Launch Industry Updates: SpaceX Declines Military Work as European Rocket Near Completion
SpaceX turns down three US military contracts while PLD Space reports its Miura 5 rocket is nearly ready for its first flight.
By Kwame Silva ·
Three. That is the number of military launch contracts SpaceX recently declined, marking a significant strategic shift for the company in its relationship with the US Space Force. The decision, announced this week, signals a distinct pause in the company's participation in specific government procurement opportunities. While the firm continues to dominate the commercial launch market, this move highlights a complex dynamic in how private aerospace giants engage with national defense requirements. The rejection of these three specific offers has drawn attention to the evolving landscape of space infrastructure funding and the priorities of major launch providers.
The SpaceX refusal is part of a broader set of developments reported in the latest industry updates. Alongside the military contract news, a NASA safety panel issued a critical assessment regarding the company's flagship vehicle. The panel indicated that the Starship rocket may require as many as 22 refueling operations to support a lunar landing mission. This technical requirement underscores the immense complexity of the in-space refueling process that is central to SpaceX's long-term plans for deep space exploration. The figure of 22 tankers highlights the logistical hurdles that engineers must overcome to make sustained lunar missions a reality.
Meanwhile, in Europe, PLD Space is moving closer to a milestone for its Miura 5 rocket. The company states that the small-lift vehicle, which is scheduled for its inaugural launch next year, is nearing final integration. According to reports from Aviation Week, the rocket is one of three Miura 5 units that the company has already manufactured. The other two vehicles are designed to qualify key system elements, a strategy that allows the team to test critical components before the primary launch vehicle is finalized. CEO Raúl Torres noted in a program update on October 19 that this approach has been instrumental in their development process.
Torres explained that manufacturing all three vehicles allowed the teams to work continuously across different stages of production and integration. This method enabled them to apply lessons learned from each qualification campaign directly to the launch vehicle. One Miura 5 second stage is now fully integrated, kicking off system-level testing under representative operating conditions. This stage is currently at PLD’s Teruel test facility, where it is undergoing a rigorous qualification campaign. The testing includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test, which are essential steps to ensure the rocket's reliability.
The company is now targeting a first flight of the small-lift vehicle before mid-2027. This timeline reflects the steady progress of the project as it moves from the qualification phase to the operational phase. The successful completion of the current testing cycles will be crucial for meeting this deadline. As PLD Space pushes forward, the Miura 5 represents a significant entry for a European firm in the competitive global small-lift launch market.
Across the Atlantic, Canadian startup Reaction Dynamics is also making headlines with its financial and expansion plans. The company, one of three prominent Canadian launch startups, is seeking to raise $350 million. This funding is intended to support significant growth, specifically expanding its staff from 68 to more than 350 people. The capital injection will fuel the development of its Aurora rocket, a small-lift vehicle that Reaction Dynamics hopes will reach orbit in 2028. The company is positioning itself to compete in the growing demand for dedicated small-lift capabilities.
In addition to the Aurora, Reaction Dynamics has announced plans to build a medium-lift rocket named Borealis. This larger vehicle is slated for a debut by 2031. The dual-rocket strategy allows the company to address different segments of the launch market. By developing both small and medium-lift options, Reaction Dynamics aims to provide a comprehensive suite of services for customers with varying payload sizes and mission requirements. The upcoming funding round is a critical step in bringing the Borealis program to fruition.
These developments collectively paint a picture of a dynamic and evolving launch industry. From SpaceX's selective engagement with military contracts to the technical challenges of Starship refueling, the major players are navigating complex technical and strategic landscapes. Simultaneously, emerging companies like PLD Space and Reaction Dynamics are advancing their vehicles toward flight and securing the capital needed to scale. The coming months will likely bring further clarity on how these initiatives unfold, with test flights and funding rounds serving as key indicators of progress in the global space sector.
