Canada's plan to stop riding American rockets takes shape in Ontario

Summary

For 60 years, Canadian satellites have launched on foreign rockets, starting with Alouette 1 in 1962. The video explains that Ottawa's Budget 2025 set aside $182.6 million over three years for a sovereign space launch capability, framing satellite access as a defence requirement rather than a commercial convenience.

The Toronto-based Canada Rocket Company is building a $30 million engine test site beside London International Airport, in London, Ontario, with a fully operational site targeted for 2028. The company has 32 employees and has raised $22 million, mostly from Canadian sources. In March, Ottawa committed $200 million over 10 years to lease a launch pad at Canso, Nova Scotia, and backed three Launch the North winners at $8.3 million each.

The video argues the gap is widening. Carney's Starlink diversification push and SpaceX's plan to stop booking Falcon 9 launches beyond 2028 leave the Telesat Lightspeed constellation, scheduled to launch on Falcon 9, exposed. CRC targets orbit by 2032 at an estimated cost near $1 billion, and Kolus hopes about half comes from government.

Key points

• Budget 2025 sets aside $182.6 million over three years for a sovereign space launch capability.
• Ottawa commits $200 million over 10 years to lease a launch pad at Canso, Nova Scotia.
• Canada Rocket Company's $30 million engine test site in London, Ontario, is targeted to be fully operational by 2028.
• CRC has 32 employees and has raised $22 million, most of it from Canadian sources.
• SpaceX is expected to stop booking Falcon 9 launches beyond 2028 as it shifts toward Starship.
• CRC's orbit target is 2032, with an estimated cost near $1 billion.

Questions answered