Nova Scotia’s space industry is taking off

From Invest Nova Scotia and the Springboard Content Lab

Nova Scotia is emerging as a hub in Canada’s space economy. Backed by a federal investment in cutting-edge research and a developing commercial launch ecosystem, the province entering a new era of space innovation. From satellite innovation to launch infrastructure, the region is building the foundations of a new high-growth sector—one that intersects aerospace, defence, ocean technology, and data analytics.

Why Nova Scotia Is Gaining Global Attention

Several key factors are driving momentum:

• Major federal investment: Canada committed over $180 million to expand national launch capacity, signalling a push toward space sovereignty
• Strategic infrastructure: Spaceport Nova Scotia is Canada’s first commercial launch site capable of delivering satellites into key orbits
• Defence alignment: A $200 million federal investment is positioning the spaceport as a cornerstone of Canada’s defence and security strategy
• Global market growth: The space economy is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2040, creating massive opportunity for Canadian firms

Together, these elements are placing Nova Scotia at the centre of Canada’s ambitions to become a spacefaring nation.

Spaceport Nova Scotia is national game-changer

Located near Canso and operated by Maritime Launch Services, Spaceport Nova Scotia represents a transformative piece of infrastructure.

• Designed for polar and sun-synchronous orbit launches
• Supports commercial, civil, and defence missions
• Enables sovereign launch capability—reducing reliance on foreign providers

Recent milestones such as successful suborbital launches, strategic partnerships, and federal designation as a sovereign launch site are signalling that the project is moving steadily toward operational readiness.

A cluster of space innovators in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is home to a growing ecosystem of space and data-driven companies, including:

• MDA Space – MDA Space is a Canadian space technology company specializing in advanced robotics, satellite systems, and Earth observation solutions. It plays a central role in global space infrastructure, contributing to scientific missions, national defense, and commercial satellite operations.
• Galaxia Mission Systems – Galaxia Mission Systems is a Halifax-based company focused on computation-centric small satellites. It develops hardware, software, and mission platforms that turn nanosatellite constellations into flexible, software-defined Earth-observation and in-orbit computing systems.
• Global Spatial Technology Solutions – Global Spatial Technology Solutions (GSTS) is a Dartmouth-based AI-powered maritime analytics company focused on decision-support for ports, shipping lines, defence, and security organizations.

These organizations are building globally relevant solutions—from Earth observation to ocean analytics.

FAQs

What is Spaceport Nova Scotia?
It is Canada’s first commercial space launch facility, designed to send satellites into orbit from Canadian soil.

Why is space important to Nova Scotia’s economy?
The space sector drives high-value jobs, innovation, and global investment, while supporting defence and data-driven industries.

Which companies are leading the space sector in Nova Scotia?
Key players include MDA Space, Galaxia Mission Systems, and Global Spatial Technology Solutions.

How does this benefit Atlantic Canada?
It positions the region as a hub for aerospace, defence, and advanced technology, attracting talent and investment.

About Springboard Atlantic

Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada connecting researchers, industry, and entrepreneurs across to accelerate commercialization, foster innovation, and drive economic growth.