Ottawa expresses concern to Europe over toxic rocket splashdown
Ottawa has told the European Space Agency it’s unhappy about plans to launch a satellite that would drop a rocket stage likely to contain highly toxic fuel in some of the most ecologically productive waters of the Canadian Arctic.
“Canada is in the process of engaging the European Space Agency to express concerns regarding potential environmental effects of launches on the sensitive Arctic ecosystem,” Brianne Maxwell, a spokeswoman for Global Affairs Canada, said Thursday.
The comment came after the government of Nunavut added its voice to protests over the launch.
“The prime minister has been in contact with the premier’s office on this issue,” Maxwell said.