SpaceX Turns Down US Military Launch Contracts

The US military recently offered launch deals to SpaceX, a move that caught attention this week. The company informed the US Space Force that it would not be taking on three military launch contracts it was offered. This refusal came alongside another development concerning SpaceX's Starship vehicle. A NASA safety panel stated that Starship might need up to 22 refuelings to support a mission to the moon.

Regarding the Starship refueling requirement, this information was shared by a NASA safety panel. The panel's assessment outlines the number of flights potentially needed to support a lunar landing using the vehicle. SpaceX has not commented publicly on this specific assessment in the provided information.

Beyond SpaceX, progress is being made on other rockets. PLD Space is reporting that its Miura 5 rocket is nearing final integration. This rocket is one of three Miura 5 vehicles the company has already manufactured. The other two are designed to qualify key system elements, according to CEO Raúl Torres, who gave an October 19 program update. PLD Space now targets a first flight of the small-lift vehicle before mid-2027.

Raúl Torres said, "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." One Miura 5 second stage is now fully integrated. It is at PLD's Teruel test facility to begin system-level testing under representative operating conditions, which includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test.

Funding is a focus for another company in the space sector. Reaction Dynamics, one of three prominent Canadian launch startups, is seeking to raise $350 million. This capital would be used to grow its staff from 68 to more than 350 people. The company is developing the small-lift Aurora rocket, which it hopes will reach orbit in 2028.

Reaction Dynamics has also announced plans to build a medium-lift rocket, Borealis, for a debut by 2031. The company is looking to increase its personnel count as it works on developing these launch vehicles. The funding round is a significant step for the startup as it plans to expand its operations and workforce.

The coming months will see continued development on these various rocket programs. PLD Space is preparing to conduct system-level testing on a second stage for its Miura 5 rocket. Reaction Dynamics will be working to secure the funding it is seeking to expand its team. SpaceX has not provided further details on its decision regarding the military launch contracts or the Starship refueling assessment.

The decision by SpaceX regarding the military launch contracts could have implications for its future work with the US Space Force. The company's refusal to accept the three contracts it was offered raises questions about its current priorities and capabilities. The information about Starship's refueling needs for a lunar mission also adds to the ongoing discussion about the vehicle's design and operational plans.