I thought it would be interesting to query Ai on the process that NordSpace would have to follow in Canada to get a launch license. This is the information it returned, if I get further updates and corrections I’ll note them here.

[update on X from Rahul Goel, CEO of Nordspace: Mostly right. Reality is far more challenging. E.g. the regulations set a hard limit on wind speeds not exceeding 30 km/h. Makes senses for small rockets or solid motors, but our vehicles can handle far greater speeds and trickier scenarios. Forces us to keep scrubbing launches.]

What process does NordSpace have to follow to get a launch license?

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements NordSpace has to navigate:

• Regulatory Framework: The process for obtaining a launch license in Canada is complex and involves multiple government departments. According to NordSpace’s public statements, they have been working with Transport Canada, NAV Canada (the private civil airspace operator), and various provincial and federal departments.
• Case-by-Case Approval: Instead of a fully established, comprehensive licensing system for all commercial space activities, Canada has been approving launch requests on a “case-by-case” basis. NordSpace has deliberately chosen to push the envelope by applying for a commercial orbital-class license, even for a suborbital mission, to help establish the regulatory procedures.
• Special Flight Operations Certificate: A key part of the process is obtaining a special flight operations certificate from Transport Canada. This certificate is essential for ensuring public safety and managing airspace during a launch.
• Multi-Agency Sign-Off: The approval process requires sign-offs from multiple government bodies, including those responsible for fisheries, forestry, and the environment. This is particularly important for NordSpace’s launch site, the Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX), in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Safety and Environmental Reviews: Safety is a top priority. NordSpace has conducted extensive tests and simulations and has a team of regulators and inspectors on-site to monitor their activities. The company also has to clear hurdles related to environmental assessments for its launch site.
• Other Approvals: Beyond the primary launch license, NordSpace also has to secure other necessary approvals for its satellite and ground operations, which may involve agencies like Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). This includes things like:
  • Remote Sensing License: If the satellite has a camera for remote sensing.
  • Radio License: For transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the satellite.
  • Financial Responsibility: Demonstrating proof of financial responsibility, which is often done through liability insurance.

The company’s goal is to work with the government to create a more streamlined and flexible licensing procedure for the future, which is a process the Canadian government is actively working on in consultation with industry.

NordSpace had a 5 day launch license that expired August 31st what do they have to do to get a launch license in September?

Based on public reports, NordSpace needs to go through a renewed application process with Transport Canada to get a launch license for September.

Here’s a breakdown of what that entails:

• Reapplication, Not an Extension: The previous license, which was a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC), had a specific, short duration that expired on August 31st. This is not a matter of simply extending the old license; NordSpace needs to apply for a new one. The company itself has acknowledged this, stating they would be “back in as little as a few days” after their license expired and that they needed a new one for a September launch attempt.
• “Same Flight” Expedites Process: While it’s a new license, the process is expected to be quicker this time. According to NordSpace CEO Rahul Goel, because it’s the “same flight,” they are hoping the new authorization “comes in pretty quickly.” This is because the company has already submitted the detailed plans and safety cases for this specific mission. Transport Canada and the other regulatory bodies involved have already reviewed and approved the flight plan, the rocket’s design, the launch procedures, and the environmental impact. The new application will likely reference the previously approved documentation.
• Safety and Technical Review: Despite the previous approval, Transport Canada will still need to review any changes or new information from the August launch attempts. The company has publicly stated that the last attempt was scrubbed due to a “software glitch” in an “ignition safety system.” Any modifications to the rocket or the launch procedures to address this issue would need to be documented and approved by the regulators to ensure the new launch is safe.
• Coordination with Multiple Agencies: The approval is not just from Transport Canada. The company would need to re-coordinate with all the relevant agencies, including NAV Canada for airspace management, and other provincial and federal departments to ensure everything is aligned for the new launch window.

In short, NordSpace is effectively re-applying for a license, but since it’s a repeat of a previously-approved mission, the process should be more of a procedural check and re-issue rather than a full, from-scratch application. The main goal for them is to get a new SFOC with a new launch window. They have stated they are targeting a mid-September launch.

Sources

en.wikipedia.org
Atlantic Spaceport Complex – Wikipedia
Although Taiga remained safe and ready to launch, NordSpace was required to wait to acquire a renewed licence from Transport Canada and re-attempt their launch …

Yahoo News Canada
ca.news.yahoo.com
Canada’s first commercial rocket soon to launch after weather, technical delays
Watch the launch stream, below: As of Friday evening, at 5:52 p.m. EDT, NordSpace posted an update to their X account, stating: “Thank you so much everyone for …

CBC
www.cbc.ca
Ignition issue delays NordSpace launch in N.L. — putting Canada’s first commercial space launch on hold | CBC News
Launch delayed following ignition issue. Launch window closed at 7 p.m. NT, likely moving launch to September. Issue likely caused by a software glitch, CEO …

NordSpace
www.nordspace.com
Launch Information – NordSpace
NordSpace’s activities, including this first launch, are heavily regulated and require many approvals from governing bodies including Transport Canada, NAV …

Digital Content Solutions Inc.
www.dcsdigital.ca
Transport Canada SFOC Requirements & Application Process – DCS – dcsdigital.ca
Airspace & NAV CANADA Coordination: Secure necessary approvals for airspace integration and risk minimization. Final Submission & Regulatory Review: Ensure …

VOCM
vocm.com
NordSpace Planning Another Attempt at Rocket Launch in St. Lawrence by Mid-Month
He says they’re now looking at the middle of September for another launch attempt as the regulatory process goes through. “It’s the same flight,” says Goel, …