The project will support the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces and forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security, economic competitiveness and domestic space capabilities.

Credits: envato elements;

The facility near Canso will be operated by Maritime Launch Services and is expected to reach initial operational readiness by the end of 2026. Canada currently relies on foreign providers to launch satellites and aims to reduce that dependence. The plan includes 105 million dollars in grants to support Canadian launch technologies through the “Launch the North” programme. Canada also intends to join NATO’s STARLIFT initiative to improve rapid launch capabilities with allies, as global demand for launches grows, with up to 70,000 satellites expected in low Earth orbit within five years.