Ottawa, in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and NordSpace, has announced a collaborative investment of $10 million towards the establishment of a commercial spaceport on Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula. The Atlantic Spaceport Complex by the Ontario-based aerospace company will be situated in St. Lawrence, with ambitions of becoming Canada’s inaugural operational orbital spaceport.
NordSpace revealed that the federal government is contributing $1 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. Newfoundland and Labrador is also pitching in a total of $4 million, comprising a $1 million term loan and a $3 million forgivable loan linked to the creation of 100 full-time, permanent positions by 2033. Additionally, NordSpace is investing $5 million into the project.
CEO of NordSpace, Rahul Goel, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This is not just about building a spaceport; it is about building a future where a sovereign Canada leads in space by launching Canadian vehicles, from Canadian soil, carrying Canadian payloads.”
Last year, NordSpace encountered technical and logistical challenges leading to the cancellation of the launch of its suborbital Taiga rocket from St. Lawrence. As of July 29, the company is ready to attempt another launch pending authorization.
Sean Fraser, the federal minister overseeing ACOA, emphasized the necessity of investing in space exploration, stating, “Countries worldwide are rapidly developing their space capabilities, and Canada must not lag behind. Space is increasingly vital to our economy, security, and sovereignty.”
The funding announcement follows the introduction of the Canadian Space Launch Act in the House of Commons by the federal government, aimed at establishing a legislative framework for space launch and re-entry activities in Canada. Currently, Canada relies on other countries, such as the United States, for launching civilian and military spacecraft into orbit.
Fraser highlighted that NordSpace will enhance Canada’s launch capacity, elevate Newfoundland and Labrador’s appeal for private investments, and generate employment opportunities. Minister of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development in Newfoundland and Labrador, Lin Paddock, expressed optimism about the province’s role in bolstering the nation’s defense through projects like the Atlantic Spaceport Complex.
Overall, the establishment of the spaceport is envisioned to diversify the local economy and enhance the province’s presence in the rapidly expanding global space industry.
