Students Reach New Heights With Spaceport Nova Scotia First Launch

Canada's new spaceport has had its first launch. Today a group of young Canadian STEM enthusiasts from the Arbalest Rocketry team, hailing from York University in Ontario, successfully launched their amateur high-powered rocket, named 'Goose 3,' from Spaceport Nova Scotia.

This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between Arbalest Rocketry and Launch Canada, an organization that supports over 1000 students from more than 25 universities and colleges across the country.

Launch Canada aims to unite academia, industry, and government to promote Canada's innovative potential and establish the nation as a leading player in space exploration.

Originally scheduled to take place yesterday, the launch event was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, the team remained undeterred and carried out the launch today amidst much excitement. While the initial plan was to have local, provincial, and federal officials, Indigenous leaders, and Nova Scotian students from the region in attendance, the rescheduled launch was limited to essential personnel due to logistical constraints.

"Today’s launch event is proof positive that Canada is actively developing highly skilled and talented aerospace professionals. Having access to a world-class launch location and infrastructure at home will help keep this wealth of talent in Canada and drive our country’s success in the 'global space' race." - Adam Trumpour, President of Launch Canada

The participation of Arbalest Rocketry in the inaugural launch from Spaceport Nova Scotia holds special meaning for Maritime Launch Services Inc., the company responsible for building Canada's first commercial spaceport. CEO Stephen Matier expressed his enthusiasm for hosting this student-led launch, highlighting the importance of the facility as a center for learning and innovation. Matier said, "While we are building a commercial spaceport to serve global market demand, it is critical that this facility also serve aspiring Canadian space industry members. It is only fitting that the first launch vehicle to take off from Spaceport Nova Scotia is domestically designed and launched by students from the Arbalest Rocketry team."

The event garnered attention from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Canadian Space Agency who were present to meet with the students and witness the launch. Members of the community, along with local, provincial, and federal government officials, leaders from the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, family and friends of the Arbalest Rocketry team, and officials from Transport Canada and NavCanada were also in attendance.

The successful launch of 'Goose 3' signifies the progress being made in Canadian rocketry and engineering education, further solidifying the country's pursuit of excellence in the space sector. As Canada continues to develop its space capabilities and foster talent within its borders, the prospects for a thriving Canadian space industry become increasingly promising.