The planned launch of the first commercial missile in Canada, What was to happen 29 August 2025 year, was canceled due to a technical malfunction, which appeared in a matter of seconds before the start.
Taiga Rocket, created by NordSpace, has a height of six meters and is made using 3D metal printing technology. At first, the launch was planned for 25 August, but it was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. When retrying, when the fuel tanks were already successfully filled and the system was in the final stage of preparation, there is an ignition problem. According to official information, the reason could be a software error or a failure in the ignition detection system.
On the day of the launch, the company also reported difficulties with connecting the nitrogen cylinder, and later — about stopping the supply of compressed air due to emergency shutdown of the generator. Due to the closing of the start window, Fr 19:00 local time, the launch had to be canceled. The next attempt is planned no earlier than September.
Despite the bad start, the event generated considerable interest: in the town of St. Lawrence (Newfoundland and Labrador) and thousands of viewers followed the training during the online broadcast.
The rocket's first flight will be suborbital — Taiga will be in the air for about a minute, after which it will fall into the Atlantic Ocean. The choice of St. Lawrence for the launch is due to its geographical location, which allows to achieve optimal orbital inclinations.
The launch was supported by former astronaut Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station. He emphasized, that such delays are commonplace and noted the importance of Canada's participation in the global space technology market.
NordSpace is planning another suborbital launch next year, a u 2027 year — to send a larger Tundra rocket into orbit. Expansion of the spaceport in St. Lawrence with the construction of a second launch pad and additional infrastructure is also planned.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca