SpaceX declines military contracts as European rival nears launch readiness

A significant realignment in the commercial space sector occurred this week, marked by a notable rejection of government contracts by a leading private provider and a critical milestone for a European rocket program.

US Space Force officials offered three military launch contracts to SpaceX earlier in the week. In a move that surprised many industry observers, the company declined the opportunity. This decision signals a strategic shift in how the firm allocates its launch capacity, prioritizing its internal roadmap over immediate government workloads during this period.

The rejection coincides with technical discussions regarding the company's flagship vehicle. A NASA safety panel reviewed the requirements for a lunar landing using the Starship system. The group concluded that the vehicle may require up to 22 separate refueling operations in orbit to achieve the necessary mass for a mission to the Moon. This high number of transfers underscores the complexity of the architecture required for deep space exploration.

Across the Atlantic, PLD Space announced that its Miura 5 rocket is approaching final integration. The company, based in Spain, is preparing for the inaugural flight of this small-lift vehicle. According to reports from Aviation Week, the rocket is now in its final stages of assembly and testing, with a target launch date set for before the middle of 2027.

The progress of the Miura 5 program relies on a methodical approach to manufacturing and qualification. CEO Raúl Torres stated that the company has already manufactured three units of the rocket. Two of these vehicles are dedicated to qualifying key system elements, allowing the engineering teams to apply lessons learned directly to the flight-ready version. Torres emphasized that this continuous production cycle has been vital for refining the design.

Specific testing is currently underway at the company's facility in Teruel. One second stage of the Miura 5 has been fully integrated and is undergoing system-level testing under conditions that mimic actual operating environments. The qualification campaign includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test, which are essential steps to ensure the structural and propulsive integrity of the vehicle before its debut.

In North America, Reaction Dynamics is expanding its operations and seeking new capital. The Canadian startup has announced a goal to raise 350 million dollars. This funding is intended to support a significant workforce expansion, growing the staff from 68 to more than 350 employees. The company is currently developing the Aurora rocket, a small-lift vehicle that aims to reach orbit by 2028.

Beyond the near-term goals for the Aurora, Reaction Dynamics has outlined plans for a larger medium-lift rocket named Borealis. The company expects this second vehicle to make its debut by 2031. The simultaneous development of both small and medium-lift systems indicates a strategy to capture a broader segment of the launch market as the industry matures.

These developments collectively highlight the increasing maturity and diversification of the global launch industry. While established players like SpaceX refine their deep-space capabilities, emerging competitors in Europe and Canada are moving from development to operational readiness, setting the stage for a more competitive market in the coming years.