Maritime Launch Services Ltd., a Halifax-based company, has partnered with a German aerospace firm, Isar Aerospace, to establish Canada’s first commercial rocket launch pad in Nova Scotia. The agreement involves building a dedicated complex for Isar’s Spectrum rocket at a site near Canso, N.S., on the Eastern Shore, with plans for orbital launches by 2028.
The Spectrum rocket, a two-stage vehicle designed for launching small and medium-size satellites into space, will be the main focus of the project. Isar Aerospace, which has its first launch site in Norway, has set up a new Canadian subsidiary, Isar Aerospace Canada Inc., to oversee operations in Canada.
Isar’s Vice President of Mission and Launch Operations, Alexandre Dalloneau, emphasized the importance of launch capacity for national defense and intelligence, highlighting the need for independent access to space data. This aligns with Canada’s strategic goals as outlined in the defense industrial strategy and the recent budget allocation of $183 million for developing space launch capabilities.
The federal government’s 10-year, $200-million lease with Maritime Launch signifies Canada’s push towards self-reliance in satellite launches, reducing dependence on other countries. The project, known as Spaceport Nova Scotia, aims to cater to commercial, civil, and defense clients, positioning itself as the country’s premier commercial launch pad once operational later this year.
Isar Aerospace plans to invest around $100 million in preparing the launch pad infrastructure, with construction expected to commence this year. The company targets space launches by 2028, aiming for up to 40 launches annually by 2029. The agreement stipulates that Isar will pay Maritime Launch $3.75 million US per fiscal quarter once operations are fully underway.
Maritime Launch CEO Stephen Matier finalized the deal with Isar during a NATO defense industry summit in Turkey. The company has already allocated launch pads among Isar, the federal government, and Montreal-based Reaction Dynamics, with discussions ongoing for additional clients. The collaboration with Isar and Canada’s participation in NATO Starlift exemplify international cooperation in the space industry.
The partnership signifies a significant milestone for Canada’s space ambitions, marking a step towards achieving full sovereign launch capabilities and fostering collaboration within NATO-allied nations.
(Source: CBC News)