The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Ottawa, and NordSpace have collectively pledged $10 million towards the establishment of a commercial spaceport on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland. NordSpace, a company based in Ontario, is developing the Atlantic Spaceport Complex in St. Lawrence with the goal of becoming Canada’s first operational orbital spaceport.
NordSpace disclosed that the federal government is contributing $1 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. Newfoundland and Labrador is investing a total of $4 million, comprising a $1 million term loan and a $3 million forgivable loan tied to the creation of 100 full-time, permanent positions by 2033. NordSpace is also contributing $5 million to the project.
CEO of NordSpace, Rahul Goel, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This is not just about building a spaceport; it is about building a future where a sovereign Canada leads in space by launching Canadian vehicles, from Canadian soil, carrying Canadian payloads.”
Last year, NordSpace encountered technical and logistical challenges during its attempt to launch the suborbital Taiga rocket from St. Lawrence. However, the company is now prepared for another launch pending authorization.
Sean Fraser, the federal minister overseeing ACOA, highlighted the importance of investing in space exploration, mentioning that other countries are rapidly advancing their space capabilities, and Canada must not be left behind.
This development follows the introduction of the Canadian Space Launch Act (C-28) by the federal government in the House of Commons to regulate 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.
Fraser stated that NordSpace’s project will enhance Canada’s launch capacity, elevate Newfoundland and Labrador’s attractiveness for private investments, and generate employment opportunities. Minister of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development in Newfoundland and Labrador, Lin Paddock, emphasized the role the province can play in bolstering the country’s defense and diversifying the economy through the Atlantic Spaceport Complex.
This venture aims to strengthen Canada’s presence in the global space industry while fostering economic growth and job creation in the region.