SpaceX turns down three Space Force launch deals worth millions

SpaceX has declined three launch contracts offered by the US Space Force. The company told the military branch it would not proceed with the work, according to the latest edition of the Rocket Report published on October 23. This decision leaves three potential revenue streams on the table for the launch provider.

The move was one of two major updates involving SpaceX that surfaced on Thursday. On the civilian side, a NASA safety panel provided new data on the company's Starship vehicle. Panelists indicated that the rocket might require as many as 22 refueling events to support a lunar landing mission.

The high number of refuelings illustrates the specific engineering demands of the planned lunar architecture. The panel's findings suggest the mission profile will be technically demanding for the hardware.

In Spain, launch provider PLD Space is finalizing its Miura 5 rocket. Aviation Week reports that the small-lift vehicle is nearing final integration. The company targets its inaugural flight for before mid-2027.

PLD Space has built three Miura 5 vehicles. CEO Raúl Torres explained on October 19 that two of the rockets are intended to qualify key system elements. The third vehicle is the primary candidate for the debut flight.

Torres stated that building all three units allowed teams to work continuously across production and integration stages. He 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 fully integrated at the company's Teruel test facility. Teams are beginning system-level testing under representative operating conditions. The qualification campaign includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test.