A private company launches the first rocket flight in Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday that a small rocket built by a Spanish company will take off in several weeks, a first for Spain as the space race heats up in Europe.

“This missile, when it is launched, all of us Spaniards will see on TV and I know that when MIURA1 begins its journey in a few weeks, the dedication and hard work of so many people … will be worth it,” Sanchez said at the El Arenosillo launch site in Huelva in Andalus.

PLD Space’s MIURA1 suborbital launch platform aims to carry out up to four missions a year and potentially fly cargo “into space and back safely,” according to the startup’s website.

“Your dream is shared by all Spanish society, because we are led by A A common goalThis means putting Spain at the forefront of this space transportation industry, which is not only emerging but also very strong.

PLD Space President Ezequiel Sanchez said the launch showcases Spain’s capabilities in this sector.

“Spain is demonstrating its technological leadership in Europe by providing capabilities that may enable us to be at the forefront of the strategic sector of small satellites,” He said.

After MIURA1, the company plans to develop a small reusable launch vehicle in 2024, dubbed MIURA5, to put small satellites into space. orbit.

Launch pads are springing up across Europe as the small rocket market takes off after decades of institutional dominance by national space agencies.

Besides Spain, Britain, Portugal, Germany and Iceland are also running projects to put satellites into orbit.

Sanchez’s announcement came on the same day that the world’s first 3D-printed rocket, made by California-based Relativity Space, was scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

© 2023 AFP