MDA Space is now an equity owner in Maritime Launch Services providing the owner and developer of Spaceport Nova Scotia a much needed capital infusion as it builds the necessary infrastructure for its first orbital launch no earlier than late 2026.
The news could finally be the catalyst MLS has been looking for to get it over the hump as it builds the infrastructure to become operational.
Just last week Export Development Canada provided MLS with a $10 million senior credit facility and in August RDX, a Quebec aerospace company developing a launch vehicle, took a smaller equity position.
In a news release, MDA Space said, “The MDA Space investment in Maritime Launch Services marks a key milestone in advancing Canada’s sovereign launch capability, strengthening the country’s domestic space value chain, with complete capability from ground to orbit.”
And it is the idea of “sovereign launch capability” going from a buzz phrase in the last year to a near term reality spurned on by more vocal support from the government, and in particular from the Department of National Defence, that appears to finally getting some investment going.
This will also help companies developing launch capability like RDX, NordSpace and at least one new stealth company SpaceQ recently spoke to.
The next logical step is for the government to commit its intent to procure launch services for future Canadian payloads. Some form of defence commitment for sovereign launch might be in tomorrows budget.
Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services said “MDA Space’s investment and partnership come at a pivotal moment for Maritime Launch and for Canada’s space future. By combining MDA Space’s world-class technical heritage with our operational focus at Spaceport Nova Scotia, we are creating the conditions our launch vehicle clients need: reliability, responsiveness, and integration across the full mission campaign. Together, we are building a complete sovereign launch solution that strengthens Canadian innovation, drives economic growth, and enhances security in space.”
Nova Scotia, and potentially Newfoundland and Labrador, should also see an uptick in local investment in the coming years as other space companies who want to take advantage of being near a spaceport set up shop.
Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space added, “Maritime Launch has been methodically advancing the development of Spaceport Nova Scotia, focused on doing it right, with safety, community, and operational excellence, to address the needs of the domestic and global space ecosystem. In a rapidly changing space industry, establishing sovereign launch capacity in Canada that will respond to the global demand for alternate launch capabilities on Canada’s Atlantic coast is important. This is an example of strategically located critical infrastructure that is needed. MDA Space is pleased to partner with Maritime Launch on this exciting new chapter for the Canadian space industry.”
The $10 million equity investment by MDA Space in Maritime Launch Services Inc. was priced at $0.223 per share.