HALIFAX: The local developer of Canada’s first commercial spaceport, Spaceport Nova Scotia, has announced the addition of a prominent space industry leader to its team of strategic advisors.
Jeffrey Manber, a celebrated author of five books and co-developed the first capital market fund dedicated to commercial space on Wall Street, called the Shearson Lehman American Express fund, and now president of International and Space Stations for Voyager Space, was introduced as being a part of Maritime Launch Board of Advisors on June 7.
“I am proud to add Jeffrey Manber, a long-time space industry colleague, to our board of strategic advisors,” President and CEO of Maritime Launch Stephen Matier said. “Jeffrey is a pioneer in the global space industry, and he has made significant contributions to the development of commercial services in low-earth orbit (LEO), furthering NASA’s goal of developing a commercial economy in space.
Manber previously served as the CEO of Nanoracks from 2009 until 2021, where he broke barriers for access to space, oversaw the growth of numerous commercial International Space Station programs, including the development of the first and only commercial Airlock on the space station.
At Voyager Space, he is leading the development of Starlab, a continuously crewed, free-flying, commercial space station to serve NASA, space agencies, and commercial users around the globe.
The purpose of the advisory board, Matier advised is to support and guide the company to success throughout construction and operations of Spaceport Nova Scotia, while at the same time, helping to establish Canada as a leader and a key competitor in the global space economy.
“In addition to his work supporting commercial services in LEO, Jeffrey has been a champion of Spaceport Nova Scotia since day one,” Matier said. “It’s an absolute honour to add him to the Maritime Launch team.”
The advisory board is chaired by Sarah McLean, vice president of communications and corporate affairs at Maritime Launch. Membership consists of senior Canadian and international leaders with diverse expertise in key areas and sectors including international space and technology development; space law; construction management, federal and provincial public service and private sector experience; Indigenous law, perspective, and leadership.
Additional members on the advisory board are former Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil; Donna Lawler, principal at Azimuth Advisory, Space Law Specialists; Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Paul (PJ) Prosper; Cory Bell, president and CEO of Lindsay Construction; and Ret. US Air Force Colonel Lee Rosen.
On May 16, Manber was named a recipient of NASA’s 2023 Distinguished Public Service Medal, which is awarded to individuals who, by distinguished service, ability or vision, have personally contributed to NASA’s advancement of United States’ interests.
The award was presented to Manber during a ceremony in the Teague Auditorium at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.