SpaceX declines three US Space Force bids; Spain sets 2027 Miura 5 target

SpaceX has turned down three launch contracts offered by the US Space Force, according to the Rocket Report published on October 23. The company informed the military branch that it would not accept the offers, marking one of two major updates regarding the firm's operations this week.

A NASA safety review board provided the second update, stating that SpaceX's Starship vehicle may require as many as 22 refueling operations to support a lunar landing. This figure indicates the high complexity of the mission architecture proposed for the spacecraft.

In Spain, launch provider PLD Space reported that its Miura 5 rocket is entering final integration. The company now targets a first launch for the small-lift vehicle before mid-2027. This schedule follows the company's decision to build three separate Miura 5 airframes.

PLD Space CEO Raúl Torres explained the strategy in a program update on October 19. He stated that the first two rockets are designed to qualify key system elements, while the third vehicle is prepared for its inaugural flight. Torres noted that building all three units allowed engineering teams to work continuously across production and integration stages. "Manufacturing these three vehicles has allowed our teams to work continuously across different stages of production and integration, applying the lessons learned from each qualification campaign directly to the launch vehicle," Torres said.

One Miura 5 second stage is now fully integrated. This allows system-level testing under representative operating conditions to begin immediately. The stage is located at PLD Space's Teruel test facility, where it will undergo a qualification campaign. This campaign includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test to verify performance.

In Canada, Reaction Dynamics announced plans to raise $350 million to expand its workforce. The company currently employs 68 people and aims to grow its staff to more than 350. The funding will support the development of the Aurora rocket, a small-lift vehicle targeted for orbit in 2028. Reaction Dynamics also announced plans for a medium-lift vehicle named Borealis, with a debut targeted by 2031.