Canada has a lengthy heritage in the space industry, ranging across research, exploration and development. Canadian collaborators have been essential for satellite development and aiding international partners. Despite this history of strong engineering and technological proficiency in space, Canada lacks independent access to space. In almost a century since the first rocket launch in the world, Canada has not developed a launch station, forcing an uneasy dependence on foreign nations to launch Canadian constructions. Thankfully, this is about to change.
Growing space economy
The global space economy has been steadily growing, and recent projections expect the valuation to reach nearly $2 trillion by the mid 2030s into 2040s. This means that thousands of jobs will open across several industry intersections. Companies are placing more trust and investments in space access to improve real time data collection and earth observation for environmental regulations and protection. For Canada to take advantage of this boom and bolster the national economy, sovereign space access is necessary.
Launch station
The maritime provinces have become leaders in resolving this national issue. Maritime Launch, founded in 2016, has proposed and begun development on Canada’s first launch station. Canso, Nova Scotia was selected due to its exceptional geographical positioning and safety guarantees for the small civilian population. The province of Nova Scotia has been essential for funding, providing several million dollars in tax credits to ease financial burdens on this exciting endeavor. While several launches are planned for 2026, the construction of the launch site has drawn criticism from some locals regarding environmental concerns and misleading information on construction progress, as developments have been slow.
The site itself will house customizable launch pads and storage facilities for commercial launches as well as an equipped command center. A Canadian-based launch station would cement Canadian status as a leader in the space economy and allow Canadian companies to take full advantage of national regulations compared to international and maintain Canadian sovereignty in space.
Summary
The rapid growth of the space economy will force Canada to match international competition and develop self-sufficient infrastructure. Maritime Launch’s work in Canso to build the first Canadian launch station comes at a pivotal moment for Canadian industry. All to ensure a future of self-reliance, opening the door for Canadian companies to have effective domestic space access.
Author: Sophie Barnes
August 6th, 2025
Bibliography
Acket-Goemaere, Alizée, et al. “Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth.” McKinsey & Company, McKinsey & Company, 8 Apr. 2024, www.mckinsey.com/industries/aerospace-and-defense/our-insights/space-the-1-point-8-trillion-dollar-opportunity-for-global-economic-growth.
Baxter, Joan. “The Never-Ending Media Hype about the Canso Spaceport … That Doesn’t Exist.” Halifax Examiner, 23 June 2025, www.halifaxexaminer.ca/commentary/the-never-ending-media-hype-about-the-canso-spaceport-that-doesnt-exist/.
“Canada’s First Commercial Spaceport.” Canada’s First Commercial Spaceport | Maritime Launch, 14 July 2025, www.maritimelaunch.com/.
“Maritime Launch Receives Additional Infrastructure Reimbursement Approval for over $10 Million from the Province of Nova Scotia for an Additional Small Launcher Launch Pad.” Maritime Launch, 6 June 2025, www.maritimelaunch.com/news/maritime-launch-receives-additional-infrastructure-reimbursement-approval-over-10-million.
Pugliese, David. “New Rocket Site Could Reduce Canada’s Dependence on U.S. | Ottawa Citizen.” Ottawa Citizen, 10 Jan. 2025, ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rocket-launch-nova-scotia-united-states-canada
“75 Years since the First Liquid-Fueled Rocket Launch.” ESA, Mar. 2001, www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/75_years_since_the_first_liquid-fueled_rocket_launch2.