US, Canada near agreement on commercial space ventures | Space

Canada and the United States have concluded negotiations on an agreement that will accelerate the development of Canada’s commercial space launch industry and provide Canada with advanced U.S. technology, according to the Canadian Foreign Ministry.

The Technology Safeguards Agreement, which has yet to be signed, grants Canada access to U.S. space launch technology, expertise and data, while safeguarding sensitive Amercian technology. The agreement’s ratification is pending final review and authorizations from both sides.

“The conclusion of negotiations between Canada and the United States means that we are one step closer to finalizing this agreement, which, when in force, will position our country to be a global leader in commercial space launch,” said Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a statement.

Commercial space launch technology included in the agreement would bolster a Canadian effort to increase the ability of private companies to launch satellites into space. That, according to a statement released by government agency Transport Canada, would provide benefits to Canada’s job market, economy, research innovation and national security.

Maritime Launch, the company in charge of building Canada’s first commercial spaceport in the east coast province of Nova Scotia, commented on the completion of negotiations with the U.S.

“This…