The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with Ottawa and NordSpace, has revealed a collaborative investment of $10 million towards the development of a commercial spaceport on Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula. NordSpace’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex, to be situated in St. Lawrence, aims to become Canada’s first operational orbital spaceport.
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, comprising 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.”
The company had previously faced technical and logistical challenges in attempting to launch its suborbital rocket, Taiga, from St. Lawrence. However, it is now prepared for another launch pending authorization.
Sean Fraser, the federal minister responsible for ACOA, highlighted the importance of investing in space exploration, noting that space is increasingly crucial for the economy, security, and sovereignty of nations worldwide.
This announcement follows the introduction of the Canadian Space Launch Act in the House of Commons, aimed at establishing a legislative framework for space launch and re-entry activities in Canada. Currently, Canada relies on other countries, such as the United States, for launching civilian and military spacecraft into orbit.
Fraser emphasized that NordSpace’s project will enhance Canada’s launch capabilities, elevate Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination for private investment, and generate employment opportunities. Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador, Lin Paddock, highlighted the role the province can play in bolstering the country’s defense and promoting economic diversification through the Atlantic Spaceport Complex.
