As US relations fray, Canada is getting serious about its own launch industry. Kolias, a key figure in the sector, noted that from a technical and infrastructure perspective, 90 percent of light lift work would be discarded, making it a net new program. This realization pushed the company to develop the R-2 rocket, a medium-lift vehicle resembling SpaceX's Falcon 9, with nine methane-fueled engines and landing legs for future reuse. It could carry up to 12.5 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, with a potential launch by 2032.
The mood in Canada is angry, driving a shift toward sovereignty. For decades, Canada has relied on the US for defense, notably canceling the Avro Arrow interceptor in 1959. Since then, the aerospace industry has languished, with satellites typically launching on American rockets. However, sovereignty is back in vogue, and earlier this year, Canada unveiled a Defense Industrial Strategy prioritizing space launch among 10 capabilities.
Kolias sees geopolitics as a fantastic opportunity for Canadian industries to build ambitious enterprises. He emphasized pulling away from the globalist movement and realizing that owning your own destiny is crucial for economic and sovereign defense perspectives.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing