Spain targets 2027 rocket debut

Spanish launch provider PLD Space has set a target to conduct its first Miura 5 launch before mid-2027, marking the upcoming debut of its small-lift vehicle.

The company stated that one of its three built Miura 5 vehicles is currently in final integration. CEO Raúl Torres reported on October 19 that the remaining two rockets serve to qualify key system elements. This approach allows engineering teams to apply lessons from qualification campaigns directly to the launch vehicle.

A fully integrated second stage is undergoing testing at the Teruel facility. This stage is undergoing a qualification campaign that includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test. These procedures verify system-level performance under representative operating conditions.

In separate developments, SpaceX declined three launch contracts offered by the United States Space Force. The company reportedly communicated its decision with the phrase "thanks, but no thanks." This decision stands out as a notable shift in the military launch market.

A NASA safety panel also issued guidance on SpaceX's Starship vehicle. The panel indicated that the spacecraft might require up to 22 refueling operations to support a lunar landing. This figure reflects the complexity of the mission architecture.

In Canada, launch startup Reaction Dynamics aims to raise $350 million. The capital would support workforce expansion from 68 employees to more than 350. The company is developing the Aurora small-lift rocket for a 2028 orbital debut and the Borealis medium-lift vehicle for a 2031 launch.