While 2022 only saw seven Canadian satellites launched, 2023 could see at least 21, if not more. As well, we could see the first test launch of a suborbital rocket from Spaceport Nova Scotia.
When it comes to launching satellites there’s the schedule, and then there’s the actual launch. Many factors come into play when launching, including weather and range availability, to name a few.
At this time here are the Canadian satellites that we’re tracking to launch this year.
SpaceX Commercial Crew Mission 27 (CRS-27) for NASA – NET March 15
- Canadian CubeSat Project for the Canadian Space Agency
- McMaster University – NEUDOSE
- Aurora Research Institute – AuroraSat
- University of Alberta – Ex-Alta 2
- Yukon University – YukonSat
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket – Transporter-7 Mission – NET April 2
- 2 x Kepler Communications
- 3 x GHGSat
- 1 x Wyvern
For the rest of the year we’re going to only list the possible satellites and not the specific launch date yet as this is likely to change.
Q2 Time Frame
- 1 X DOGE-1 Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC) – Note: Unconfirmed
Q3 Time Frame
- 3 x NorthStar Earth and Space
- 1 x Heron MK2 – University of Toronto Aerospace Team (UTAT)
Q4 Time Frame
- 3 x DND/DRDC (Project Gray Jay)
- 3 x GHGSat (Hosted)
- 2 x Wyvern
To Be Confirmed
- 1 x WildFireSat – Canadian Space Agency
- 1 x Finch – University of Toronto Aerospace Team (UTAT)
- 7 x Canadian CubeSat Project
- 2 x Kepler Communications
Domestic Launch and Suborbital
The first launch from Spaceport Nova Scotia could happen this year, or maybe not. This is very much a fluid situation. Reaction Dynamics who are based just of Montreal in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is planning a suborbital test launch later this year of their Aurora launch vehicle. Even if they are ready, Maritime Launch Services who own Spaceport Nova Scotia will need to be ready. And then there’s the Department of Transportation. They will have to sign off on the test launch. So as mentioned before, a very fluid situation.
There is one other notable launch related news to bring to your attention. Magellan Aerospace of Winnipeg manufactures the Black Brant suborbital launch vehicle. Their primary customer is NASA who have 15 planned launches this year, mostly in the US. With Spaceport Nova Scotia possibly being available as early as this year, it will be interesting to see if any Canadian organizations, including the Canadian Space Agency, start using this tried and proven rocket for suborbital research in Canada.