PLD Space has successfully completed integrated testing of its TEPREL-C rocket engines, marking a major milestone in the propulsion roadmap for its upcoming MIURA 5 orbital launcher. The achievement sets the stage for the full flight qualification campaign, scheduled to begin at the end of June.
The Spanish aerospace firm, which made history with the launch of MIURA 1 in October 2023, has placed propulsion engineering at the core of its vertically integrated development strategy. The new TEPREL-C engine builds upon the proven heritage of the TEPREL-B, offering enhanced complexity and higher performance. TEPREL-C engines are powered by kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX), with five sea-level engines producing 190 kN each for the rocket’s first stage, and a vacuum-optimized version generating 75 kN for the second stage.
A standout aspect of PLD Space’s advancement is the company’s application of sophisticated non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques in the production and validation of critical engine components. From its enhanced manufacturing base in Elche, the company has implemented X-ray inspection technologies as part of a broader suite of in-house capabilities, including Inconel welding, copper and nickel electroplating, and precision machining.
This NDT integration plays a central role in verifying the structural integrity of high-performance parts such as turbopumps, gas generators, and cryogenic valves, all developed from scratch for TEPREL-C. The turbopumps—among the largest ever built by a private European firm—have already cleared rigorous testing protocols, backed by NDT validation to ensure long-term reliability under extreme conditions.
All component and integrated engine tests were executed at PLD Space’s Teruel facility, the largest private rocket propulsion test site in Europe. The infrastructure has enabled the company to iterate designs rapidly and refine systems ahead of MIURA 5’s upcoming launch campaigns.
By internalizing design, manufacturing, NDT, and engine validation under one roof, PLD Space is reinforcing its position as a leader in Europe’s emerging small launch vehicle market.
