SpaceX rejects three Space Force bids; PLD Space aims for 2027 Miura 5 launch

SpaceX has turned down three launch contracts offered by the US Space Force. The company informed the military branch of its decision, effectively closing out those specific procurement opportunities. This move marks one of two major developments involving the firm in the past week.

The second development concerns the technical architecture of SpaceX’s Starship program. A NASA safety panel indicated that a lunar landing mission might require up to 22 in-space refueling operations. This high number suggests the complexity and demanding nature of the proposed mission profile for the vehicle.

In Europe, Spanish launch provider PLD Space is advancing its Miura 5 rocket. The company states the small-lift vehicle is approaching final integration. PLD Space now targets a first flight before mid-2027. This timeline follows the completion of manufacturing for three distinct Miura 5 vehicles.

Raúl Torres, CEO of PLD Space, discussed the production strategy in an update on October 19. He explained that the company built all three rockets to enable continuous work across different production 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 engineers to begin system-level testing under representative operating conditions. The stage is currently located at PLD’s Teruel test facility. It will undergo a qualification campaign that includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test. The other two rockets are intended to qualify key system elements before the primary launch vehicle flies.

Meanwhile, in Canada, Reaction Dynamics is seeking to raise $350 million. The company aims to expand its workforce from 68 employees to more than 350 with the new funding. Reaction Dynamics is developing a small-lift rocket called Aurora, with a target orbital debut in 2028. The company has also announced plans for a medium-lift vehicle named Borealis, targeted to debut by 2031.