Opportunity Overview

Description of the Opportunity

This Announcement of Opportunity seeks to select worldwide satellites for the launch opportunities presented by MIURA 5’s first Demonstration Flights. In particular, this refers to MIURA 5 maiden launch, scheduled for Q4 2025, and MIURA 5 second Demonstration Flight, planned for Q1 2026.

The Announcement is open to all institutional, educational and commercial satellites worldwide.

Selected satellites will receive standard launch services at no charge. Any extra or Non-Standard Services must be arranged with PLD Space, and associated costs borne by the selected candidates.

MIURA 5 Launch Vehicle

MIURA 5 is an orbital launcher with a two-stage configuration and a height of 35.7 metres that is designed, built and operated by PLD Space. With the capacity to place payloads of up to 540 kg in a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), MIURA 5 operates from the world-renowned Kourou spaceport in French Guiana.

MIURA 5 contributes to ultra-green and clean technology practices with measures such as the recovery of its first stage, which is retrieved from the ocean and reused for subsequent missions.

In addition, PLD Space uses bio-kerosene (bio RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX) in its in-house designed TEPREL-C engines, thereby contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.

Technical Requirements

Type of Satellite Requirement

The maximum aggregated mass of the satellites eligible under this Announcement of Opportunity is 450 kg per flight. This includes small satellites meeting the mass requirement and fitting into the volume under the MIURA 5 fairing, as described in the latest MIURA 5 Payload User Guide (to be shared with pre-selected candidates – see Section 5).

Orbital Requirement

• Launch Window:
  • Demo 1 (Maiden Flight): Q4 2025
  • Demo 2: Q1 2026
• Altitude: 500 km
• Eccentricity: 0
• LTAN: TBD
• Inclination: SSO

All mission variables as described in above are subject to change and will be finalized in the Launch Service Agreement signed by PLD Space and the selected candidates. Candidates are requested to indicate their flexibility with respect to the above parameters. Additionally, satellites may be re-distributed between the first and second flights for mission optimization, although candidates’ preferences will be considered. Final LTANs will be determined once all satellites have been selected and Demonstration Flight missions defined.

No Harm

PLD Space is firmly committed to the Do No Harm principle in all its endeavors. This principle is integral to our mission, guiding us to ensure that our operations, technologies, and payloads do not cause harm to humans, animals, the environment, or property. We prioritize safety, ethical responsibility, and sustainability, implementing rigorous testing and evaluation processes to uphold this commitment

Associated Costs

Each candidate must independently cover the costs associated with meeting all technical requirements and any additional testing deemed necessary to ensure the safety of the corresponding satellite.

PLD Space shall commit to covering expenses related to mission management, accommodation on the MIURA 5 launcher, propellant handling, launch-site transport, storage and handling costs, as appropriate, as well as any other operational costs associated with Standard Service provision as outlined in the MIURA 5 Payload User Guide (to be shared with pre-selected candidates).

However, in order to increase their competitiveness and commitment, candidates are encouraged to propose an additional financial contribution towards the mission launch service.

Additionally, the negotiation of Non-Standard Services (as described in the MIURA 5 Payload User Guide) and their costs will take place between the customer and PLD Space. These expenses will be the responsibility of the customer.