NordSpace Faces Setbacks in Launching Taiga Rocket from Newfoundland
NordSpace encountered delays in its recent attempt to launch Canada’s inaugural commercial rocket from Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula. The company, aiming to launch the six-meter tall Taiga rocket from St. Lawrence, N.L., had to postpone its Thursday launch after a series of setbacks.
After facing challenges earlier in the week, NordSpace had to call off its planned launch due to unforeseen circumstances. The company made multiple attempts, with one being disrupted by a small boat near the launch area. On another try, just seconds before liftoff, smoke and fire emerged near the rocket’s base, necessitating a halt in the mission.
Subsequent efforts were also met with obstacles, including an anomaly on the launch pad that led to a minor fire. NordSpace attributed the issues to differences in propellant quality between its Ontario test facility and the Newfoundland spaceport.
Despite these setbacks, NordSpace assured that all systems were functioning normally and that safety measures were in place. The company expressed its intention to resolve the issues and return to the launch site promptly.
Previously, NordSpace had come close to a launch in late August but faced an ignition problem just 58 seconds before liftoff. When the launch eventually occurs, it will be suborbital, lasting approximately a minute before the rocket descends into the Atlantic Ocean.
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