Atlantic Spaceport Complex

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The Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX) is an under-construction commercial space launch facility in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. [1] Construction was announced in August 2025. [2]

Situated near the town of St.Lawrence in Newfoundland–about 350 kilometres (220 mi) southwest of St.John's–its inaugural test flight, which is considered Canada's first commercial rocket launch [3] , could take place within a launch window which opens on August 25, 2025. [1]

The initiative, led by NordSpace, will support suborbital flights and tracking infrastructure. The first mission, named "Getting Screeched In" will feature the company's suborbital Taiga rocket which will be powered by its 3D-printed Hadfield Mk III engine.

"Getting Screeched In" is a tradition in Newfoundland of initiating visitors to the island's culture by inviting them to have a shot of rum, kiss a cod, and recite local slang. [4]

While the Taiga rocket will not head into orbit per se, it is expected to pass the Kármán line which is considered the defining line between Earth and space. [5] The suborbital test flight is expected to last 30 seconds, according to the company's CEO Rahul Goel. [3]

References

  1. 1 2 Dinner, Josh (2025-08-15). "Canada's 1st commercial spaceport is officially under construction. When will it open for launches?". Space. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  2. ↑ Kean, Gary (12 August 2025). "The next giant leap: Construction on spaceport begins in St. Lawrence". The Telegram. Postmedia Network . Retrieved 17 August 2025.
  3. 1 2 Head, Jenna (July 29, 2025). "NordSpace to launch first rocket out of St. Lawrence in August". Canadian Broadcast Corporation. Retrieved August 17, 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ↑ Riehl, Alex (2025-08-12). "NordSpace breaks ground on new Atlantic Spaceport Complex in Newfoundland | BetaKit" . Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  5. ↑ "Construction Begins on First Canadian Commercial Spaceport". InsideHook. Retrieved 2025-08-17.

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