Ottawa, along with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and NordSpace, have disclosed 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, aiming to become Canada’s inaugural operational orbital spaceport.
NordSpace confirmed 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 providing a total of $4 million, consisting of a $1 million term loan and a $3 million forgivable loan tied to the creation of 100 full-time, permanent positions by 2033. NordSpace itself is contributing $5 million to the project.
CEO of NordSpace, Rahul Goel, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond just constructing a spaceport but envisions a future where Canada leads in space activities by launching Canadian vehicles from Canadian soil carrying Canadian payloads. Previously, NordSpace had to cancel the launch of its suborbital Taiga rocket from St. Lawrence due to technical and logistical issues. However, the company is now prepared for a new launch pending authorization.
Sean Fraser, the federal minister overseeing ACOA, highlighted the significance of investing in space exploration, stating that other countries are rapidly advancing their space capabilities, and Canada must not be left behind. He referenced the recent introduction of the Canadian Space Launch Act in the House of Commons to establish a legal framework for space launch and re-entry operations in Canada.
Currently, Canada relies on other nations, such as the United States, for launching civilian and military spacecraft into orbit. Fraser believes that NordSpace will enhance Canada’s launch capacity, elevate Newfoundland and Labrador’s appeal for private investments, and create employment opportunities.
Lin Paddock, N.L. Minister of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development, emphasized the province’s potential in contributing to national security through the Atlantic Spaceport Complex. The initiative is expected to diversify the regional economy and reinforce Newfoundland and Labrador’s position in the rapidly expanding global space industry.