SpaceX passes on US military deals while Spanish rocket nears final assembly
The US Space Force was turned down on three launch contracts, and a Spanish startup is finalizing its first rocket for a flight before mid-2027.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
The dynamic between commercial space companies and the US government shifted this week when SpaceX decided to turn down business. The company informed the US Space Force that it was not interested in three offered military launch contracts. It is a clear signal of where the company currently stands with its commercial priorities, even as it navigates complex technical challenges on the civilian side.
This decision comes against a backdrop of significant news regarding the Starship program. A NASA safety panel indicated that the vehicle may require up to 22 refueling stops to support a lunar landing. That is a substantial logistical hurdle that adds complexity to the company's long-term goals for the moon.
While the US is dealing with these high-profile decisions, a smaller player in Europe is making steady progress. PLD Space, a Spanish company, reported that its Miura 5 rocket is nearing final integration. The vehicle is scheduled for its inaugural launch next year, marking a significant milestone for the small-lift sector.
PLD Space has already manufactured three of these rockets. According to CEO Raúl Torres, the other two units were designed to qualify key system elements. This approach has allowed the engineering teams to work continuously across different stages of production and integration. They are applying the lessons learned from each qualification campaign directly to the launch vehicle.
The company is currently targeting a first flight for the small-lift vehicle before mid-2027. One Miura 5 second stage is now fully integrated. This step kicks off system-level testing under representative operating conditions. The stage is located at PLD’s Teruel test facility where it is undergoing its qualification campaign.
The testing process includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test. These steps are critical to ensuring the rocket is ready for its initial mission. The progress suggests that the European launch market is becoming more active as new vehicles approach their debut windows.
Across the Atlantic, another startup is looking to expand its operations significantly. Reaction Dynamics, a Canadian company, is seeking to raise 350 million dollars. The funds are intended to grow its staff from 68 to more than 350 people. This expansion is necessary to support the development of its small-lift Aurora rocket.
Reaction Dynamics hopes the Aurora will reach orbit in 2028. The company has also announced plans to build a medium-lift rocket called Borealis. That vehicle is targeted for a debut by 2031. These moves indicate a continued push by newer companies to establish themselves in the competitive launch market.
