PLD Space Bolsters Miura 5 Ahead of Launch

PLD Space is moving its Miura 5 rocket closer to the launch pad, bringing the small-lift vehicle to final integration ahead of a planned first flight. The Spanish company is now testing a second stage that has been fully assembled, a key milestone in the preparation for its inaugural mission. PLD Space targets a launch before mid-2027, a schedule that would mark the vehicle's first flight. The development comes as the company works to complete the qualification of key components for its launch vehicle.

The company's chief executive, Raúl Torres, said in an October 19 program update that manufacturing three Miura 5 rockets has enabled the team to work continuously across different stages of production and integration. This approach allows the company to apply lessons learned from each qualification campaign directly to the launch vehicle that will eventually fly, a strategy designed to streamline development. The company has manufactured three of these rockets, with two of them designated to qualify key system elements for the primary flight vehicle.

The second stage has been moved to the company's Teruel test facility for its qualification campaign. This process will include a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test. The company is working to complete these tests in order to support the launch of the vehicle. The company is not the only one preparing a new rocket, as other companies are also developing vehicles for launch.

In other news, Reaction Dynamics, a Canadian startup, is seeking to raise $350 million to expand its workforce from 68 people to more than 350. The funds will support the development of its Aurora rocket, which the company aims to send to orbit in 2028. Reaction Dynamics has also announced plans to build a medium-lift rocket, Borealis, for a debut by 2031. The company is one of three prominent Canadian launch startups.

SpaceX has declined an offer from the US Space Force to fly three military launch contracts. The company's decision to decline the contracts was announced on Thursday, according to a report. SpaceX is also working on its Starship vehicle, which may require up to 22 refuelings to support a lunar landing, a NASA safety panel said. The company's Starship is being developed for a variety of missions, including those to the moon.

PLD Space is preparing for the launch of its Miura 5 rocket, which is nearing final integration. The company's chief executive said the manufacturing of three rockets has allowed the company to apply lessons learned from each qualification campaign directly to the launch vehicle. The second stage of the rocket is now at the company's test facility for its qualification campaign, which includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test.

The company is working to complete these tests in order to support the launch of the vehicle. The company is not the only one preparing a new rocket, as other companies are also developing vehicles for launch. In other news, Reaction Dynamics, a Canadian startup, is seeking to raise $350 million to expand its workforce from 68 people to more than 350. The funds will support the development of its Aurora rocket, which the company aims to send to orbit in 2028. Reaction Dynamics has also announced plans to build a medium-lift rocket, Borealis, for a debut by 2031. The company is one of three prominent Canadian launch startups.

SpaceX has declined an offer from the US Space Force to fly three military launch contracts. The company's decision to decline the contracts was announced on Thursday, according to a report. SpaceX is also working on its Starship vehicle, which may require up to 22 refuelings to support a lunar landing, a NASA safety panel said. The company's Starship is being developed for a variety of missions, including those to the moon. PLD Space is preparing for the launch of its Miura 5 rocket, which is nearing final integration. The company's chief executive said the manufacturing of three rockets has allowed the company to apply lessons learned from each qualification campaign directly to the launch vehicle. The second stage of the rocket is now at the company's test facility for its qualification campaign, which includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test.

The company is working to complete these tests in order to support the launch of the vehicle. The company is not the only one preparing a new rocket, as other companies are also developing vehicles for launch. In other news, Reaction Dynamics, a Canadian startup, is seeking to raise $350 million to expand its workforce from 68 people to more than 350. The funds will support the development of its Aurora rocket, which the company aims to send to orbit in 2028. Reaction Dynamics has also announced plans to build a medium-lift rocket, Borealis, for a debut by 2031. The company is one of three prominent Canadian launch startups.