Maritime Launch secures infrastructure tax credit to build small launcher pad in Nova Scotia

Maritime Launch Services Inc. (Cboe CA: MAXQ; OTCQB: MAXQF), the Canadian orbital launch infrastructure developer, has received approval for approximately CAD 10.5 million under Nova Scotia’s Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program. The funding will support the construction of a dedicated small launcher pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia, Canada’s first commercial launch site near the town of Canso.

This new launch pad is a standalone infrastructure platform tailored for small satellite launch vehicles, and marks a strategic expansion of Maritime Launch’s capabilities. The latest CITC approval brings total provincial tax-supported funding for the project to over CAD 30.7 million, reflecting continued public sector alignment with Canada’s goal of achieving independent orbital access.

How Spaceport Nova Scotia evolved as a sovereign launch site

First proposed in the late 2010s, Spaceport Nova Scotia was conceived to provide a commercial launch location within Canada, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign spaceports. Maritime Launch Services secured key licensing and land agreements between 2019 and 2021, and ground infrastructure work began in earnest shortly thereafter.

With growing interest from international launch providers and the proliferation of small satellite constellations, the site has evolved into a flagship project for Canada’s space economy. The Canadian aerospace infrastructure firm is positioning the spaceport as a launch platform of choice for payloads in low Earth orbit and sun-synchronous orbits.

What the $10.5 million CITC funding will enable

The new CITC support will fund the construction of a standalone small launcher pad equipped with specialized mission-critical infrastructure. This includes systems for flame diversion, fuel and gas transfer, electrical integration, site civil works, and mission preparation. Unlike larger pads, this facility is specifically engineered to support rapid deployment, reusable components, and mission customization for smaller, lightweight launch vehicles.

Maritime Launch President and CEO Stephen Matier stated that the approval demonstrates Nova Scotia’s commitment to innovation-driven economic development. He emphasized that Spaceport Nova Scotia is not only a national asset but also a globally competitive commercial hub that will drive regional investment and national strategic capabilities.

The tax credit is part of a broader initiative to attract advanced industrial activity to rural parts of Nova Scotia, and to position Canada as a credible launch destination for space technology companies.

What is Nova Scotia’s Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program?

The Capital Investment Tax Credit is a refundable corporate tax incentive administered by the Province of Nova Scotia. It provides up to 25 percent reimbursement for approved capital expenditures in targeted industries, including aerospace, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing.

The program has a maximum benefit of CAD 100 million per eligible project and is designed to catalyze high-impact private-sector investment. By reducing upfront cost burdens, it makes it more attractive for companies to build long-term infrastructure in underdeveloped or rural regions.

In the case of Maritime Launch Services, provincial authorities have recognized the economic and strategic significance of establishing sovereign orbital launch capabilities, leading to multiple CITC approvals totaling CAD 30.7 million to date.

Premier Tim Houston welcomed the announcement, calling Spaceport Nova Scotia a project that “creates opportunities for Nova Scotians in rural areas” while putting the province on the global map in a future-facing industry.

How the project benefits the regional and national economy

Beyond its space technology significance, the infrastructure buildout is a lever for rural economic growth. As the new launcher pad comes online, the site is expected to generate up to 30 direct jobs in areas such as technical operations, logistics, and maintenance.

Local construction and engineering firms will benefit from project contracts, and the long-term operation of the spaceport will increase demand for services such as hospitality, transportation, and equipment maintenance. The development is also expected to increase Nova Scotia’s visibility as a destination for aerospace investment and workforce training.

For the Municipality of the District of Guysborough, where the facility is located, the project represents a cornerstone of economic diversification. The area has historically depended on resource-based sectors, and local leaders have identified spaceport development as a critical component in attracting new industries.

Growing institutional interest and potential investment signals

Market analysts have noted increasing alignment between Maritime Launch Services and provincial infrastructure priorities. Institutional sentiment is cautiously optimistic, as the firm is positioned as Canada’s only fully licensed commercial spaceport developer.

While still in pre-revenue stages, the infrastructure commitments and provincial incentives may de-risk future capital infusions. Some observers believe the site could eventually attract global launch providers and upstream/downstream space technology firms, creating a full regional ecosystem around launch logistics, satellite integration, and data services.

The CITC funding, by validating the firm’s capital strategy, could serve as a foundation for further public-private partnerships or federal co-funding under programs supporting critical infrastructure and defense-aligned technology.

Why small launcher infrastructure is now a strategic priority

The rise of compact satellite technology has transformed launch economics. Nations, universities, and commercial firms increasingly rely on dedicated small launch vehicles to achieve targeted orbital deployment without waiting for piggyback rides on larger rockets.

This shift has created demand for nimble, flexible, and safe launch sites capable of handling smaller payloads with higher frequency. Maritime Launch Services’ new small launcher pad directly responds to this need, offering scalability without the complexity or delay associated with larger, traditional platforms.

By offering dedicated launch infrastructure with full orbital access from Canadian soil, the project aligns with emerging national priorities around digital sovereignty, secure communications, and defense space architecture.

Future outlook for Maritime Launch and Spaceport Nova Scotia

With the latest CITC funding now approved, Maritime Launch Services is preparing to move into the construction phase for the small launcher pad in late 2025. Engineering and procurement work is underway, and the firm anticipates initial operational capability within the next 18–24 months, depending on regulatory approvals and partner schedules.

Looking ahead, the Canadian aerospace infrastructure firm plans to onboard additional international clients, potentially including payloads from research institutions, Earth observation companies, and allied defense programs. Analysts expect that a successful demonstration of launch readiness could open the door for federal funding, defense partnerships, or international space agency collaboration.

If executed successfully, Spaceport Nova Scotia could place Canada among a select group of nations with sovereign launch capabilities and commercially viable orbital access — a milestone with both strategic and economic implications.