Airtificial, on board the ‘Miura 5’ up to space
- The Company has signed a contract with PLD Space for the manufacture of composite components for the propulsion systems of the new Spanish orbital launch rocket, a strategic project for Europe’s space and defence autonomy.
- Airtificial Aerospace & Defence is thereby diversifying its activity and consolidating its position in highly complex aerospace programmes, such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the development and production of flight sticks for the Hürjet fighter of the Turkish Armed Forces, and the manufacture of structural components for Airbus military aircraft and other leading global manufacturers.
Madrid, 1 September 2025. Airtificial Group has expanded its business diversification with a move into the space sector. The Aerospace & Defence division has signed a partnership agreement with PLD Space to support the development of Miura 5, an orbital launcher designed to position Spain and Europe at the forefront of the new space race. From its Jerez facility, Airtificial will produce advanced composite panels –lighter and stronger than metal– that play a vital role in engine performance by separating the thruster nozzles, which channel the engines’ thrust and prevent overheating.
These composite components serve two key functions. Firstly, they provide support by keeping a fixed distance between the nozzles, preventing interference and protecting them from vibration or deformation during launch. Secondly, they act as thermal insulators, ensuring safety at lift-off by serving as barriers that shield surrounding systems from radiation.
Thanks to over 30 years of expertise in the manufacture of composite structural components –which replace metal– Airtificial Group’s aerospace division enables the Miura 5 to be lighter, thereby increasing its payload capacity with the same fuel consumption. This enhances energy efficiency by requiring less energy for launch.
Guillermo Fernández de Peñaranda, CEO of Airtificial Group, has highlighted that “PLD Space’s trust, as a pioneer in the Spanish space sector, in our engineering and bespoke production capabilities is a source of pride and further evidence of the key role played by our aerospace and defence division at national, European and global levels. This alliance also underlines, once again, our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the industry”.
A Reusable Launcher for a New Era of Space Access
The Miura 5 is a reusable orbital launcher, capable of recovering and reusing its main components after each mission. This feature significantly reduces launch costs, optimises resource use, and minimises the environmental impact of space operations. The composites produced by Airtificial Aerospace & Defence strengthen this reusability thanks to their high resistance to the extreme conditions of space, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of the components.
This space programme, designed by PLD Space, is a key milestone in securing Europe’s independent access to space. By participating in this project, Airtificial further consolidates its role in strategic space and defence programmes essential for Europe’s autonomy.
Over 30 Years of Know-How with Unique Industry Developments
Airtificial Aerospace & Defence has more than three decades of experience in the design and manufacture of composite materials for the civil aviation and defence industries, having reached the milestone of producing over 60,000 parts across more than 1,100 different references in 2024. It is also the only Spanish company –and one of the few worldwide– that designs, develops, and manufactures flight control sticks for the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) Hürjet fighter trainer, having delivered over 100 units in the past three years.
The division also participates in programmes such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a European defence initiative aimed at developing the next generation of air combat systems.
About Airtificial
Airtificial offers global and innovative design and manufacturing solutions for the automotive, civil and defence aerospace, infrastructure, and other industrial sectors, integrating advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence, which, combined with human interaction, contribute to more sustainable development. Listed on the Continuous Market, it has an operational presence in 18 countries across major markets in Europe, America, and Asia, contributing to the digital transformation and the automation and optimization of its clients’ industrial processes through sustainable and competitive growth.
Contacto de prensa:
Guiomar Pérez
Phone: +34 91 576 52 50 / +34 654 131 327
Lucía Pérez
Phone: +34 91 576 52 50 / +34 633 71 97 26
