Construction Continues on NordSpace’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX) SLC-02
NordSpace Technicians Prepare the Taiga Rocket for Launch at the Company’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX)
Site tour underscores NordSpace’s advancement toward Canada’s first fully integrated sovereign orbital launch capacity
NordSpace is dedicated to space solutions that are genuinely sovereign. It was a pleasure to host our government partners at the ASX, essential spaceport infrastructure constructed to size, and built for Canada.”— Rahul Goel, CEO & FounderST. LAWRENCE, NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR, CANADA, July 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — On July 14th, NordSpace Corp. hosted senior representatives from the Department of National Defence, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Town of St. Lawrence at its Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX) in Newfoundland and Labrador, offering officials an update on construction progress and the company’s vision to create Canada’s first vertically integrated orbital launch capability.
The visiting group inspected NordSpace’s existing Space Launch Complex 02 (SLC-02), where building work commenced in 2025 and which accommodates suborbital and light lift orbital launches, and was briefed on development plans for Space Launch Complex 01 (SLC-01), where orbital launch infrastructure is moving into its subsequent phase of development. The Atlantic Spaceport Complex is NordSpace’s commercial spaceport and stands as Canada’s most capable launch site regarding the broadest inclination ranges, largest safety buffers for scalability to medium and heavy-lift vehicles, and the highest authorized launch frequency. Construction across both SLC-01 and SLC-02 is ongoing throughout this summer.
The ASX facility will support the launch of NordSpace’s Canadian-engineered and manufactured space launch vehicles for defence, commercial, and civil missions. Upon completion, it will grant Canada sovereign, guaranteed access to space, while bolstering domestic aerospace manufacturing, generating high-skilled employment, and fueling Canada’s expanding space economy. The ASX will assist Canada in achieving its priority sovereign space capabilities outlined in its new Defence Industrial Strategy, including Space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Satellite Communications, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).
As a wholly Canadian-owned enterprise, NordSpace represents the “build” priority of the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Build–Partner–Buy framework. NordSpace is predominantly constructing its launch, spaceport, and space systems technology within Canada, while collaborating with other specialized Canadian organizations when suitable. The company is dedicated to ITAR-free development of its launch capabilities, ensuring sovereign management over critical intellectual property and the liberty to operate without foreign limitations on technology export. NordSpace emphasizes the growth of Canadian intellectual property within the Canadian defence industrial base and intends to channel profits into well-compensated, highly skilled positions in Canada.
“It was a pleasure to welcome our federal, provincial, and municipal partners to the Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX) and demonstrate the substantial progress underway,” stated Rahul Goel, Chief Executive Officer of NordSpace. “Canada possesses the talent, technology, and industrial capability to become a launching nation. NordSpace’s ASX represents a key milestone in developing sovereign space infrastructure that bolsters our national security, economic competitiveness, and scientific goals.”
Representatives from the Department of National Defence, the Newfoundland and Labrador Dept of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and municipal officials from the Town of St. Lawrence participated in the site visit. The delegation also engaged with local residents during a community town hall and barbecue hosted by members of the St. Lawrence Volunteer Fire Department.
Construction of the ASX is being carried out in stages. NordSpace is currently advancing site access infrastructure and preparing for the construction of dedicated orbital launch pads that will accommodate light and medium-lift launch vehicles developed entirely by NordSpace. This vertical integration utilizes domestic supply chains and draws highly skilled personnel from across Canada. NordSpace anticipates the spaceport will serve government, defence, commercial, and international clients seeking responsive launch services from Canadian territory.
NordSpace’s forthcoming suborbital launches of its Taiga pathfinder rocket from ASX will function as a crucial operational test bed for both elements the company is currently developing. On the technical front, Taiga will reduce risk for flight technologies essential to the orbital-class Tundra vehicle, including propulsion, avionics, guidance, and recovery systems as Canada’s first commercial liquid rocket launch. On the regulatory front, Taiga will aim to provide the first practical application of Canada’s Commercial Space Launch licensing regime, range and airspace management protocols, day-of-launch coordination between operator and regulator, and public safety measures. Each Taiga launch is intended to build institutional experience across NordSpace and its federal partners ahead of Canada’s inaugural sovereign orbital launches.
The ASX complements the company’s ongoing expansion at its other facilities. Rocket Factory 1 in Markham acts as the company’s headquarters and 60,000 sqft advanced manufacturing campus, producing the light-lift Tundra and medium-lift Tundra+ orbital launch vehicles, the patent-pending Hadfield-150 engine line, and space systems satellite and robotics products. Area 66 in Eastern Ontario is the company’s 50-acre propulsion test range, housing the Darkhorse engine test cell, with the Blackhawk test cell slated to achieve operational readiness later this summer in preparation for the largest rocket engine test in Canadian history. Lastly, the recently announced Ottawa office, led by former Transport Canada executive Elsa Henchiri, handles government, regulatory, and policy matters.
About NordSpace
NordSpace Corp., founded in 2022, is a wholly Canadian-owned aerospace and defence firm developing vertically integrated solutions for responsive orbital launch vehicles, spaceports, turnkey satellites, and mission-critical software systems. Its hardware is designed, built, and flown in Canada, with the goal of advancing life on Earth through space and delivering innovation, jobs, national security, and sovereignty.
Jennifer Gawor
NordSpace Corp.
contact@nordspace.com
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