Funds are being invested in developing a domestic Canadian rocket launch capability that could put into orbit such craft as being proposed by NordSpace (NordSpace image)
By Newell Durnbrooke
Domestic space launch capabilities are getting a boost in investment.
MDA Space Ltd. announced a $10 million equity investment in Maritime Launch Services Inc. The investment 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, according to MDA. The equity investment will accelerate Spaceport Nova Scotia's readiness for orbital launch operations, providing reliable domestic launch capability for commercial, civil, government, and defence clients in Canada. MDA Space expects to become an operational partner at Spaceport Nova Scotia, supporting the development and future operations of the spaceport, the firm noted.
Maritime Launch is a Canadian-owned commercial space company that is developing Spaceport Nova Scotia, Canada's first commercial orbital launch complex. It is located near Canso, Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic coast. "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," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "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.”
Maritime Launch Services Inc. also announced that Export Development Canada has provided the firm with a $10 million senior credit facility to accelerate the development of Spaceport Nova Scotia and advance toward first orbital launch.
Meanwhile, Kongsberg Geospatial, the Canadian subsidiary of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NordSpace Corp. That MOU is for collaboration on developing a sovereign space launch capability.
Under the MoU, Kongsberg Geospatial will support the development of the digital Mission Control centre at NordSpace’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland. The system will ingest data from multiple sensors to deliver real-time three-dimensional (3D) visualization of launch operations, range safety, decision support, and vehicle tracking. This will help streamline launch operations and enable deployment of critical space missions to orbit in under 48 hours, according to the company.
Cubic Defense has been awarded a multi-year contract from Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of Canada’s Department of National Defence, to provide live simulation support to the Canadian Army through Contractor Conducted Logistics Support.
The six-year contract provides logistics assistance to the Canadian Weapon Effects Simulation (CWES) program, supporting CWES live training at four Canadian Forces Bases: Gagetown, New Brunswick; Valcartier, Quebec; Petawawa, Ontario; and Wainwright, Alberta.
The contract’s logistics support package for the Canadian Army’s interoperable force-on-force system includes the multi- code Instrumented Harness Kit (IHK); Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), which utilizes Cubic’s Wireless Vehicle Kit (WVK); and Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) WVK and the Urban Operations Training System (UOTS).
The original CWES contract was awarded to Cubic in February 2003 and modified multiple times to enhance capabilities to simulate contemporary weapons and their effects during force-on-force field training exercises. CWES enables soldiers to train the way they fight during combat operations and provides solutions that enhance a Commander’s after-action reviews in evaluating their tactics, techniques, and procedures.
EllisDon Corporation has signed a contract to provide infrastructure design services to SkyAlyne in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. SkyAlyne is a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, two Canadian leaders in defence and aviation, explains a release.
“SkyAlyne, as the prime contractor on the FAcT program, is bringing together a strong pan- Canadian team to ensure the FAcT program fulfils its potential to be a world-leading aircrew training system,” said SkyAlyne general manager Kevin Lemke in a statement. “EllisDon brings an immense amount of expertise and experience that will be invaluable in ensuring FAcT infrastructure is designed to meet the current and future needs of the RCAF.”
New infrastructure will be designed for 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Sask., Southport, Man., and 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man. FAcT is a 25-year solution that will deliver training to RCAF pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators.
SkyAlyne will provide all elements needed to support this training, including live-flying, simulator and classroom-based training, infrastructure design and construction management, information management and information technology, aircraft acquisition, Ground-Based Training Systems design and manufacturing, and in service support and maintenance for all elements of the program, the release reads.
The program is overseen from a joint management office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with three operational bases: Moose Jaw, Sask., Southport, Man., and Winnipeg, Man.
The Canadian Commercial Corporation announced that it was awarded a contract by the United States Department of War to provide the most advanced Photo-Cat Oxidation system available to the U.S. Navy. Manufactured by Purifics, water purification system is designed to eliminate both organic and inorganic contaminants. It operates without filters or chemicals, offering sustainable, low-maintenance, and highly effective water purification.
Based in London, Ontario, Purifics is a Canadian innovator in advanced water purification system that enables the removal and destruction of a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS, 1,4- dioxane, and THM precursors, without the need for chemical additives or pre-treatment. Purifics’ systems are designed for Zero Liquid Discharge, ensuring sustainable water recovery while minimizing waste.
The CCC and Purifics will help the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) to upgrade the existing water cleaning system used by the U.S. Navy.
As Canada’s foreign military sales agency, CCC is funded by the Government of Canada to help companies like Purifics to deliver made-in-Canada solutions to the U.S. Navy and other entities of U.S. DoD.
CCC also announced Nov. 10 that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of the Republic of Korea. Recognizing that space and maritime domains are now a decisive and strategic frontier in global security, DAPA and CCC expressed their intent to pursue a structured initiative on next-generation commercial space systems, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications, as well as maritime platforms.
DAPA is a government agency of the Republic of Korea responsible for the overall management of defence research and development, acquisition, procurement, and defence industry promotion. It manages programs in areas such as aerospace, naval systems, and advanced technologies, and plays a key role in international defence cooperation.
Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner, and the sixth largest import and export partner.
