Canada is taking a step towards its own access to space, trying to reduce dependence on foreign launch service providers. The country's Ministry of Defense announced two major investments: in start-up infrastructure and in private companies, that develop light rockets.
The Canadian military signed an agreement at a cost 146 million dollars with the spaceport operator Maritime Launch Services, which provides for a 10-year lease of the launch site
in the province of Nova Scotia. The complex will be used by defense and other state structures. This was an important step for the operator himself, which has been developing the spaceport for several years, but haven't done any launch yet. Spending no less was one of the conditions of the contract 90% funds in Canada.
The Ministry also announced the selection of three companies to participate in the Launch the North program. Within its limits, a number of enterprises will be allocated close to several years 76,5 million dollars for the development of a small carrier, ready for commissioning in 2028 year. At the first stage, each of the selected companies is Canada Rocket Company, NordSpace and Reaction Dynamics will receive each 6 million dollars to create his prototype rocket. Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty called these decisions part of a course to build sovereign launch capabilities. He stressed, that not only satellites are important to Canada's defense and security, and access to space itself, independent from other countries, which could compromise satellite communications.
In addition to the concluded agreements, Canada has announced its accession to the NATO Starlift project, within which member states cooperate in an effort to quickly launch cargo into space. The program was created in 2024 year and currently has 14 participants.
Source: https://spacenews.com