CANADA IS BUILDING A SPACEPORT AND INVITES THE WORLD TO LAUNCH

In a small town outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia a project is underway to build Canada's first and only Spaceport to cash in on the staggering growth of the new Space Economy. Engineer and former NASA contractor Steven Matier has assembled a team to advance the project under the name Maritime Launch Services(MLS). Steve is a recipient of the prestigious “Silver Snoopy” award for excellence in flight safety and mission success.

The Maritimes have a strong heritage of innovation, determination and perseverance. They don't always follow the mainstream and have reached out to pave their own way with a workforce ready and eager to meet global demands. The Canadian military have counted on this spirit through generations and now call on Nova Scotia's best to help build what some are calling Nasa North. Rocket launch capability can be very important for a nation, both from a strategic and economic standpoint. Maritime Launch is already planning launches in October 2025 as international interest has grown in these challenging economic times. Canada can no longer rely on America to launch for them and MLS quickly realized the world has taken notice and have started lining up to support this amazing project while America continues to pile on waves of tariffs. 

Here are just some reasons why this project is so important for Canada: 

 1. National Security and Defense Surveillance and Intelligence: Rockets are essential for deploying satellites that can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering, which are crucial for national security. Military Capability: Having the ability to launch rockets can also be tied to the development of military-grade missiles, including ballistic missiles or anti-satellite weapons, enhancing a nation's defense capabilities. Deterrence: Possessing rocket launch capabilities can serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries, signaling that the country has the means to defend itself or retaliate in case of conflict. 

 

2. Technological Advancement Innovation and Scientific Research: Developing rockets involves significant technological innovation, including advances in engineering, materials science, propulsion, and data systems. This can have broader impacts across other industries. Space Exploration and Collaboration: The ability to launch rockets opens up opportunities for space exploration, both independently and in collaboration with other spacefaring nations. It can also enhance a country's status on the global stage. 

 3. Economic Benefits Commercial Space Industry: With the rise of private space companies (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin), rocket launch capability can stimulate economic growth through the commercialization of satellite services, space tourism, and scientific missions. Countries with this capability can also generate income by launching satellites for other nations. Job Creation: The space industry requires skilled labor across many sectors, from engineers to scientists to technicians. Rocket programs can therefore create high-quality jobs and stimulate local economies. 

 4. International Influence and Prestige Global Standing: Nations with rocket launch capability are often seen as technological leaders. This can translate into diplomatic leverage, prestige, and influence on the global stage. Space exploration is one of the frontiers where countries compete for leadership and recognition. Strategic Partnerships: Countries with space capabilities are often able to form important strategic partnerships with other space-faring nations or companies. These collaborations can have political, scientific, and economic benefits. 

 5. Disaster Management and Communication Satellite Infrastructure: Launching and maintaining satellites is crucial for communications, weather forecasting, GPS, disaster monitoring, and management. Satellites also help with monitoring climate change, managing natural resources, and aiding in disaster response efforts.

Global Connectivity: By having a rocket program, a nation can maintain its own satellite network and ensure independence in terms of communications, navigation, and data transmission, which are important for both everyday life and crisis situations. 

 6. Long-Term Vision Space Colonization and Resource Mining: While it may seem far off, the long-term vision for many countries includes the ability to explore and possibly colonize other planets or mine resources from asteroids. Being a space-faring nation positions a country for future opportunities in areas like space tourism, resource mining, or even space-based energy generation. Sustainability and Energy: Some nations are already looking into space-based solar power and other energy sources that could one day be harnessed in orbit. Rocket capability would be a prerequisite for such ventures. In today’s world, the ability to launch rockets represents a significant strategic, scientific, and economic asset for any nation. While it requires substantial investment, the benefits can be long-lasting and far-reaching, offering a nation greater independence, security, and a position of influence in global affairs. Economic Benefits Industry Growth & Jobs: 

A spaceport can spur growth in Canada's aerospace and satellite industries, creating thousands of high-tech jobs. Commercial Opportunities: Canada could attract global private companies (like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, or emerging space startups) to launch from Canadian soil, generating revenue. Boost to Innovation: Spaceport infrastructure encourages R&D in related sectors — AI, robotics, materials science, etc. Strategic & Sovereign Benefits Independent Launch Capability: Currently, Canada depends on other countries' spaceports. Owning one increases national autonomy and reduces reliance on foreign launch providers. National Security: Canada could launch military or security-related satellites on its own schedule, enhancing surveillance, communications, and Arctic monitoring. Arctic Access: A northern spaceport (Nova Scotia) could provide better orbital access for polar and sun-synchronous orbits, ideal for Earth observation. Scientific & Educational Benefits Space Science & Research: Canadian universities and space researchers could get better access to launches for science payloads. STEM Inspiration:

A national spaceport would serve as a focal point for educational outreach and inspiring young Canadians to pursue STEM careers. Conclusion: Owning a spaceport would position Canada as a more influential player in the global space economy. While it comes with financial and logistical challenges, the long-term strategic and economic payoffs could be substantial — especially if paired with support for private industry, environmental stewardship, and a clear national space strategy. Maritime Launch is a public company trading under the symbol MAXQ and in the US under MAXQF. 

 *The author was not compensated for writing or publishing this article but is a shareholder and supporter of this amazing project.