PLD Space unveils Miura 9 reusable rocket to boost European space access

Spanish aerospace company PLD Space has unveiled its Miura 9 rocket, a large-scale, fully reusable launch vehicle designed to enhance European space autonomy. The announcement took place during a visit to the company’s facilities in Elche by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Science Minister Diana Morant.

The Miura 9 is an evolution of the Miura 5, standing 42 meters tall with a 3-meter diameter. It is capable of placing up to 1,500 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbit, tripling the capacity of its predecessor. The rocket will feature propelled landing capabilities to allow for complete reuse. The company aims to have the Miura 9 ready by 2028.

This development follows a contract worth approximately 158.9 million euros from the European Space Agency (ESA) under the European Launcher Challenge. Meanwhile, the Miura 5 is in its final validation phase, with its first demonstration flight expected in the first half of 2027 from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou.