Spain to Revolutionize Space Transport Industry with First Private Reusable Rocket

With the launch of what could be Western Europe's first-ever private reusable rocket later this year, two visionary Spanish engineers are determined to position their country as a leader in the space transport industry.

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In a bid to establish their country as a leader in space transport technology, two engineers from Spain are gearing up to launch what is potentially Western Europe's first privately-owned, reusable rocket later this year.

Story behind the name

Raul Torres and Raul Verdu, both employed by Spanish launch company PLD Space, have christened their suborbital microlauncher "Miura 1" after a famous breed of bull from Spain's bullfighting heritage.

Specifications

The rocket, which stands as tall as a three-story building, is equipped with a 100-kilogram (220-pound) cargo capacity and can also facilitate zero-gravity experiments.

PLD Space intends to launch the Miura 1 rocket in Huelva, located in the southern region of Spain, to open up opportunities for future commercial launches. However, no specific date has been announced yet.

'Miura 1' unveiling

During the rocket's unveiling at a military base on Saturday, Ezequiel Sanchez, the executive president of PLD Space, proclaimed that it showcased Spain's "technological leadership in Europe."

Meanwhile, London-based company Orbex is also developing a plan to send small satellites into low Earth orbit from Scotland, but an exact launch date has yet to be established.

Spanish PM Sanchez's thoughts

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who was in attendance during the rocket's unveiling on Saturday, praised the progress of the microlauncher's development as a significant stride towards realizing Spain's aspirations in space exploration.

"This is something we should share among the whole of Spanish society which will put Spain at the vanguard of this emerging but potent industry," he said.

The Spanish Space Agency

On March 7, Spain established its own national space agency, joining a growing number of European nations striving to compete with other global players in the field of space exploration.

The Spanish Space Agency, headquartered in the southern city of Seville, is expected to commence its operations with a budget of 700 million euros ($745 million) in the first year and a workforce of 75 individuals.

Europe Boosts Space Spending by 17%

In November, European countries made a pact to elevate spending on space exploration by 17% to remain competitive with the likes of the United States and China.

Spanish Astronauts Appointed by ESA after 30 Years

Spain's reputation in the aerospace industry has been elevated not just by the augmented public expenditure, but also due to the European Space Agency's appointment of the first two Spanish astronauts in three decades, Pablo Alvarez and Sara Garcia.