Rendering of Spaceport Nova Scotia’s Launch Control Centre. Photo: Maritime Launch Services

Canada is the latest nation to significantly invest in improving its space capabilities by announcing details of a new spaceport. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is to invest $200 million Canadian dollars ($146 million) to build a multi-user spaceport near Canso, Nova Scotia. Once operational, the Canso facility will allow satellites to be launched directly from Canadian soil. The Canadian government announced the move, March 16.

Canada recently unveiled its first Defence Industrial Strategy, as the government looks to long-term defense investments with industrial capability to support Canadian businesses and strengthen supply chains. As part of this strategy, Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) to support the growth and integration of businesses into domestic and international defense supply chains.

This investment is a 10‑year, $200‑million agreement to lease the dedicated launch pad that will serve as the central foundation for a multi-user spaceport. Operated by Maritime Launch Services, this spaceport will support the operational needs of the Department of National Defence (DND), CAF, and the wider government of Canada, while also offering ad hoc access to allies and partners.

“Today, we build on Canada’s proud legacy as a nation of innovators, explorers, and builders. With this step, we are not only advancing our capabilities here on Earth—we are reaffirming our place among the spacefaring nations shaping the future beyond it. Because in the decades ahead, our security, our prosperity, and our sovereignty will increasingly extend beyond our atmosphere. Canada will be there,” David McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence said in a statement.