SpaceX declines military launch contracts as PLD Space nears test phase

SpaceX has declined three launch contracts offered by the U.S. Space Force. This decision coincides with findings from a NASA safety advisory panel, which suggested that the company's Starship vehicle could require as many as 22 refuelings to support a lunar landing mission.

In the small-launch sector, Spanish firm PLD Space is moving toward final integration of its Miura 5 rocket. CEO Raúl Torres confirmed that the company has manufactured three units of the vehicle, with two designated for system qualification and testing ahead of the primary flight model.

PLD Space currently projects the inaugural launch of the Miura 5 before mid-2027. The development represents a significant milestone for the firm as it attempts to capture a portion of the small-lift satellite launch market.