SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
This afternoon Maritime Launch Services (MLS) and St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) will sign a Memo Of Understanding (MOU) that is the start of a new partnership and what both parties hope will be a long collaboration.
According to an email invitation sent by Joe MacDonald, Executive Director Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives at StFX, the two organizations will work “in the areas of research, scientific testing, technology development, environmental protection, economic development, training and employment of highly qualified personnel.”
In the email, MacDonald further stated that “This MOU is titled ‘Mutually Beneficial Opportunities for Research Partnerships to Assist the Maritime Launch Services Canso Spaceport Facility’ and strategically aligns the two entities.”
SpaceQ has learned that as part of the agreement MLS will launch a StFX 3U CubeSat as part of secondary payload. No timetable was given when that launch might happen. However, since construction has yet to start the launch would be at least two years down the road from start of construction.
Speaking of construction, It’s our understanding that MLS is still looking at getting construction started this year, and preferably sooner rather than later. As part of that process MLS will first announce the engineering company that’s been selected. It’s expected, and shouldn’t come as a surprise, that the company selected will be local to Nova Scotia. The timing of the announcement is still to be determined.
It is also our understanding that MLS is working with unnamed investors to get a deal done, but that there are details that still need to be finalized, including and importantly, the timing of any announcement.
