Rocket Report: SpaceX says no thanks to military launches; Spanish rocket nearly ready
SpaceX recently declined three National Security Space Launch contracts offered by the US Space Force, according to reports. No other rocket companies offered to take the missions.
SpaceX recently declined three National Security Space Launch contracts offered by the US Space Force, according to reports. No other rocket companies offered to take the missions. A top Space Force official, Brig. Gen. Eric Zarybnisky, acknowledged growing pains as new commercial providers work through setbacks. The declined missions included two for the Space Development Agency, which is building a satellite network in low-Earth orbit for missile tracking and data services.
SpaceX has been turning down new Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy contracts across various customer segments. Meanwhile, other potential providers like United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin continue working through their own technical problems. Separately, the NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel stated that supporting a Starship lunar landing could require up to 22 refuelings.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk disputed that estimate, stating the actual number will be closer to six to eight flights.
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Original publication: 23 October 2026 16:30
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