The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Ottawa and NordSpace, have revealed a collaborative investment of $10 million towards the establishment of a commercial spaceport on Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula. NordSpace’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex, based in St. Lawrence, aims to become Canada’s primary operational orbital spaceport.
NordSpace disclosed 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 $4 million, comprising a $1 million term loan and a $3 million forgivable loan linked to the creation of 100 full-time, permanent positions by 2033. Additionally, NordSpace will contribute $5 million to the project.
CEO of NordSpace, 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 previously faced challenges during attempts to launch its suborbital Taiga rocket in St. Lawrence but is now preparing for another launch pending authorization. Sean Fraser, the federal minister overseeing ACOA, underlined the importance of investing in space endeavors, highlighting the growing global interest in space activities and the need for Canada to stay competitive.
The joint announcement follows the recent introduction of the Canadian Space Launch Act in the House of Commons, aiming to establish a legislative framework for space launch and re-entry operations in Canada. Currently, Canada relies on other nations, such as the United States, for launching civilian and military spacecraft.
Fraser expressed confidence that NordSpace’s efforts will enhance Canada’s launch capabilities, attract private investments to Newfoundland and Labrador, and generate employment opportunities. Lin Paddock, N.L. Minister of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development, emphasized the province’s potential to contribute to national defense and strengthen its presence in the expanding global space industry through the Atlantic Spaceport Complex.