SpaceX has declined three upcoming Space Force satellite launch contracts, citing a lack of current capacity. The missions, which include two for the Space Development Agency, remain unassigned as other providers like United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin address technical setbacks with their own vehicles.
Blue Origin is expanding its Florida launch facilities to support a target of over 100 launches annually. The company plans to add two more launch pads for the New Glenn rocket, construct a new manufacturing plant for upper stages, and acquire two additional landing ships for stage recovery.
PLD Space is nearing final integration of its Miura 5 rocket, targeting a maiden flight before mid-2027. Meanwhile, Canadian startup Reaction Dynamics is seeking $350 million to scale its workforce and develop the Aurora small-lift rocket for a 2028 debut, followed by the Borealis medium-lift vehicle in 2031.
Arianespace confirmed the next Ariane 6 launch is scheduled for no earlier than November 23. The mission will carry 36 Amazon Leo satellites using the four-booster Ariane 64 configuration, following the resolution of a turbopump anomaly that previously impacted the schedule.
NASA's safety panel estimated that a Starship lunar landing requires approximately 22 refueling flights, a figure Elon Musk disputed, stating the actual requirement is between 6 and 8. SpaceX is currently preparing for its 15th Starship test flight in November, aiming to catch both the first and upper stages.
