July 15, 2017

Spaceport Interest Growing in Canada (Source: SpaceQ)
If you thought Canada might never have a spaceport, think again. Aside from the fact that Maritime Launch Services is looking to build a spaceport in Nova Scotia it seems interest in launching satellites from Canada is increasing. Jim Cantrell of Vector Space Systems, who has built a small satellite launch vehicle and has recently raised $21 million in a Series A round of funding, has also had talks with at least one prominent member of parliament and others about launching from Canada. Beside Vector, SpaceQ is aware of two new indigenous startups in stealth mode working towards building a made in Canada launch vehicles for small satellites. Cantrell's advice to these startups, don't work in stealth mode, be very public. (7/14)

Graham wants Ex-Im Fully Operational ASAP (Source: Bloomberg)
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., says the US Export-Import Bank "is the lifeline for Boeing, GE and a lot of small companies in South Carolina," adding that "if we go out of the Ex-Im financing business, we're losing market share." His goal is to return the bank to full financing power as soon as possible. (7/14)

Manufacturers Say Garrett is Bad Fit for Ex-Im (Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle)
Manufacturing groups are stepping up to oppose President Trump's nominee to head the Export-Import Bank. The Georgia Association of Manufacturers joined the National Association of Manufacturers this week in urging Georgia's two U.S. senators, Republicans Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, to vote against the confirmation of former U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, a New Jersey Republican who was sharply critical of the Ex-Im Bank while a member of Congress. (7/14)