European Space Ambitions Take Flight: Spain’s PLD Space Achieves Milestone with Miura-1 Rocket Launch
In a defining moment for European aerospace ambitions, Spain’s PLD Space successfully launched its Miura-1 reusable rocket, marking the continent’s first full-fledged private company-led initiative into space.
The Spanish company PLD Space launched its Miura-1 rocket-Image Source: "X" Official page "PLD Space"
The launch took place earlier today from Huelva in southwest Spain, a mission not without its challenges. The three-story-tall Miura-1, named after a breed of fighting bulls, possesses a payload capacity of 100 kilograms. While the rocket carried testing materials for this particular flight, the company confirmed that the payload wouldn’t be detached.
Así ha sido el lanzamiento del cohete MIURA 1
SN1 Test Flight (El Arenosillo, Huelva) de @PLD_Space
Transmisión completa en el enlace: https://t.co/qNUL4QzCf1 pic.twitter.com/jFY8DWrITI— Guillermo León (@pantalla_azul) October 7, 2023
A heartwarming video showcased the engineers in the mission control room cheering exuberantly as the Miura-1 pierced the dark night sky, reflecting a culmination of relentless effort and passion.
This is the first Spanish rocket launch countdown🚀 ⏱
We have demonstrated that we are capable of designing a launcher, manufacturing it and making it fly. We are proud to be able to say that we are generating a national and European strategic capability.
Today more than ever… pic.twitter.com/IbcpoObtZi— PLD Space (@PLD_Space) October 7, 2023
Previously, the rocket’s launch attempts faced setbacks. The inaugural launch in May was canceled due to high-altitude strong winds, while a technical glitch in June resulted in a dramatic halt, with smoke and flames seen emanating from the rocket. In anticipation of today’s launch, airspace, marine areas, and roads surrounding the site were closed, reflecting heightened security measures.
Europe’s focus on developing capabilities for launching small satellites has grown increasingly vital. This accomplishment comes especially after Virgin Orbit’s unsuccessful bid to launch an orbital rocket from British soil last January.
