A company hoping to perform Canada’s first-ever commercial rocket launch is gearing up for takeoff on Newfoundland’s south coast.
NordSpace is making a renewed attempt to launch its single-engine rocket, Taiga, in St. Lawrence. It’s a six-metre tall rocket created using 3D-printed metal.
In a statement Monday evening, the company said it would be back on site the next day “for a high probability launch day.”
“Launch crews will maintain the rocket and ground support equipment in a launch-ready state overnight, with the first launch window opening at 06:30 NDT,” it said.
It added the launch could occur any time during two windows, which range from 6:30 to noon, and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
On Monday morning, the company announced it would have better odds of launching on Tuesday and Thursday as it anticipated improved weather.
NordSpace attempted several launches in late August, and was 58 seconds away from takeoff when an ignition issue occurred and the mission was scrubbed.
The launch — when it does happen — will be suborbital, meaning the rocket won’t orbit Earth and will only be in the air for about a minute before it splashes into the Atlantic Ocean.
Speaking with CBC News in January, CEO Rahul Goel said St. Lawrence serves as a top location for a commercial space launch because of its ideal position to achieve the right orbital inclinations.
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