Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) announced on 16 March the first winners of its Launch the North competition, a multi-year initiative aimed at establishing sovereign space launch capability by 2028.
The programme forms part of the DND’s wider effort to strengthen Canada’s strategic autonomy, encourage dual-use innovation and position the country more prominently within the aerospace sector.
Three small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – Canada Rocket Company, NordSpace and Reaction Dynamics – were selected in the opening phase of the competition. Each company will now move forward from concept development to prototype work, supported by CAD 8.3 million in funding.
According to the DND, the initiative is intended to help build the foundations for a future medium-lift launch competition, while supporting Canada’s ambition to become a centre of expertise for small satellite launch capability.
Funding for Launch the North
Funding for Launch the North is due to increase from CAD 25 million in 2025–26 to CAD 40 million in both 2026–27 and 2027–28.
In the same announcement, the DND confirmed it had also awarded CAD 200 million to Maritime Launch Services to provide a dedicated satellite launch pad for the Canadian Government at its Nova Scotia spaceport.
The facility is expected to serve the Canadian Armed Forces as its primary user, while also allowing ad hoc access for allies and partners.
Commenting on the developments, David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, said: “In the decades ahead, our security, our prosperity, and our sovereignty will increasingly extend beyond our atmosphere.”
The announcement follows the publication of Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy in February, which is focused on strengthening domestic production capability.
