NordSpace and C-Core Join Forces to Enhance Canada’s Ground Station Network

NordSpace has partnered with C-Core to develop a network of aerospace communications infrastructure across Canada. The two companies formalized their collaboration with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last week, initiating a joint venture focused on site engineering, regulatory planning, and business case studies for new ground stations throughout the country.

Ground stations, also referred to as Earth stations, play a vital role in satellite communications as they utilize satellite dishes and telemetry equipment for tracking and controlling satellites and aerial systems. C-Core, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, is recognized for its research and development capabilities, particularly in radar and space hardware. The firm currently operates ground stations in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Initial plans outlined in the MOU include establishing stations in Inuvik and at NordSpace’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX) located in St. Lawrence, approximately 350 kilometres from St. John’s. These ground stations are expected to enhance Canada’s capabilities for global satellite communications access and support launch operations within the country.

According to NordSpace, the partnership with C-Core is crucial for ensuring the reliability of commercial launch activities at the spaceport and in the High Arctic, an area where Canadian sovereignty and security are increasingly under scrutiny. “C-Core’s collaboration will help ensure the reliability of our commercial launch activities both at our spaceport, and in the High Arctic where Canadian sovereignty and security are under threat,” stated NordSpace CEO Rahul Goel.

NordSpace is determined to facilitate Canada’s first commercial space launch, a goal that has faced challenges since the company initiated efforts in August 2023. The aerospace firm aims to develop space launch vehicles, spaceports, and satellites entirely within Canada, seeking to bolster the nation’s space mission capacity and enhance its security posture.

Infrastructure Development and Future Prospects

The ASX is poised to become Canada’s first operational commercial spaceport. Construction began in August 2023, with plans for launchpads catering to both orbital and suborbital missions. The facility will also include radar systems and other ground support equipment. While this infrastructure is under development, NordSpace has relied on temporary mobile facilities transported from Ontario for its initial launch attempts.

Despite these preparations, the company has encountered setbacks, including an erroneous activation of the rocket’s ignition safety system and fuel-related issues. As a result, NordSpace has yet to achieve a successful launch, but a new target date is anticipated in the coming weeks.

The collaboration between NordSpace and C-Core represents a significant step toward advancing Canada’s position in the global aerospace sector. By enhancing ground station infrastructure, both companies aim to open new revenue streams and further integrate their space missions, ultimately contributing to the growth of the Canadian space industry.