Canadian rocket startup aims for space sovereignty

Canada Rocket Company launched Friday, aiming to be the first Canadian firm capable of launching medium-payload satellites. This initiative seeks to bolster Canada's defense capabilities and national sovereignty. The company has secured $6.2 million in seed funding, the largest for a Canadian space and defense startup. Global political instability and increased defense spending are seen as drivers for domestic space launch capacity. Canada Rocket plans to develop light-lift vehicles by 2028 and medium-lift rockets a few years later, targeting a market segment often underserved by existing providers.