Canada Seeks Sovereign Space Launch Capability at Inaugural Space Conference

Canadian aerospace and technology leaders will gather in Ottawa for the inaugural Canadian Space Launch Conference (CSLC) to chart a strategic course toward establishing national space launch capabilities. The conference, organized by NordSpace, represents a critical moment for Canada to address its long-standing absence from independent space technology development.

Dr. Doug Milburn, Co-Founder and Chairman of Protocase and ProtoSpace Mfg., will deliver a lightning talk highlighting Canada's manufacturing potential in aerospace. His presentation, titled "Canada's Aerospace Manufacturing Advantage - Making the Impossible, Possible," underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to secure Canada's place in the expanding global space economy.

Currently, Canada remains the only G7 and Five Eyes nation without sovereign launch capabilities. The global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040, presenting significant economic and technological opportunities that Canada risks missing without immediate strategic intervention.

The conference will feature keynote speeches from military and industry leaders, including Brigadier-General Christopher Horner and Space Canada CEO Brian Gallant. Panels will address critical areas such as defense, security, commercial space development, and regulatory frameworks, bringing together experts from government, military, industry, academia, and non-profit sectors.

Conference sponsors, including ProtoSpace Mfg., Galaxia, and Spaceport Canada, represent a coalition committed to advancing Canadian space sovereignty. The collaborative approach reflects a recognition that achieving independent launch capabilities requires coordinated effort across multiple sectors.

Potential benefits of developing sovereign launch capabilities extend beyond technological achievement. These include enhanced national security, job creation, technological independence, environmental monitoring, and substantial economic development opportunities. The conference represents a pivotal moment for Canada to transition from a spectator to a leader in the emerging global space economy.

By focusing on immediate, actionable strategies, the Canadian Space Launch Conference aims to close the current technological gap and position Canada as a competitive player in the international space sector. The conference signals a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to transforming Canada's space capabilities within a critical and rapidly evolving global landscape.