UPI news: Canada says it could build launch rockets
OTTAWA, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Canada, which now relies on other countries to launch its satellites into orbit, has the technological ability to build its own rockets, space experts say.
Canada's Defense Department and the Canadian Space Agency are considering the option of constructing a Canadian-made launcher, the Ottawa (Ontario) Citizen reported Monday.
"One option currently being evaluated relates to the development of an indigenous launch capability for certain classes of satellites," Julie Simard, a spokeswoman for the CSA, said.
The CSA has already completed two studies on the feasibility of a Canadian rocket.
"Those studies concluded that, although challenging, developing a launch capability in Canada was technically feasible," Simard said.
While some experts argue Canada doesn't launch enough spacecraft to justify such a program, CSA President Kevin Shortt said he believes there is an opportunity to market launches for small satellites to other nations.
Canada's geographic location is ideal for particular launches such as for polar orbits, he noted.
CSA officials say a project to design and build a launcher could take between 10 and 12 years.
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