For the second time on Tuesday, Newfoundland-based space startup NordSpace delayed its long-awaited launch of Taiga, the rocket designed to be Canada’s first commercial spacecraft.
The morning launch attempt from St. Lawrence, N.L., was called off less than a minute before liftoff when smoke and fire appeared near the bottom of the six-metre rocket. NordSpace confirmed the situation was contained: “Pad is secure, flame dissipating from residual propellant. Vehicle is safe.”
Company officials said safety systems worked as intended and that the vehicle and launch pad remain intact. Another attempt is scheduled between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. NT this afternoon.
Earlier Tuesday morning, an initial launch window was scrubbed due to a small boat entering the ocean zone near the launch site. NordSpace said it contacted the vessel and cleared the area before attempting again.
“This is a very common occurrence at new launch sites. Part of the growth process! Stay positive,” the company said on its livestream.
The Taiga rocket, constructed with 3D-printed metal, is built for suborbital missions. Once launched, it will remain airborne for about a minute before splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean, without entering orbit.
NordSpace has made several launch attempts since late August. On one occasion, a countdown was halted just 58 seconds before liftoff due to ignition issues. Monday’s update from the company indicated optimism that either Tuesday or Thursday could finally see success.
Speaking earlier this year with CBC News, NordSpace CEO Rahul Goel said St. Lawrence is an ideal launch location due to its position for achieving desired orbital inclinations. If successful, the launch will mark a historic first for Canada’s commercial space industry.
