Ottawa, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and NordSpace have revealed a collaborative $10 million investment in the establishment of a commercial spaceport on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland. The Atlantic Spaceport Complex by the Ontario-based aerospace firm will be situated in St. Lawrence and aims to become Canada’s primary operational orbital spaceport, as outlined on NordSpace’s official website. NordSpace declared on Thursday 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, consisting of a $1 million term loan and a $3 million forgivable loan tied to the establishment of 100 full-time, permanent positions by 2033. NordSpace is investing $5 million in the project.
NordSpace CEO Rahul Goel emphasized the significance of the 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 attempted to launch its suborbital Taiga rocket from St. Lawrence but had to cancel due to technical and logistical challenges. The company is now gearing up for another launch pending authorization.
Sean Fraser, the federal minister responsible for ACOA, stressed the importance of investing in space exploration, noting that other nations are rapidly advancing their space capabilities, and Canada must not fall behind. A recent development in this regard is the introduction of the Canadian Space Launch Act, or C-28, in the House of Commons to establish a legal framework for space launch and re-entry activities in Canada. Currently, Canada relies on other countries like the United States for launching civilian and military spacecraft into orbit.
Fraser mentioned that NordSpace’s project will enhance Canada’s launch capacity, elevate Newfoundland and Labrador’s appeal for private investment, and generate employment opportunities. Lin Paddock, N.L.’s Minister of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development, highlighted the province’s role in bolstering the country’s defense through the Atlantic Spaceport Complex. Paddock expressed optimism that the spaceport will diversify the local economy and solidify the province’s position in the rapidly expanding global space industry.