Nova Scotia is one step closer to having rockets launched into space from our province carrying commercial satellites.
Maritime Launch Services says it has received approval to begin construction of Spaceport Nova Scotia. The launch facility will be built on crown land in accordance with a 20-year lease of around 335 acres of land near the communities of Canso, Little Dover and Hazel Hill. The lease includes an option for a 20-year renewal.
“Today is historic. Nova Scotia is the safest and most globally competitive location to launch satellites into space and today we are closer to realizing this potential,” said Stephen Matier, President and CEO, Maritime Launch. “Space launch from Nova Scotia will position Canada as a global leader in low earth orbit satellite communications while creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in the province.”
Maritime Launch expects that with the development of Spaceport Nova Scotia other national and international space companies will choose to establish a corporate presence in Nova Scotia to be near the Company’s commercial launch facilities.
“This is a good day for Nova Scotia – particularly rural Nova Scotia – as Spaceport Nova Scotia will create many jobs, education and partnership opportunities while boosting the province’s economy,” said Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia. “We’re proud to be a destination for the growing and competitive global commercial space industry.”
“Today’s announcement is the result of extensive consultation and engagement with local communities, the Mi’kmaq, the Municipality of the District of Guysborough and the Province of Nova Scotia,” says Matier. “Our local host communities, the Mi’kmaq and all Nova Scotians can be confident that we will build and operate the spaceport with a focus on safety and environmental stewardship. This was our focus when we began the initiative years ago and it remains our commitment for the future.”