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Amid a more complex and unpredictable security environment, Canada is taking decisive actions to strengthen its security and sovereignty and to reinforce the resilience and long-term strength of the country.
Today in Ottawa, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced an historic $200 million investment in core infrastructure for a Canadian-owned spaceport, along with other major new space-related capabilities and initiatives. This marks a significant step forward in Canada’s sovereign space program as outlined in Security, Sovereignty, Prosperity: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
Canadian-owned spaceport
Demand for timely and resilient launch options are at historic highs worldwide and sovereign access to space has become a critical capability underpinning national security, economic competitiveness, and reliable access to essential space‑based services.
The investment is a 10‑year, $200‑million agreement to lease a dedicated space‑launch pad that will serve as the central foundation for a multi-user spaceport near Canso, Nova Scotia. Operated by Maritime Launch Services, this spaceport will support the operational needs of the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and the wider Government of Canada, while also offering ad hoc access to allies and partners.
Launch the North
Minister McGuinty also announced was the selection of innovators for the first round of the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program’s Launch the North contest. This contest is providing $105 million in multi-year grants to support the development and demonstration of breakthrough technologies to advance Canada’s sovereign space launch capabilities. The goal of this challenge is to enable the launch of Canadian payloads from Canadian soil, achieving an initial light lift operational capability by 2028. For the first round of this contest, the following three highly ranked applicants have each been conditionally approved for $8.3 million in funding:
- NordSpace – NordSpace Tundra Canadian Responsive Scalable Launch
- Canada Rocket Company – Canadian Sovereign Launch Capability Development (R1)
- Reaction Dynamics – Aurora-8 Responsive Launch Vehicle
These innovators will move their ideas from concept to prototype and testing, helping Canada build the technical readiness and partnerships required for a future sovereign launch capability.
NATO STARLIFT
In recognition of Canada’s firm commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Minister McGuinty announced that Canada intends to become a full member of the NATO STARLIFT initiative. STARLIFT is a NATO High Visibility Project, which aims to develop a more resilient, responsive and cost-effective network of space launch capabilities to help Allies launch assets at short notice from spaceports across the Alliance.
Sovereign launch program
These announcements support Security, Sovereignty, Prosperity: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which establishes a long-term framework to develop a robust Canadian defence industry that provides technological and operational advantage to the CAF and its security partners in their mission to defend Canada, and maximizes growth, job creation and economic benefits for all Canadians. Within the strategy, space launch is identified as a key sovereign capability.
Canada is taking a major step toward securing its future in the rapidly evolving space domain by advancing a core pillar of its emerging sovereign launch program, first outlined in Budget 2025. This effort positions the country to launch satellites and payloads from Canadian soil, on Canadian‑built rockets, at Canadian‑run facilities. The sovereign launch program outlines how Canada will leverage a variety of tools, including directed procurements, grant and contribution programs, support from Crown Corporations, and regulatory changes, to advance sovereign capabilities.
As global demand for space launch services continues to surge, countries around the world are investing in responsive, reliable, and independent space access. Canada’s decision to partner with Maritime Launch Services reflects a forward‑looking commitment to our security, sovereignty, and economic prosperity, while positioning itself to meet strategic needs and fuelling domestic innovation and industry growth.
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