Canada Rocket Company building Canada's first large-scale static rocket engine test facility

Canada Rocket Company (CRC), an aerospace company developing a reusable, medium-lift rocket, today announced plans to build Canada's first large-scale static rocket engine test facility in London, Ontario. Named in honour of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, the planned $30-million facility will give CRC the infrastructure to conduct static testing of its rocket engines, a foundational step toward establishing sovereign Canadian launch capability.

What will Canada Rocket Company's testing facility feature?

– The Jeremy Hansen Test Facility is located on 50 acres of leased land from the Greater London International Airport Authority; the site features both an engine test area and office space.

– The purpose-built 12,000-square-foot office and shop building houses administrative offices and a fabrication area for engineering, assembly, and test preparation.

– A dedicated engine test area with up to 3 vertical and horizontal test stands for static engine testing, capable of testing engines producing more than 1MN in thrust.

"This is the first large-scale static rocket engine test facility in Canada, capable of testing engines producing more than 1MN in thrust. With it, Canada joins a small group of less than 10 countries worldwide with this capability," said Hugh Kolias, CEO and co-founder of Canada Rocket Company.

"The reason a Canadian flew around the moon on Artemis II is because we, as a country, have worked for decades to innovate with the goal of progress and a better future," said Jeremy Hansen, Artemis II astronaut. "Missions like Artemis II depend on a strong national space sector, and sovereign launch is an important part of Canada's future. Canada Rocket Company is helping build that capability here at home."

Canada Rocket Company expects to create approximately 40 skilled jobs at the London facility over the next 18 months. The facility will support a broader rocket development programme projected to create roughly 1,000 jobs and more than $1 billion in new investment over the next decade. CRC is also developing training and workforce partnerships with Western University and Fanshawe College to help students prepare for careers in aerospace and build the region's engineering and technical workforce.

"For decades, Ontario has served as the trusted industrial and innovation backbone for Canada and its allied partners, equipped with the talent, expertise, and manufacturing capabilities needed to advance critical defence and aerospace projects," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. "By establishing their new testing facility in London, Canada Rocket Company will build upon this legacy, unlocking new opportunities for our world-class workforce. We congratulate the CRC on this milestone and look forward to seeing their operations enhance Canada's sovereign aerospace capabilities in the years to come."

"Building Canada's first large-scale rocket engine will ensure that students at Western University and Fanshawe College get the hands-on skills they need to land rewarding careers in Ontario's booming aerospace and engineering industries," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

"Canada Rocket Company opening its test facility in London is a significant and exciting addition to our city's aerospace sector. With more than 40 defence and aerospace companies already operating here, London has the expertise, talent and ecosystem to support this kind of innovation," said Kapil Lakhotia, President & CEO, London Economic Development Corporation. "The new facility at London International Airport adds an entirely new dimension to that strength, and we're thrilled to welcome Canada Rocket Company to London and support what comes next."

Space infrastructure supports everyday life, from GPS navigation and telecommunications to weather forecasting and national defence. In 2026, Canada launched its Defence Industrial Strategy, identifying space as a high-value sector. Getting space infrastructure into orbit requires reliable access to launch. CRC is developing a reusable, medium-lift rocket to serve nations and companies seeking greater choice in how their satellites reach space. As a recipient of $8.3 million from the Department of National Defence's IDEaS Programme, Canada Rocket Company is building Canada's sovereign space capabilities, and this test facility is a critical step towards that goal.

Canada Rocket Company is working closely with the London International Airport, regulators, and the local community as planning for the facility advances. The company is planning a public consultation to inform its development and to answer any questions in October. Further details on date, time and location will be shared at a future date.

The facility is expected to be fully operational in 2028.