Description
This is to advise that on March 11, 2019, Maritime Launch Service Ltd. submitted the Focus Report for the Canso Spaceport Facility Project for environmental assessment, in accordance with Part IV of the Environment Act.
The purpose of the proposed project is to construct and operate a private commercial space launch site that provides rocket launch services to clients. The project is located approximately 2-3 kilometers south of Canso, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. A medium class orbital launch vehicle designed by Yuzhnoye SDO in the Ukraine, will transport satellites into orbit. A maximum of 8 launches per year with associated pre-flight activities such as mission rehearsals, is planned. The main project components include a launch control center, as well as a horizontal integration facility and a vertical launch area which are connected by a transportation route. The transportation route is approximately 2.4 kilometers in length, including a road and a railway. The construction of the project is scheduled to commence in 2019, with the first launch planned for 2021.
Project Update
The Minister has authorized an extension for the commencement of work effective March 15, 2021 and expiring December 3, 2022. The Approval Holder must, on or before December 3, 2022, commence work on the Undertaking unless granted a written extension by the Minister.
Minister's Decision
On June 4, 2019 the Minister of Environment released a decision concerning this review. The Minister has decided to approve the undertaking in accordance with Section 18(a) of the Environmental Assessment Regulations, pursuant to Part IV of the Environment Act. The undertaking has been approved subject to a number of conditions.
Project Documents
- Minister’s Decision
(PDF:32k) - Conditions (PDF:332k)
- Comments (PDF:5.7mb)
- Terms of Reference for Focus Report (PDF:329k)
- Public Notice (PDF:25k)
Focus Report
- Focus Report (PDF:5.6mb)
Registration
- Registration Document (PDF:9mb)
- Appendix A to F (PDF:8.4mb)
- Appendix G - part 1 (PDF:5.3mb)
- Appendix G - part 2 (PDF:6.9mb)
- Appendix H (PDF:4.8mb)
- Appendix I (PDF:7.4mb)
- Appendix J (PDF:265k)
Opportunities for Public Input
Public comments on the Focus Report were accepted until April 19, 2019.
All Comments (PDF:5.7mb) received from the public consultation are posted on the department’s website for public viewing. In the case of an individual, the address, email and contact information are removed before being placed on the website. By submitting your comments, you are consenting to the posting of your comments on the department’s website.