TKMS cooperates with Isar Aerospace: New Launch Infrastructure for Canada’s Space Capabilities
Press Release + Noah Note
The goal is to eliminate launch capacity bottlenecks in the context of Canada’s space-based capabilities.
As a lighthouse project within the Canadian space ecosystem, the partnership is intended to support NATO’s responsive launch readiness until late 2028/early 2029.
Through this collaboration, TKMS aims to further develop its own capabilities in the field of multi-domain operations “Seabed to Space”.
Kiel/Munich/Halifax, May 19, 2026 – TKMS and Isar Aerospace agreed on an industrial cooperation project to establish a sovereign Canadian Space Launch capability. The collaboration will be focused on solving one of the biggest bottlenecks for space-based capabilities: launch capacity.
Based on Isar Aerospace’s approach to offer scalable launch for small and medium satellites as well as satellite constellations, this collaboration is positioned to serve as an integral contribution to TKMS's bid for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The focus is on developing a secure space launch infrastructure while also enabling integration with the national space ecosystem.
“Through cooperating with Isar Aerospace, TKMS is underlining its ambition to successfully cover all domains of modern naval warfare,” said Tobias Würtz, Senior Vice President Industrial Cooperation at TKMS. “Our partnership combines global submarine program experience with space launch expertise, supporting sovereign capability and long-term operational superiority for Canada and other partner nations.”
Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer Isar Aerospace, says: “True sovereignty in space requires more than just owning satellites; it requires the capability to launch them. As part of the collaboration, Isar Aerospace stands ready to provide the technology, the scale, and the industrial resolve to ensure that sovereign nations can command the high ground – today and in the future.”
“TKMS and Isar Aerospace are jointly making a significant investment in building a Canadian Space launch complex, with the potential to generate more than Can$10 billion in domestic value creation given the significant market growth for future space launches. The overall economic and strategic value of this project is underscored by additional political backing from the German government,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer at TKMS.
Isar Aerospace will set up a local Canadian entity that partners with Canadian Small and Medium Businesses to build a sovereign Canadian satellite launch capability. This will create sustainable high-skilled jobs in Nova Scotia, Canada and drive regional economic growth.
Noah Note: We knew that TKMS was looking at space and ISAR was one of the major rumored companies, so I am glad to dee it fully confirmed. For those that don't know, ISAR is a German rocket comoany founded in 2018 with the goal of providing a European option for flexible, cost-effective launches for small and medium-sized payloads.
The company is fairly well know to those in the soace, backed by the likes of Porsche SE, Airbus Ventures, and NATO. The company has raised over $400 million is funding since it founding.
The companies primary rocket system in Spectrum, a 28-meter-tall, two-stage orbital rocket with a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 700 kilograms to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
It's powered by the company's proprietary Aquila engines, nine on the first stage and a single multi-ignition engine on the second stage, which operate on a high-pressure, turbopump-fed system utilizing a clean-burning mixture of liquid oxygen (LOX) and propane, a combination chosen because it offers the highest density-specific impulse among carbon-based propellants.
Isar manufactures roughly 80% of the vehicle entirely in-house, utilizing carbon composite materials for the main structure and extensive 3D-printing technology to rapidly produce complex engine components. It fits firmly in the small-launch category that Canada has set out as part of Phase I of Launch The North.
Of course Small-Launch is also the most crowded, see my recent poats on Innospace as example. However, it is interesting to see that domestic launch is being pulled by bith sides as part of their bids. Certianly, if you asked a year ago I don't think many would expect it to be so prominent.
It is nice to see these niche and oft forgotten areas of potnetial collaboration be utilized and encouraged. Im also a space nerd so this stuff just gets me. The promise of manufacturing and texhnology sharing, especially with a company like ISAR with major backing and progress, is a tantalizing proposition for many of the folks looking at the economic benefit potential.
Between domestic companies, Innospace and now ISAR, Canada has really been adding the Small-Launch companies the last few weeks lol.