Canadian Space Leaders Convene to Address Sovereign Launch Capability Gap

Canadian aerospace and technology leaders are preparing to tackle a critical national challenge: establishing sovereign space launch capabilities. The inaugural Canadian Space Launch Conference (CSLC) in Ottawa will convene experts from government, military, industry, and academia to strategize Canada's path to becoming a spacefaring nation. Dr. Doug Milburn, Co-Founder and Chairman of Protocase and ProtoSpace Mfg., will deliver a lightning talk titled "Canada's Aerospace Manufacturing Advantage - Making the Impossible, Possible" at the conference. His presentation underscores the urgent need for Canada to develop independent space launch infrastructure.

Currently, Canada remains the only G7 and Five Eyes nation without autonomous launch capabilities. This vulnerability becomes increasingly significant as the global space economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040. The conference aims to transform this potential economic and technological disadvantage into an opportunity for national leadership. The event will feature high-profile speakers, including an opening keynote by Brigadier-General Christopher Horner, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, and a closing address by Brian Gallant, CEO of Space Canada.

Panels will explore critical themes such as defense, security, commercial space development, and regulatory readiness. Conference sponsors, including ProtoSpace Mfg., Galaxia, Spaceport Canada, and others, represent a coalition committed to advancing Canada's space capabilities. The collaborative approach emphasizes the multidisciplinary effort required to establish a robust national space sector. Dr. Milburn emphasized the time-sensitive nature of this opportunity, stating that sovereign launch capabilities can bring substantial benefits, including enhanced national security, job creation, technological independence, and economic development.

The conference represents a pivotal moment for Canada to transition from a passive observer to an active leader in the global space economy. The inaugural Canadian Space Launch Conference signals a strategic pivot, positioning Canada to potentially reshape its technological and economic trajectory through strategic investment in space infrastructure and innovation. This coordinated effort across government, military, and private sector stakeholders highlights the comprehensive approach needed to address Canada's space capability gap and secure the nation's position in the rapidly expanding space economy.