The Canadian aerospace and technology sector is taking a significant step toward addressing a critical national challenge: the establishment of sovereign space launch capabilities. The inaugural Canadian Space Launch Conference (CSLC) in Ottawa is set to bring together a diverse group of experts from government, military, industry, and academia to chart Canada's course toward becoming a spacefaring nation. This initiative comes at a time when the global space economy is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040, highlighting the urgency for Canada to develop its own launch infrastructure to avoid being left behind.
Dr. Doug Milburn, Co-Founder and Chairman of Protocase and ProtoSpace Mfg., is among the key speakers at the conference, presenting on Canada's aerospace manufacturing advantages. His talk, titled 'Canada's Aerospace Manufacturing Advantage - Making the Impossible, Possible,' emphasizes the critical need for Canada to build independent space launch capabilities. Currently, Canada stands as the only G7 and Five Eyes nation without autonomous launch capabilities, a gap that poses significant vulnerabilities in terms of national security and economic opportunities.
The conference features an impressive lineup of speakers, including Brigadier-General Christopher Horner, Commander of 3 Canadian Space Division, who will deliver the opening keynote, and Brian Gallant, CEO of Space Canada, who will provide the closing address. The event will also host panels on essential topics such as defense, security, commercial space development, and regulatory readiness, showcasing the multidisciplinary approach required to advance Canada's space sector.
Sponsored by leading organizations like ProtoSpace Mfg., Galaxia, and Spaceport Canada, the conference underscores the collaborative effort needed to propel Canada into a leadership position in the global space economy. Dr. Milburn highlighted the time-sensitive nature of this opportunity, pointing out the substantial benefits sovereign launch capabilities could bring, including enhanced national security, job creation, technological independence, and economic development.
The Canadian Space Launch Conference represents a pivotal moment for Canada, signaling a strategic shift from being a passive observer to an active participant in the space domain. By investing in space infrastructure and innovation, Canada has the potential to reshape its technological and economic trajectory, securing a place among the leading spacefaring nations.
