Ottawa, ON – Maritime Launch Services announced today that Leaf Space who offer ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions, will install and operate a ground station at Spaceport Nova Scotia.

At the Space Bound 2024 conference, Maritime Launch Services (MLS) CEO Steve Matier told SpaceQ that they had started preparing the location last week where the ground station will be installed. Spaceport Nova Scotia is a launch facility under development that is owned and operated by MLS.

Leaf Space is an Italian company who have been expanding their ground stations globally and currently operate 26 antennas in 17 locations. The Spaceport Nova Scotia hosted ground station would be their first in North America.

Jonata Puglia, CEO of Leaf Space, commented, “This 10-year partnership with Maritime Launch Services to host our new ground station at Spaceport Nova Scotia is a major milestone for Leaf Space. Leaf Space is committed to expanding our infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for reliable ground segment providers. Our GSaaS solution, combined with the strategic northern location of Spaceport Nova Scotia, will provide unparalleled connectivity for our satellite operators across the globe.”

MLS said “the ground station is expected to be fully operational by Q1 2025, with installations beginning in the fall of 2024. Once completed, this facility will serve as a critical node in Leaf Space’s rapidly expanding global network, offering satellite operators greater flexibility and improved access to data from space.”

Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services, added, “We are excited to welcome Leaf Space to Spaceport Nova Scotia as they bring their advanced ground station technology to our site. This partnership enhances the services we offer to our clients and reinforces our commitment to creating a world-class facility that supports all aspects of space missions, from launch to operations.”

In support of the contract, MLS secured a $120,000 repayable contribution from the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The funds will be used “to prepare for the installation of specialized tracking and communications equipment,” according to MLS.

Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, said, “This is a thrilling time as we are on the cusp of a new space sector in Nova Scotia. It is no longer the final frontier, but rather an asset of growing importance as we look to innovate, grow the economy and strengthen our country’s global competitiveness.”