(Ottawa) Canada is moving one step closer to space after completing negotiations with the United States on an agreement with major implications for domestic space launches.
The agreement, which has not yet been signed, will establish the legal and technical guarantees necessary for the use of American space launch technology, expertise and data for launches in Canada.
“The dynamism and growth of Canada’s commercial space launch industry depends on its ability to collaborate across borders,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly in a statement.
PHOTO CHRISTINNE MUSCHI, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
She says the agreement, once in force, will position Canada as a world leader in commercial space launches.
Maritime Launch, the company developing Canada’s first commercial spaceport in northeastern Nova Scotia, said in the same statement that the agreement represents a major step forward for the industry.
“Today’s announcement clearly shows that Canada is open for business and looks forward to welcoming U.S. customers to launch from Canada’s first commercial spaceport,” said Stephen Matier, the company’s president and CEO.
The federal government is modernizing its regulatory framework for commercial space launch activities as the industry experiences significant growth globally.
Ottawa hopes to position Canada as a leader in space launches. The country has geographic advantages, including a vast and sparsely populated territory.
“This development not only improves the diversity of the sector, but also strengthens its global competitiveness, which will strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in space exploration and technology,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, in the press release.