SpaceX Declines Military Launch Contracts; Spanish Miura 5 Nears Testing

SpaceX has turned down three launch contracts offered by the US Space Force, and the Spanish firm PLD Space is advancing its Miura 5 rocket toward a full test campaign. For launch providers, this means a shift in available military business and a step toward qualifying hardware for upcoming missions. These developments, reported October 23, 2026, come alongside guidance from a NASA safety panel regarding the number of refuelings needed for Starship to support a lunar landing.

The US Space Force offered SpaceX three military launch contracts, but the company declined the opportunity. In a separate civil space matter, a NASA safety panel indicated that Starship may require up to 22 refuelings to support a lunar landing.

PLD Space reports that its Miura 5 rocket is nearing final integration. The company has manufactured three Miura 5 vehicles, with the other two designated to qualify key system elements. PLD Space targets a first flight of the small-lift vehicle before mid-2027.

One Miura 5 second stage has been fully integrated to begin system-level testing under representative operating conditions. The second stage is located at PLD's Teruel test facility for its qualification campaign, which includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test.

Reaction Dynamics, a Canadian launch startup, is seeking to raise $350 million. The funds would support expanding the staff from 68 to more than 350 people. Reaction Dynamics is developing the small-lift Aurora rocket, with plans to reach orbit in 2028.

Reaction Dynamics has also announced plans to build a medium-lift rocket, Borealis, for a debut by 2031.

The aerospace industry continues to see activity across launch providers and vehicle development. SpaceX's refusal of military contracts and the progress of PLD Space's Miura 5 reflect ongoing operations in the sector. Reaction Dynamics is pursuing funding to support its development efforts, targeting future milestones for its rockets.

Looking ahead, PLD Space aims for a Miura 5 flight before mid-2027. Reaction Dynamics targets an Aurora rocket orbit in 2028 and a Borealis debut by 2031. The US Space Force will need to address the launch contracts SpaceX declined, and NASA will continue to evaluate Starship's requirements for lunar missions.