NordSpace Announces New Spaceport Canada and $5M Investment

In a historic announcement for Canada on July 31, 2024, NordSpace Corp announced a $5 million investment in the first phase of Spaceport Canada's development, the countries first operational spaceport, supporting the nation's ambition to achieve sovereign launch capabilities.

"Canada's environment, economy, security, and sovereignty are at stake. We have a decision to make as a nation. Will we remain spectators, or will we aspire to be leaders in the new commercial space era?" - Rahul Goel, NordSpace CEO

A Strategic National Asset

Spaceport Canada, wholly owned and operated by NordSpace Corp., is designed to support the company's orbital launch vehicle, Tundra, along with partner launch vehicles under the forthcoming Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) between the United States and Canada. As a pioneering Canadian space technology company, NordSpace is developing an integrated solution that includes sustainable launch vehicles, portable spaceport solutions, and cost-effective satellite systems.

The company is actively collaborating with the Canadian Government to ensure the project's success, receiving backing from Transport Canada, NAV Canada, Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, and Space Canada.

Canada is currently the only G7 nation without sovereign launch capabilities.

Economic and Strategic Benefits

The establishment of Spaceport Canada promises significant advantages for national security, environmental protection, and global leadership. It is expected to generate approximately 650 new highly qualified jobs (HQPs) over the next decade and contribute $2.5 billion to economic development.

"We are facing another Avro Arrow moment in Canada, and have a decision to make as a nation. Will we remain spectators, or will we aspire to be participants and leaders in the new commercial space era?...Opening the floodgates to space with a Canadian launch vehicle, from a Canadian spaceport, carrying a Canadian payload - that is the definition of sovereign launch, and it will change the shape of our great nation for generations. We are working day and night and investing significant resources because time is of the essence. We are building this end-to-end capability, not a piecemeal solution, for all Canadians." - Rahul Goel, NordSpace CEO

"The value of developing domestic space launch capabilities, including commercial, cannot be understated as it will allow us to launch Canadian space technologies from Canada. In addition to the fact that the demand for commercial launch services is growing both nationally and globally, given space is a strategic sector playing a pivotal role in defense by protecting our security and sovereignty, Canada needs to enhance its domestic launch capabilities," - Brian Gallant, CEO of Space Canada and Former Premier of New Brunswick,

Spaceport Site Selection

NordSpace has been working closely with various provinces across Canada to identify the most suitable location for Spaceport Canada.

The process includes touring multiple sites, engaging with local communities and governments, conducting preliminary environmental and aeronautical studies, and submitting applications for rezoning, land acquisition, and permitting where necessary. The final location for Spaceport Canada will be announced prior to the second launch of NordSpace's experimental suborbital vehicle, scheduled to take place at the new spaceport.

The planned infrastructure for Spaceport Canada includes two launch pads, Pad A and Pad B, which will offer launch inclinations between 45 to 95 degrees, facilitating one of the widest ranges of orbits in North America.

Pad A will be dedicated to NordSpace’s Tundra launch vehicle, while Pad B will be available for U.S. partner launch vehicles, with details to be disclosed later.

The TSA between Canada and the United States will enable Pad B to serve as a critical resource for U.S.-based launches, with NordSpace collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense, Space Systems Command, and the U.S. Space Force to ensure strategic alignment.

Government Endorsement

The Canadian Government has shown strong support for commercial space launches.

"By enabling commercial space launch from Canada, we are creating the conditions for a vibrant and growing space sector, including an opportunity to create thousands of more jobs, which will make us more competitive internationally and more resilient at home,” - The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry

With the development of Spaceport Canada, NordSpace is poised to propel Canada into a new era of space exploration and commercial space launch.