Ottawa, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and NordSpace, announced a collaborative investment of $10 million towards the construction of a commercial spaceport on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland. The Atlantic Spaceport Complex, operated by the Ontario-based aerospace company, will be situated in St. Lawrence and aims to become Canada’s first operational orbital spaceport, as stated on NordSpace’s official website.
NordSpace disclosed that the federal government will contribute $1 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. Newfoundland and Labrador will provide a total of $4 million, comprising a $1 million term loan and a $3 million forgivable loan tied to the establishment of 100 full-time, permanent positions by 2033. NordSpace itself will contribute $5 million to the project.
CEO Rahul Goel of NordSpace emphasized that the initiative goes beyond constructing a spaceport; it envisions a future where Canada takes the lead in space exploration by launching Canadian vehicles, from Canadian soil, carrying Canadian payloads. Previously, the company faced technical and logistical challenges during its attempt to launch the suborbital Taiga rocket from St. Lawrence but is now preparing for another launch pending authorization.
Sean Fraser, the federal minister responsible for ACOA, highlighted the significance of investing in space exploration, noting that other countries are rapidly advancing their space capabilities, and Canada must not fall behind. The Canadian Space Launch Act, introduced in the House of Commons by the federal government, aims to establish a legislative framework for space launch and re-entry activities in Canada.
Currently, Canada relies on other nations, such as the United States, for launching civilian and military spacecraft into orbit. NordSpace’s involvement is expected to bolster Canada’s launch capacity, enhance Newfoundland and Labrador’s attractiveness for private investments, and generate employment opportunities.
Lin Paddock, the N.L. Minister of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development, emphasized the province’s role in securing the country’s defense through the Atlantic Spaceport Complex. He highlighted the project’s potential to diversify the economy and strengthen the province’s presence in the rapidly expanding global space industry.
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