Canada is known for its contributions to space technology and innovation, but access to orbit has typically relied on launch infrastructure beyond its borders. U of T startup NordSpace is part of a growing effort to build more of that capability at home.
Founded in 2022 by Rahul Goel, a U of T Engineering alumnus and PhD candidate at U of T’s Institute for Aerospace Studies, NordSpace is developing launch vehicles, satellites and supporting infrastructure with the goal of creating a Canadian path to space. Goel’s early venture development was supported by the Entrepreneurship Hatchery, U of T Engineering’s startup incubator. In fact, revenue generated from previous businesses created at U of T helped seed early activity in NordSpace prior to any venture capital that was raised.
As space becomes increasingly important to both economic competitiveness and national security, satellites support critical functions including communications, navigation, Earth observation and surveillance, while launch stations provide the space infrastructure. Governments around the world are placing greater emphasis on sovereign access to space, making domestic expertise a national strategic priority.
To build Canadian launch capability, NordSpace is developing both suborbital and orbital vehicles. These include Taiga, a rocket used to test technologies, and Tundra, a launch vehicle designed to carry small satellites into orbit.
NordSpace is already meeting major milestones to support future Canadian space missions. In 2026, those efforts received a significant boost when the company was awarded a $8.3 million Phase 1 grant from the Department of National Defence to support development of Tundra and associated technologies.
The company is also investing in the infrastructure needed to support future launch operations. In 2026, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced federal support for a $10 million investment to advance NordSpace’s Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX) in St. Lawrence, Newfoundland and Labrador. This investment will help accelerate construction of a commercial launch facility that could eventually support Canadian orbital missions.
While launch capability remains the company’s long-term goal, NordSpace has already been successful operating in space. In 2026, the company successfully deployed its Terra Nova satellite, becoming the first Canadian launch company to operate its own hardware in orbit. The satellite completed its early mission objectives and established communications with ground systems, validating technologies that support both its spacecraft and launch programs.
The company is among a growing number of U of T-affiliated ventures translating advanced research and technical expertise into commercial technologies and has emerged as one of Canada’s most ambitious space ventures.
As it continues to advance its launch and satellite programs, NordSpace is helping position Canada for a larger role in the future of space technology and innovation.
