The Miura 1, a prototype satellite launcher developed by Spanish company PLD Space, experienced another automatic abort during the early hours of the morning in Huelva, due to a cable release failure. This marks the second failed launch attempt in recent weeks, following a May 31 incident involving high-altitude winds and a minor technical issue with the liquid oxygen (LOX) loading process.
A Near-Imperceptible Timing Issue
Last night, the launch protocols were initiated once again, but an automatic suspension occurred when it was detected that the cables in the loading area, housing the electronics for aerial and space navigation, had not separated from the rocket and remained on the platform. The interruption happened at the final second of the countdown, as all indicators pointed to liftoff and ignition had begun.
According to Raúl Torres, General Manager and Co-Founder of PLD Space, preliminary findings suggest an initial delay of about 100 milliseconds in the release of helium connections. This slight delay overlapped with the release of the avionics cables’ sole, causing the automatic sequence program to identify a significant enough failure to abort the launch.
A Successful Wet Dress Rehearsal
Despite the launch not being completed, Torres has deemed the new attempt a “success.” He explains in a company statement: “Being able to complete all procedures and reach the auto-sequence phase on time, engine start, and nominal thrust is a success. 99.9% of all processes have been successful. Launching a rocket is very difficult, but we are getting closer every time. We will try again.”
Today’s attempt can be considered a successful general rehearsal, known as a wet dress rehearsal (WDR), which ensures all components of the process fit and function as planned. The WDR simulates all steps of the actual launch, including propellant loading, tank pressurization, and even the automatic abort protocol in the final minutes, as was the case this time.
Third Time’s the Charm?
PLD Space has confirmed that the entire infrastructure remains operational and in “perfect condition,” including the launch pad, rocket, and payload. The maiden flight includes two in-house experiments and 100 kilograms of materials from the German Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM Institute at the University of Bremen).
Following an analysis of the last-minute failure, the company will seek a third opportunity to launch the rocket, which would be the first attempt by a European private company to reach space from continental soil.
