The application window for Canada’s $105-million ‘Launch the North‘ sovereign launch challenge officially closed today and SpaceQ sources suggest there could be more than a dozen applications.
While no source was willing to go on the record, SpaceQ is aware of six organizations who were going to submit applications. One source suggested there could be over a dozen applications based on what they had heard.
Clearly there is a lot of interest which may make for some difficult decisions by DND as only up to three organizations will be selected.
Here are the objectives of the sovereign launch challenge:
- Secure Canada’s strategic autonomy in space by reducing reliance on foreign launch providers;
- Enhance national defence and security through responsive and resilient space access;
- Stimulate Canadian innovation and dual-use technology development in the commercial and defence sectors; and
- Position Canada as a global leader in commercial space launch and advanced aerospace technologies.
As a reminder, this deadline is for Phase 1: Proposal & Initial Selection (2025-26) which is part of Stream 1 – Responsive Light Lift (2025–2028) and which will have up to three organizations selected who will split $25 million. In the following two fiscal years there is up to $40 million allocated each year for Phase 2 and Phase 3 respectively. A follow on stream aims to develop Medium Lift Capability with a 10-year horizon.
As for the proposals themselves, organization can opt to address one or more of the following focus areas.
- Launch vehicle design — propulsion, staging, avionics, and guidance solutions suitable for 200 kg class payloads;
- Rapid deployment and launch operations — mobile launch platforms, quick-connect payload interfaces, and automated ground support;
- Safety systems — integrated Flight Termination Systems (FTS), range safety, and telemetry;
- Propellant storage and handling — Canadian-compliant, environmentally safe, and field-deployable solutions;
- Infrastructure and logistics — minimal-footprint, mobile or modular ground systems;
- Reuse and scalability concepts — enabling cost reduction and higher launch cadence beyond IOC.
The winners of phase 1 will be announced no later than the sometime this spring though I suspect we might have an announcement no later than mid-March.