes to their ambitious future projects, PLD Space is shaping the future of European spaceflight. If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in the space industry, turning to your Spanish classes may be the first step in joining this revolution.

PLD Space: Past Achievements

Founded in 2011, PLD Space set out to bring Europe to the forefront of technology with reusable rocket launch systems. So far, they’ve flown a single flight of their rocket, MIURA 1. MIURA 1 is a small, 12.5-meter-tall sounding rocket (a small rocket used to carry science experiments to high altitudes) designed for microgravity research and technology development. MIURA, named after a renowned breed of Spanish fighting bulls celebrated for their strength and resilience, is PLD Space’s main lineage of rockets. PLD  has demonstrated its ability to start and complete entire launch campaigns, which is an impressive feat for anyone worldwide to get through.

On October 7th, 2023, MIURA 1 lifted from their launch complex in Huelva, Spain. The rocket flew 46 km above the ground, short of its planned goal of 80 km, due to a decision made pre-flight due to range safety reasons. The rocket successfully splashed down under parachutes but was unable to be recovered. Upon splashdown, it is likely that a tank ruptured and filled with water, leading to the vehicle sinking. Despite the unfortunate decision to reel back the goals of the flight, as well as the failed recovery attempt, PLD Space considers this flight a success.

 Since 2014, PLD Space has operated an engine test stand at an airport in Teruel, Spain, where they performed the first test firings of its liquid-fueled rocket engines in the summer of 2015. It was the first time a liquid rocket engine was ever tested in Spain, and the first time a private company in Europe tested a liquid engine on its facilities, setting many key milestones for European spaceflight as a whole.

PLD Space: Present

Computer Render of MIURA 5

PLD Space is advancing from MIURA 1 to MIURA 5, an orbital launch vehicle designed for small satellite deployment. Named for its five bio-kerosene-powered TEPREL-C engines, MIURA 5 stands 38 meters tall and targets a maiden flight in mid-to-late 2025. It aims to compete with Rocket Lab and SpaceX’s rideshare programs, carrying up to 540 kg to a 500 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) or 1,080 kg to an equatorial orbit. SSO enables satellites to maintain consistent lighting conditions, making it ideal for scientific and imaging missions. 

MIURA 5 also prioritizes reusability, initially recovering its first stage via parachutes and ocean retrieval. Future upgrades aim for propulsive landings similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, reducing costs and increasing sustainability. Designed for 30 launches per year, MIURA 5 will operate from multiple sites, including the Guiana Space Centre and Oman’s new Etlaq Spaceport, with a recently signed contract securing access.

Planned MIURA Family (Human For Scale)

PLD Space: Beyond

PLD Space is developing MIURA NEXT as the successor to MIURA 5, aiming to expand Europe’s access to space with a reusable medium-lift vehicle. Standing 60 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide, it will use five TEPREL-C engines, utilizing advanced variants of the engine to come in the future. MIURA NEXT is designed to carry up to 11,275 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) and over 13 metric tons to an equatorial orbit. However, to enable first-stage reusability, some payload capacity is sacrificed. A land-based return reduces capacity to 5,130 kg, while landing on a barge increases it to 8,300 kg by eliminating the need for a turnaround burn.

To compete in the heavy-lift market, PLD Space plans modular versions of MIURA NEXT. The HEAVY configuration, with two side boosters, will deliver up to 30,580 kg to SSO or 16,250 kg if boosters are recovered on land. The SUPERHEAVY variant, with four boosters, will be capable of launching 53 metric tons to an equatorial orbit, 17 metric tons to the Moon, or 14 metric tons to Mars, though these capacities are significantly reduced with booster recovery. Unlike the side boosters, the central booster in this variant will land on a barge at sea.

In addition to MIURA NEXT, PLD Space is developing LINCE, a fully autonomous spacecraft that could become Europe’s first crewed vehicle. Designed for orbital transport and deep-space missions, LINCE will carry four or five astronauts or up to five metric tons of cargo, with a return capacity of 3.4 metric tons. It will splash down in the Atlantic or Mediterranean, providing Europe with independent human spaceflight and cargo delivery capabilities.

Joining The Revolution

If you’ve ever wanted to work in the space industry, learning Spanish can open new doors. While PLD Space hires Spanish and English speakers, the company is ultimately based out of Spain, meaning fluency in Spanish is a valuable skill for engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts. While most aerospace companies operate in English, and PLD is accommodating to English speakers, being bilingual can help when working with international teams, securing partnerships, or even joining a company like PLD Space.

At North Scott, Spanish classes provide the perfect opportunity to start your journey. Whether you’re interested in aerospace engineering, international business, or communications – or you just like learning about other cultures – bilingualism gives you an edge in most global industries, including space. Learning Spanish could be the first step towards working with companies like PLD Space or even starting your own business in the future. 

PLD Space: You?

PLD Space is proving that Spain, as well as Europe as a whole, can become a key player in space exploration once again, and their journey is just beginning. With a focus on reusability, sustainability, innovation, and eco-friendly rocket propellants, they are shaping the future of spaceflight. By taking Spanish classes at North Scott, you can position yourself to be a part of this exciting industry – whether as an engineer, scientist, or even an astronaut. Who knows? The next great space pioneers might come from our school. You never know where you may find opportunities.