Private space launch corporations INNOSPACE said on the 4th it signed a nonbinding letter of intent (LOI) with Maritime Launch Services (MLS), a space launch services corporation based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, to cooperate on launches in North America.
MLS operates the Nova Scotia Spaceport, a commercial orbital spaceport located in Canso, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Through this LOI, the two corporations agreed to set a strategic direction for joint reviews of INNOSPACE's HANBIT launch vehicle operations from technical, regulatory and commercial perspectives. The LOI provides a basic framework for future discussions and does not create any financial obligations for either corporation. It is valid through Dec. 31 of this year and will be superseded if a definitive agreement is signed.
Stephen Matier, CEO of Maritime Launch Services, said, "This letter of intent reflects international demand and interest that shows Nova Scotia is emerging as a new orbital launch hub," and added, "Based on our strategic location on the Atlantic coast of eastern North America, we look forward to supporting INNOSPACE's launch program and strengthening Canada's commercial launch capabilities by expanding reliable and repeatable orbital access."
INNOSPACE has secured launch sites in Brazil, Australia and Portugal. Through this cooperation, it has further strengthened its ability to expand its launch network to North America and respond to the growing global satellite customer demand.
Kim Su-jong, CEO of INNOSPACE, said, "North America is a key market where global small satellite launch demand is concentrated, and it provides an important foundation for INNOSPACE to step up as a global commercial launch services corporation," and added, "In particular, through a North American operations base for the HANBIT launch vehicle, we hope to offer priority commercial launch services not only for Canadian government-developed satellites but also for private corporations."