After numerous delays, NordSpace is planning to make another attempt at launching its rocket from Newfoundland’s south coast.
If the company launches its a single-engine rocket — Taiga — in St. Lawrence, N.L., it will become the first to launch a commercial rocket in Canada. Taiga is a six-metre tall rocket created using 3D-printed metal.
The launch will be live streamed.
This is the company’s latest attempt to get its rocket in the air.
The company had eyed Wednesday for the possibility of a launch, but an anomaly on the launch pad resulted in a minor fire, according to the NordSpace website.
On Tuesday, NordSpace made two attempts to launch the rocket. The first was called off because a small boat appeared in the ocean near the launch area.
When cleared for another attempt, the mission was a go for launch until about 30 seconds before the timer reached zero. However, smoke and fire became visible near the bottom of the rocket, forcing a pause on the mission.
NordSpace CEO Rahul Goel said the flames came from residual propellant on the launch pad, and that a fire in that manner isn’t uncommon for rocket launches.
NordSpace also 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 happens — 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.
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