# Miura

> family of European launch vehicles by PLD Space

**Wikidata**: [Q61898938](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61898938)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miura-q61898938

## Summary
Miura is a family of European launch vehicles developed by the Spanish aerospace company PLD Space. It includes orbital-class rockets designed for small- to heavy-lift missions, with a focus on reusability. The Miura series aims to provide cost-effective access to space, supporting both commercial and institutional payloads.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer**: PLD Space (Spain)
- **Country of Origin**: Spain
- **Rocket Family**: Includes Miura 1, Miura 5, and Miura Next variants
- **Alias**: Previously known as Arion
- **Key Technology**: Recoverable first-stage boosters for reusability
- **Payload Capacity**: Ranges from small-lift (Miura 5) to heavy-lift (Miura Next)
- **Classification**: Orbital launch vehicles
- **Development Status**: Miura 5 is operational; Miura Next is under development

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed the Miura rockets?
A: The Miura family is designed and manufactured by PLD Space, a private aerospace company based in Spain.

### Q: What are the different versions of Miura rockets?
A: The Miura family includes Miura 1 (a suborbital testbed), Miura 5 (a small-lift orbital rocket), and Miura Next (a heavy-lift orbital rocket under development).

### Q: Is Miura reusable?
A: Yes, Miura rockets feature recoverable first-stage technology, enabling vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) for reusability, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

## Why It Matters
Miura represents a significant advancement in European space technology, positioning Spain as a key player in the global launch services market. Developed by PLD Space, the Miura family addresses the growing demand for affordable and sustainable access to space, particularly for small satellites and commercial payloads. Its reusable design aims to reduce launch costs and increase mission frequency, challenging traditional expendable rocket models. As one of the first orbital-class launch vehicles built in Spain, Miura contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy in space exploration and strengthens the continent’s competitiveness in the commercial space sector.

## Notable For
- **First Spanish Orbital Rockets**: Miura 5 is Spain’s first domestically developed orbital launch vehicle.
- **Reusability Focus**: Incorporates vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) technology for stage recovery.
- **European Innovation**: Represents a major private-sector space initiative in Europe, independent of large government programs.
- **Scalable Design**: Covers a broad payload range, from small satellites to heavy-lift missions.

## Body
### Overview
Miura is a series of launch vehicles designed to serve the European and global space markets. Developed by PLD Space in Spain, the family emphasizes reusability and cost efficiency, targeting small- to heavy-lift orbital missions.

### Variants
- **Miura 1**: A suborbital launch vehicle used for technology demonstration and testing.
- **Miura 5**: An operational small-lift orbital rocket capable of delivering payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO).
- **Miura Next**: A heavy-lift orbital rocket under development, designed for larger payloads and deep space missions.

### Technology
- **Reusability**: Miura rockets feature recoverable first stages, enabling vertical landing and refurbishment for repeated use.
- **Propulsion**: Liquid-fueled engines designed for high performance and reliability.

### Development Status
- **Miura 5**: Successfully demonstrated with test flights, aiming for commercial orbital launches.
- **Miura Next**: In active development, with a focus on expanding payload capacity and mission versatility.

### European Context
Miura contributes to Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on foreign launch providers, offering a domestically produced alternative for satellite operators and space agencies. Its development aligns with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) goals to foster innovation and competitiveness in the space sector.