UNCLASSIFIED / NON CLASSIFIÉ
Although developing space launch capabilities has many potential benefits to Canadians, the launching
of rockets is an inherently risky activity. Furthermore, each launch has its own unique set of hazards that
depend on a range of variables such as the size of the rocket, type of fuel, or trajectory, to name a few.
The flight and potential failure of a rocket can present safety risks to people and property on the ground
near the launch site, airplanes flying close to the rocket’s trajectory, or ships and other marine
infrastructure located within the hazard area. There are certain environmental hazards, such as the
burning of fossil fuels or combustion of rocket parts, the potential use of toxic propellants, loud noises
that can disturb local wildlife, or debris from a launch failure. There are also risks in space that Canada
and Canadian operators must account for when deciding to launch a rocket, such as the impact on space
debris, congestion of favourable orbits around the Earth, and the impact satellites may have on the
night sky.
That said, space launch and re-entry activities can be conducted safely and securely – and have been for
decades. The risks described above can be prevented or minimized to an acceptable level with well-
designed regulations and technical requirements, diligent oversight, and transparent communication.
For example, the risks to aviation can be mitigated by projecting where hazards are likely to occur over
the course of a launch and then issuing pre-emptive warnings, called notices to air missions. These
warnings instruct airplanes to temporarily stay away from the hazard area until the launch has
concluded – a similar process is done for ships in the marine environment. Much of the short-term and
cumulative environmental hazards derived from a launch can be mitigated in several ways depending on
the hazard. This could include parameters like limiting the number of launches per year, specifying
certain kinds of fuels that can be used, and/or requiring operators to have plans in place to respond to
any environmental emergency that may arise. Having a strong regulatory regime in place, and the
expertise capable of overseeing these activities, is crucial for the safety of space launch and re-entry
activities and the viability of this industry in Canada.
How will space launch and re-entry be regulated in Canada?
Transport Canada is the authority that regulates and oversees the launch of rockets in Canada.
Currently, the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations, specifically Sections 602.43 and
602.44, grants the Minister of Transport the authority to authorize a rocket launch, on a case-by-case
basis, if it is in the public interest and is not likely to affect aviation safety.
As directed in the 2023 announcement, Transport Canada has been tasked to complete this work in a
phased approach that consists of an interim period which enables commercial space launch activities
under the existing regulatory regime, on a case-by-case basis, while Transport Canada develops a
modern comprehensive long-term regulatory regime. In future regulations, Transport Canada will need
to clearly establish the criteria, conditions and approaches that will be used to determine when it is
appropriate to approve a launch or re-entry; for example, elements to consider when determining if an
activity is in the public interest. Transport Canada will consult with Indigenous communities and the
broader public to help inform what those criteria and approaches should look like. The comprehensive
framework is expected to include, among other things, the ability to issue authorizations for new types
of operators and activities, such as new launch sites, re-entry operations, and human spaceflight
missions.
14
