Buoyed by financial support from both the federal and provincial governments, Nordspace plans to launch a satellite into space in a couple of weeks.

Attempts to do so last summer were unsuccessful for several reasons including fog and the presence of marine traffic, but the federal government is confident in the company’s choice to build the space hub in St. Lawrence.

Ottawa says a more expansive foray into space by Canada is vital as it’s a growing industry on a global scale.

Minister Sean Fraser says we currently are too reliant on the United States in this regard.

“This money will help to create a toehold in Atlantic Canada. It’s an industry which will add billions of dollars in the next number of years, and we want to ensure that Canadian companies have the opportunity to launch satellites and other materials into space rather than rely on U.S. players,” said the federal minister.

He expects to see the creation of about 100 direct and indirect jobs over the next several years.

“The decision as to what’s going to deliver the greatest return on investment is typically best made by the one who is doing the investment – in this case, Nordspace has secured a location which will allow them to succeed.” He said.