Launch Vehicle Operator Signs MOU with Maritime Launch Services

Maritime Launch Services (MLS) says an international launch vehicle operator has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the company to facilitate orbital launches from Spaceport Nova Scotia for a small-class launch vehicle.

The unnamed company had previously signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with MLS in 2023. The agreement comes shortly after the news that the Canadian government said it had completed “substantive negotiations” towards a Technology Safeguards Agreement with the United States. That agreement opens the door for U.S. space launch technology related companies to do business in Canada including the ability to launch U.S. payloads from a Canadian spaceport.

MLS stated in a press release that “under the terms of the MOU, Maritime Launch Services, as the spaceport operator, will provide the necessary launch site infrastructure and regulatory support, while the launch operator will be responsible for the launch vehicle and specialty support equipment.”

MLS outlined “three key elements of the agreement:”

1. Pathfinder Launch: The initial steps will involve both parties working together to execute the first orbital launch from Spaceport Nova Scotia.
2. Commercial Operations: Following the successful pathfinder mission, the multi-year, multi-launch operations will quickly ramp up under the commercial site lease model.
3. Infrastructure and Safety: Maritime Launch will be responsible for public safety, launch-related mission support, and coordinating with various federal authorities for restricted airspace and waterways. The mobile launch vehicle capability will enable the use of temporary or mobile site infrastructure for initial launches.

Earlier this year MLS stated it had signed a LOI with the Spaceport Company for tracking and telemetry beginning with its first orbital launch in 2025. However, today’s news release updated the timeline for its first orbital launch to 2026.

MLS had announced in 2022 that Skyrora, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, had signed a LOI for its Skyrora XL launch vehicle, a small-class launch vehicle. And there’s also Canada’s Reaction Dynamics who have their sights set on a sub-orbital launch and eventually an orbital launch, both of which could take place at Spaceport Nova Scotia.