German company ESAER Aerospace is expanding its international operations after signing an agreement with Canadian launch services provider (MLS) to use its Nova Scotia Spaceport. The deal allows ESAER to design and operate the infrastructure of the launch platform according to its needs, in order to launch its “Spectrum” rocket. In return, MLS will provide the launch platform and surrounding facilities for integrating the stages of the rocket and payload, conducting tests, as well as a control center for launch operations.

According to the website “space”, the agreement grants ESAER a 10-year lease contract worth USD 150 million for MLS’s launch site, with an option to extend it by another ten years.

Details of the new space agreement

The development of the facility is scheduled to begin later this year. ESAER aims to launch its first orbital flights from the new site in 2028.

Alexander Dallonio, Vice President of Launch and Mission Operations at ESAER, said in a company statement: “Canada represents the next step in our plan to provide integrated launch capabilities for sovereign nations”. He added: “We are proud to do this here in Canada, and in cooperation with it.”

By 2029, Axiom hopes to support up to 40 launches from its new Canadian site. In the same statement, Stephen Matera, President and CEO of MLS, said: “By integrating Axiom Aerospace’s Spectrum launch vehicle with Nova Scotia Spaceport’s licensed infrastructure, we are setting the stage for reliable orbital launch services from Canada.”