22 Refueling Missions: NASA Panel Flags Starship Lunar Landing Risk

A NASA safety panel has identified a significant operational challenge for the planned Artemis III lunar landing, stating that SpaceX's Starship could require up to 22 orbital refueling missions to support the mission. This finding, reported on October 23, 2026, highlights a critical and complex logistical step for the upcoming crewed lunar landing.

The core issue revolves around the immense amount of propellant needed for Starship to travel to the Moon and back. To achieve this, the vehicle must be fueled in low Earth orbit. The panel's assessment indicates that this in-orbit fueling process would necessitate a large number of tanker flights to transfer the required cryogenic propellants to the lander. This operational requirement was identified alongside other news concerning SpaceX, including the company's decision to decline three military launch contracts offered by the U.S. Space Force.

While the Starship mission poses significant logistical questions, the development of other launch vehicles continues. In Spain, PLD Space is making progress on its Miura 5 rocket, which is approaching the final stages of integration for its first flight. The company has manufactured three of these small-lift vehicles, with the other two intended for qualification testing of key systems. PLD Space's CEO, Raúl Torres, stated on October 19 that the manufacturing process has been beneficial. "Manufacturing these three vehicles has allowed our teams to work continuously across different stages of production and integration, applying the lessons learned from each qualification campaign directly to the launch vehicle," Torres said.

One of the Miura 5's second stages has been fully integrated and is now at a test facility in Teruel for its qualification campaign. This process will include a wet dress rehearsal and a static hot-fire test. PLD Space is targeting a first flight for the vehicle before mid-2027.

In Canada, another commercial space venture is seeking significant funding to scale its operations. Reaction Dynamics, a startup developing the small-lift Aurora rocket, is attempting to raise $350 million. The company plans to use the capital to expand its workforce from 68 to over 350 employees. Reaction Dynamics aims for the Aurora rocket to reach orbit in 2028. The firm has also announced plans for a medium-lift rocket named Borealis, with a target debut by 2031.

The developments across the sector reflect a period of active preparation for future missions. The proposed 22 refueling flights for Starship introduce a new set of questions regarding mission timelines and complexity. Meanwhile, the continued progress of vehicles like the Miura 5 and the fundraising efforts by companies such as Reaction Dynamics underscore the ongoing growth in the commercial launch industry.