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Maritime Launch Services and Reaction Dynamics (RDX) today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand their relationship which could culminate in the first orbital launch by a Canadian launch vehicle developer from Canadian soil.
In a news release from Maritime Launch Services, the company developing Spaceport Nova Scotia, the company said that “Under the terms of the MOU, Maritime Launch and Reaction Dynamics will work towards a Pathfinder mission that will enable a first ever orbital launch of a Canadian vehicle from Canadian soil on the coast of Nova Scotia. These missions will be supported by RDX’s patented, cutting-edge hybrid rocket technology. Building on the success of the first launch, both companies will work toward the first commercial missions of the Aurora vehicle.”
The press release didn’t go into specifics about the first pathfinder launch other than to say it would “designed to reach the edges of space. The low impulse launch will push the limits toward a future orbital launch by reaching the Karman Line, the internationally recognized edge of Space.” No date was set for the pathfinder launch.
Bachar Elzein, CEO of Reaction Dynamics said, “We are thrilled to build on our recent full duration burns of our proprietary propulsion technology and now focus on reaching space. We are proud to be the first Canadian rocket company to launch from a Canadian commercial spaceport. Together with Maritime Launch, we are bringing orbital launch capability to Canada for the very first time, proving that Canadian ingenuity can compete on the global stage.”
Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch added, “This partnership is more than just a milestone for Maritime Launch and Reaction Dynamics; it’s a monumental leap forward for Canada. For the first time, Canada will host its own homegrown rocket technology, launched from a Canadian-built commercial spaceport, offering launch vehicle and satellite customers the opportunity to reach space without leaving Canadian soil. This is something that has never been done before in our country, and we are proud to lead this charge.”
Reaction Dynamics recently received $2,276,000 for three technology developments from the Canadian Space Agency including funding for “to support the on-orbit demonstration of its monopropellant propulsion unit, commonly referred to as a microthruster” an in-space propulsion product line it’s developing.
Maritime Launch Services is also planning an orbital mission with an unnamed international launch vehicle operator in 2026.
