A bold new chapter in Canadian aerospace is unfolding in St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, where Ontario-based startup NordSpace plans to build the country’s first-ever commercial spaceport. Here’s what’s in the works:
Why St. Lawrence?
- The town offers ideal orbital launch angles, making it a strategic location for reaching a wide range of orbits—from equatorial to polar.
- NordSpace’s CEO, Rahul Goel, said they “fell in love with the province, the people, the governments and everything else going on there”.
️ What’s Being Built?
- Two launch pads:
- Site A: Along Lighthouse Road, featuring radar, a mission control centre, and satellite tracking equipment.
- Site B: At Sauker Head overlooking Deep Cove, designed for rocket launches with hangars, fuel storage, and support infrastructure.
- Rockets will be 16 meters long, 3D-printed, and designed to carry small satellites—not humans—into low Earth orbit.
- The spaceport will operate seasonally, depending on weather conditions.
Sustainability & Safety
- NordSpace is exploring sustainable fuels and using non-toxic, aviation-grade kerosene.
- Fuel will be stored in certified containers and brought in as needed, with strict regulatory oversight.
️ Local & Federal Coordination
- The Town of St. Lawrence has amended its municipal plan to allow aerospace development in rural zones.
- The project requires federal approval under the Aeronautics Act, and may also undergo provincial environmental assessments.
What’s Next?
- Construction is expected to take less than two years, with commercial operations targeted for 2027 or 2028.
- Public consultations have been held, and the town council is actively engaging with residents to address concerns like noise and environmental impact.
If successful, this spaceport could mark the first time rockets are launched into orbit from Canadian soil, putting St. Lawrence on the global space map.
Proposed Location
Rocket Comparison
