On September 29, 1962, Canada’s Alouette I satellite was launched on an American rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, marking Canada as the third country to independently design and construct its own satellite, following the former Soviet Union and the United States. Since then, Canada has actively engaged in the space sector, with notable contributions such as the Canadarm used for deploying satellites from the space shuttle and the Canadarm 2 involved in constructing the International Space Station. Additionally, Canadian hardware has been placed on rovers exploring Mars and satellites venturing to distant asteroids.
Despite these advancements, Canada has never launched rockets into orbit from its own territory. Two companies, NordSpace and Reaction Dynamics, are now striving to change this narrative. Advocates of this initiative argue that establishing domestic launch capabilities will not only generate employment opportunities but also enhance Canada’s sovereignty during a time when the nation is pursuing greater independence.
Rahul Goel, founder and CEO of NordSpace, emphasized the importance of true sovereign access to space capabilities, emphasizing the need to launch Canadian-made payloads from Canadian rockets originating from a Canadian spaceport. NordSpace is gearing up to conduct a suborbital launch of its Taiga rocket from Newfoundland, with plans to launch the larger Tundra rocket into orbit in 2027, capable of carrying payloads up to 500 kg.
On a similar trajectory, Bashar Elzein, founder and CEO of Reaction Dynamics, has partnered with Maritime Launch Services in Nova Scotia to establish Canadian-built rockets for orbital launches. Elzein highlighted the significance of not only achieving sovereignty in the space industry but also creating a robust space economy that could potentially create hundreds of job opportunities.
While NordSpace and Reaction Dynamics are competitors in the race to develop Canadian launch capabilities, both companies share the vision of bolstering the country’s space industry. Steve Matier, founder of MLS, underscored the necessity of self-reliance in placing Canadian satellites into orbit, especially in the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes.
The quest for self-sufficiency in space endeavors has also resonated with the academic community. Organizations like Launch Canada are fostering rocketry advancements within the country, enabling Canadian students to compete and innovate in the field. Oleg Khalimonov, a Concordia University graduate, led a team that launched the Starsailor rocket from Canadian soil, showcasing the nation’s potential in space exploration.
Looking ahead, there is optimism that Canada could potentially establish an orbital space program within universities, further solidifying the country’s position as a hub for space research and innovation. The commitment to retaining talent within Canada is a shared sentiment among industry leaders, who see immense value in nurturing homegrown engineers and scientists to propel the nation’s space aspirations forward.
As Canada embarks on this journey towards launching rockets from home soil, there is a growing sense of national pride and recognition of the significance of investing in and building space capabilities within the country. This newfound enthusiasm for Canadian-led space initiatives underscores the collective realization of the importance of fostering domestic expertise and infrastructure for future advancements in the space sector.