22 Refuels: SpaceX's Lunar Path Raises Safety Questions

SpaceX's Starship would require up to 22 refueling missions to support a lunar landing, according to a NASA safety panel. The number was disclosed in an update dated October 22, raising questions about the operational complexity of the mission profile. The refueling process involves transferring propellant between Starship vehicles in orbit, a capability SpaceX has yet to demonstrate at the scale required for a crewed landing.

The announcement comes as SpaceX also declined an offer from the U.S. Space Force for three military launch contracts. The company told the service it would not accept the work, citing no specific reason in the disclosure. The decision to pass on government contracts is notable given SpaceX's history with national security launches.

In Europe, PLD Space is nearing final integration of its Miura 5 rocket. CEO Raúl Torres said in an October 19 program update that the vehicle is one of three Miura 5s manufactured by the company. The other two rockets were built to qualify key system elements, allowing teams to apply lessons learned from qualification campaigns to the launch vehicle.

A second stage for the Miura 5 has been fully integrated to begin system-level testing under representative operating conditions. The stage is located at PLD's Teruel test facility for its qualification campaign, which includes a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test. PLD Space targets a first flight of the small-lift vehicle before mid-2027.

Reaction Dynamics is seeking to raise $350 million to expand its workforce. The Canadian startup plans to grow its staff from 68 to more than 350 people. The company is developing the small-lift Aurora rocket, which it hopes will reach orbit in 2028, and has also announced plans for a medium-lift rocket called Borealis for a debut by 2031.

The developments highlight the varying challenges facing different players in the launch industry. While SpaceX grapples with the logistical demands of lunar missions, smaller firms are working to scale up operations and bring new rockets to the pad. The next three launches on the calendar are pending.