PLD Space begins system-level testing of Miura 5 orbital rocket

PLD Space says it has begun system-level testing of its Miura 5 orbital rocket, with a fully assembled second stage at its Teruel test site in Spain. The stage will undergo a practice countdown using real propellants, followed by an engine firing while held down. The company has built two qualification vehicles for testing and is still assembling its first flight vehicle. Building them in parallel allows test results to feed directly into that rocket. PLD Space has completed stage-separation tests and tests of two payload-cover designs. It has also built seven complete engines and 13 fuel tanks. The first demonstration flight is planned for the first half of 2027.