- NordSpace has secured a $14.2 million deal for military access to its Newfoundland and Labrador spaceport
- Kepler has received a $3.3 million contract to develop optical inter-satellite links
- The Canadian Armed Forces is establishing a Space Mission Operator occupation
Canada’s Department of National Defence has rolled out a set of military space initiatives that includes a spaceport deal, an Arctic satellite communications contract and full membership in a NATO launch program, according to a Canadian government announcement released Wednesday.
The measures push the value of space-related contracts, grants and contributions announced in 2026 past $3 billion.
What Is the NordSpace Spaceport Agreement?
The department signed a 10-year, $14.2 million agreement with NordSpace for access to the Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland and Labrador. The deal follows a 10-year, $200 million agreement with Maritime Launch Services in March for a dedicated launch pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia. Both agreements give the Canadian Armed Forces, or CAF, and its partners access to conduct launches and research and development activities.
Budget 2025 earmarked $129.6 million over three years to establish a sovereign launch program.
NordSpace CEO Rahul Goel said the agreement will help ensure “a Canadian-made rocket on a Canadian-owned launch pad” is waiting when the military needs it.
What Will Kepler Develop for the Canadian Armed Forces?
Kepler Communications will develop and test optical inter-satellite communication networks under a two-year, $3.3 million contract. The laser-based links will allow satellites to transmit data directly to one another, supporting faster and more resilient space communications for future CAF missions, particularly in the Arctic and other remote regions of Canada.
The effort is expected to support Arctic surveillance and threat detection through the Northern Wide-Area Tracking and Continuous Horizon, or NORTHWATCH, program.
The contract was awarded through the Gateway to the Stars challenge of the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security, or IDEaS, program, which has committed $12.7 million to satellite connectivity projects.
Mina Mitry, CEO and co-founder of Kepler, said Canada’s North lacks adequate connectivity despite its strategic importance. He said the company’s optical data relay network will give the CAF steadier access to timely intelligence and faster decision-making.
Kepler began commercial operations for its optical data relay network in August after commissioning its first tranche of 10 satellites, which launched in January.
What Other Space Measures Is Canada Pursuing?
Canada is now part of NATO STARLIFT, a High Visibility Project focused on developing a network of space launch capabilities so allies can launch assets at short notice from spaceports in the alliance.
The Canadian Armed Forces is creating a Space Mission Operator occupation to help the Royal Canadian Air Force attract, train and retain skilled personnel. The department is also investing $1.2 million over two years through Launch Canada and the IDEaS Space Rocketry Talent Development Initiative to develop future space professionals.
Minister of National Defence David McGuinty credited Canadian companies and researchers with many of the country’s space achievements, saying Canada “has the talent, technology and ambition to remain a leader in space.” He added that strengthening defense capabilities will create new opportunities for the domestic industry.
