A Nova Scotia-based company aiming to construct Canada’s inaugural commercial rocket launch facility has reached an agreement with a German aerospace company, potentially enabling orbital launches by 2028. Maritime Launch Services Ltd. has disclosed a partnership with Germany’s Isar Aerospace to establish a specialized complex for its Spectrum rocket at a site near Canso, Nova Scotia, on the Eastern Shore.
The two-stage rocket is intended to transport small and medium-sized satellites into space. Isar Aerospace, having already set up its initial launch site in Norway, has launched a new Canadian subsidiary, Isar Aerospace Canada Inc.
Alexandre Dalloneau, Isar’s vice president of mission and launch operations, highlighted the significance of launch capacity in defense and intelligence, stating that few nations have the complete capability to independently access space data.
Canada has traditionally relied on the United States for satellite launches due to a lack of domestic launch capabilities. Recognizing the importance of space launches, the Canadian government allocated $183 million over the next three years in the 2025 budget to establish its space launch capabilities.
In a significant move, the federal government signed a 10-year, $200 million lease with Maritime Launch in March to enable Canada to conduct independent satellite launches without relying on other nations or foreign entities. The Spaceport Nova Scotia project by Maritime Launch aims to offer launch infrastructure for commercial, civil, and defense clients, positioning it to become Canada’s premier commercial launch pad once operational this year.
The CEO of Maritime Launch, Stephen Matier, disclosed that Isar plans to invest approximately $100 million as a tenant to prepare its launch pad. Construction is set to commence this year, with space launches scheduled for 2028 and up to 40 launches annually at the site by 2029. Under the 10-year agreement, Isar will pay Maritime Launch $3.75 million US per fiscal quarter once the contract is fully underway.
During a NATO defense industry summit in Turkey, Matier finalized the deal with Isar, emphasizing that three of the four launch pads earmarked for development are already allocated between Isar, the federal government, and Montreal-based aerospace company Reaction Dynamics. Negotiations are ongoing with potential clients for the remaining pad, with plans to retain a fifth pad for future development.
Canada’s recent decision to join NATO Starlift, a project aimed at establishing a space launch network for allies to swiftly send payloads into space, underscores the collaboration among NATO-allied countries. Matier emphasized the cooperative nature of NATO Starlift, highlighting the joint efforts of European and North American powers to facilitate space activities.
The agreement with Isar Aerospace is a testament to the collaborative spirit among companies in NATO-allied nations, showcasing the collective endeavor to advance space capabilities and technology.
