SpaceX stopping Falcon 9 bookings creates problems for Canadian satellite firms
The reported cutoff of bookings beyond 2028 is causing investors to question how Canadian satellite companies will reach orbit.
SpaceX has reportedly stopped accepting launch bookings from Canadian companies for Falcon 9 missions beyond 2028, according to a report by The Times of India. The company is reportedly preparing to transition toward its larger Starship rocket.
Kepler CEO Mina Mitry told The Logic that limited access to shared rocket launches could create difficulties for smaller firms attempting to launch experimental satellites. Mitry described the situation as a huge problem for the industry.
At the SpaceBound conference in Gatineau, Quebec, Wyvern chief technology officer Kristen Cote said investors are now asking how companies plan to launch their satellites during fundraising talks. While Canada has companies developing rockets, none have launched anything into orbit yet.
Telesat has booked SpaceX launches for its 225-satellite Lightspeed communications network before the expected Falcon 9 phaseout. Telesat CEO Dan Goldberg said the company requires a provider capable of frequent, high-capacity, and competitively priced launches.
Maritime Launch Services CEO Stephen Matier said his site near Canso, Nova Scotia, has approvals for medium-lift rockets, though the company is not currently preparing for launches. He stated he could start construction immediately if a rocket were available.
Canada Rocket Company CEO Hugh Kolias estimated that preparing a new rocket for orbit costs about $1 billion and takes six to eight years. He said the company would not be ready by 2028.