Launch Market: SpaceX skips military bids as Spain's Miura 5 nears 2027 debut

SpaceX has turned down three launch contracts proposed by the US Space Force, according to a report published on October 23. The company reportedly declined the offers with a direct message, signaling a shift in its commercial priorities.

This decision coincides with a major technical estimate from NASA. A safety panel indicated that SpaceX's Starship vehicle might require up to 22 separate refueling missions to support a lunar landing. This high number suggests the mission architecture remains demanding and complex.

In Europe, Spanish rocket maker PLD Space is moving toward its first launch. The company states that its Miura 5 small-lift rocket is nearing final integration. PLD Space now aims for a debut flight before mid-2027. This target follows a program update released in October.

The company has built three Miura 5 vehicles to support this timeline. CEO Raúl Torres explained that producing multiple units allows teams to work continuously across different production stages. He noted that lessons learned from qualification campaigns are applied directly to the launch vehicle. This approach helps streamline the path to orbit.

One second stage of the Miura 5 is now fully integrated. It is located at the company's test facility in Teruel, Spain. Engineers will conduct system-level testing under conditions that mimic actual operation. The qualification process includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test to verify performance.

Across the Atlantic, Canadian startup Reaction Dynamics is seeking new funding. The company aims to raise $350 million to expand its operations. This capital would allow it to grow its workforce from 68 employees to more than 350. The expansion supports the development of its Aurora small-lift rocket, which is targeted for orbit in 2028. The company also plans to debut a medium-lift vehicle named Borealis by 2031.