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Leaf Space activates first Canadian ground station at Spaceport Nova Scotia

By: IDCNOVARegion: North America
Italian Ground Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS) provider Leaf Space has deployed and activated its first ground station in Canada, marking a strategic expansion of its global satellite communications network. The new antenna, located at Spaceport Nova Scotia near Canso, was built in partnership with Maritime Launch Services, the spaceport's owner, and represents the company's inaugural deployment in the country.

The installation, which includes the antenna, radome, and supporting electronics rack, has been completed and activated on site, making the facility available for commercial satellite traffic. The project was first announced in September 2024, with initial expectations for full operational status by Q1 2025. The new S- and X-Band antenna is designed to support Treenet, an 'always-on' communications platform recently launched by Leaf Space. By linking satellites and ground infrastructure into a federated mesh network rather than relying on limited ground station passes, Treenet aims to help satellites maintain continuous connectivity while in orbit.

"Our new Canadian site, located at Spaceport Nova Scotia and built with Maritime Launch Services, strengthens our network while reinforcing a principle that has always guided us: satellite operators shouldn't have to choose between global coverage and operational simplicity," Leaf Space said on LinkedIn this week.

The deployment highlights the growing importance of GSaaS, a model that provides satellite operators with access to ground stations on a pay-per-use basis, allowing multiple users to book time and capacity on shared antennas instead of investing in their own infrastructure. The sector includes startups such as Infostellar, RBC Signals, Atlas Space Operations, and eNexus, alongside established players like KSAT and AWS.

Founded in 2014, Leaf Space offers companies access to ground station antennas without the same upfront capital expenditure requirements. The company reports 40 active antennas across 19 locations globally, spanning both its own and third-party sites, with six additional antennas planned. Its network currently supports services for more than 55 satellites.

Spaceport Nova Scotia, Canada's first commercial spaceport, is owned by Maritime Launch Services. The completion of Leaf Space's ground station at the site underscores the spaceport's role in attracting international space companies and supporting critical space infrastructure within Canada. "The completion of Leaf Space's first Canadian ground station demonstrates Spaceport Nova Scotia's ability to attract leading international space companies and support critical space infrastructure here in Canada... We are proud to welcome this new capability to the spaceport and strengthen Canada's growing sovereign space ecosystem," said Robert Feierbach, president of Maritime Launch US.

The new station is expected to bolster Leaf Space's network resilience and expand coverage options for satellite operators, particularly those requiring reliable, high-frequency communication links. As demand for continuous satellite connectivity grows across industries such as Earth observation, telecommunications, and defense, the addition of a Canadian node strengthens the company's ability to serve a diverse and expanding customer base. The deployment also aligns with broader efforts to build out sovereign space infrastructure in Canada, positioning the country as a viable hub for commercial space activities.