SpaceX Declines Three US Space Force Launch Contracts
The company turned down the offers, while NASA raised concerns about a high number of Starship refuelings.
By Ayanda Kaminski ·
SpaceX has declined three launch contracts offered by the US Space Force. The decision was reported on Thursday, alongside a separate NASA safety panel finding that Starship could require up to 22 refuelings to support a lunar landing. These developments mark significant shifts in the company's near-term launch schedule and operational planning for civil space missions.
Regarding the military offers, SpaceX declined the three contracts provided by the US Space Force. The company did not provide a reason for refusing the launch opportunities. This move alters the potential allocation of military launch missions for the near future.
On the civil side, a NASA safety panel issued a report concerning Starship's lunar mission architecture. The panel determined that up to 22 refuelings may be required to support a landing on the moon. This assessment addresses the logistical complexity of fueling the vehicle for deep-space operations.
In other launch vehicle news, PLD Space is advancing its Miura 5 rocket toward its inaugural launch. The company reports the rocket is nearing final integration. It is one of three Miura 5 vehicles manufactured to qualify key system elements, with a first flight targeted before mid-2027.
Reaction Dynamics, a Canadian startup, is seeking to raise $350 million. The funding is intended to expand the company's staff from 68 to more than 350 people. Reaction Dynamics is developing the Aurora small-lift rocket, aiming for orbit in 2028, and plans a medium-lift rocket, Borealis, for a debut by 2031.
The refusal of military contracts and the refueling estimates for Starship come amid active discussions regarding launch capabilities. Meanwhile, international and commercial entities like PLD Space and Reaction Dynamics are progressing with new vehicle development and qualification campaigns.
Attention now turns to the development of these new rockets and the scheduling of future military launches. The implications of SpaceX's decision regarding the Space Force contracts remain to be seen.
Source: Ars Technica · original report published
