Rocket Report: SpaceX rejects military deals as Spain prepares Miura 5

SpaceX has rejected three launch contracts from the United States Space Force. The decision was reported in the Rocket Update published on October 23. The company communicated the refusal directly to military officials.

The rejection stands out because the Space Force actively solicited the work. SpaceX is known for its strong relationship with government customers. This specific move to pass on military hardware represents a shift in how the company is allocating its launch capacity.

In Spain, PLD Space is completing the final assembly of the Miura 5 rocket. Aviation Week reported that the small-lift vehicle is nearing its debut. The company now targets a first launch before the middle of 2027. This timeline marks a new phase for European private rocket development.

PLD Space has built three Miura 5 vehicles in total. CEO Raúl Torres explained the strategy during an update on October 19. Two of the rockets are designed to test and qualify system elements. The third is the flight-ready vehicle.

Torres stated that building all three units allowed his teams to work without stopping. They moved through production and integration stages continuously. Lessons from the qualification tests are being applied directly to the launch vehicle. One second stage is already fully integrated.

That integrated stage is currently at the PLD test facility in Teruel. It will undergo system-level testing under realistic conditions. The qualification campaign includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test. These steps are standard for verifying rocket performance before flight.

Reaction Dynamics in Canada is seeking to raise $350 million. The startup aims to grow its workforce from 68 to over 350 employees. The company is developing a small-lift rocket named Aurora. It hopes to reach orbit with that vehicle in 2028. A medium-lift vehicle called Borealis is targeted for debut by 2031.