Ottawa, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and NordSpace have announced a joint $10-million injection into the company’s plans to build a commercial spaceport on Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula.
The Ontario-based aerospace firm’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex will be located in St. Lawrence and according to NordSpace’s website, it is aiming to be Canada’s first operational orbital spaceport.
According to a statement from NordSpace on Thursday, the federal government is putting in $1 million through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
N.L. is contributing a total of $4 million, broken down into a $1-million term loan and a $3-million forgivable loan attached to the creation of 100 full-time, permanent positions by 2033.
NordSpace is contributing $5 million.
“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,” said NordSpace CEO Rahul Goel in a statement.
Last year, the company made attempts to launch its suborbital Taiga, a six-metre tall rocket, from St. Lawrence but ultimately had to call it off over technical and logistical problems. Its website says, as of July 29, it is ready to attempt another launch and is waiting for authorization.
Sean Fraser, the federal minister responsible for ACOA, stressed the importance behind making investments into reaching space.
“Countries around the world are moving quickly to build their own space capabilities, and Canada cannot afford to be left behind. Space is becoming more important to our economy, our security and our sovereignty,” he said in a statement.
The announcement comes several months after the federal government introduced the Canadian Space Launch Act, or C-28, in the House of Commons to establish a legislative framework for space launch and re-entry activities in Canada. It is currently in its second reading.
At the moment, Canada has to rely on other countries, like the United States, to launch civilian and military craft into orbit.
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Fraser added NordSpace will help build Canada’s launch capacity and boost N.L.’s profile as a place for private investment while also creating jobs.
N.L. Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development Lin Paddock touted the role the province can play in securing the country’s defence.
“The Atlantic Spaceport Complex will help diversify our economy and strengthen the province’s presence in a rapidly growing global industry,” he said.
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