NordSpace Ventures launches with strategic investment in hyperspectral imaging firm Wyvern

Hyperspectral imaging is taking centre stage in Canada’s space ambitions as NordSpace publicly launches a new venture capital and investment division with a strategic investment in Edmonton-based space data company Wyvern. NordSpace Ventures will focus on accelerating mission-aligned Canadian space, defence and dual-use technology companies.

Wyvern operates what it describes as the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging constellation, providing advanced Earth observation data to customers across defence, agriculture, forestry, mining, energy and environmental monitoring markets worldwide.

With the creation of NordSpace Ventures, NordSpace introduces a vertically integrated model within the Canadian space sector. As a launch and space systems company, it is not only developing end-to-end mission capabilities, but also investing directly in strategic partners and mission-critical technology providers that form the backbone of a sovereign domestic space ecosystem.

Fully sovereign Canadian space ecosystem

"The vision has always been end-to-end," said Rahul Goel, CEO and founder of NordSpace. "Wyvern's hyperspectral capabilities are exactly the kind of Canadian technology that should one day fly on a Canadian rocket, launched from a Canadian spaceport, serving Canadian and allied needs. That is what true sovereignty looks like. This is about more than financial returns. It is about ensuring that the technologies Canada needs for true sovereignty are developed, owned and scaled here at home."

Beyond capital, NordSpace Ventures will provide portfolio companies with access to advanced manufacturing and space systems testing facilities, including its Advanced Manufacturing for Aerospace Lab and Space Systems Lab, as well as open-air testing at the Canadian Space Research Range and launch services from the Atlantic Spaceport Complex.

Wyvern’s Dragonette constellation currently delivers 5.3m-resolution hyperspectral imagery from low Earth orbit. Its next-generation Rosette constellation is under development and is designed to extend high-resolution and precision hyperspectral capabilities into the shortwave infrared region.

"We are thrilled to have NordSpace as a strategic investor and partner," said Christopher Robson, co-founder and CEO of Wyvern. "NordSpace's vision for a fully sovereign Canadian space ecosystem aligns perfectly with what we are building at Wyvern. Their investment is a strong signal that Canadian companies are stepping up to support one another, and that the infrastructure to launch, operate and scale Canadian space missions is being built right here at home."