Maritime Launch Appoints Melissa Quinn as Vice President of Spaceport Operations to Support Canada's Orbital Launch Readiness at Spaceport Nova Scotia

Rhea-AI Summary

Maritime Launch (OTCQB: MAXQF) announced on January 5, 2026 the appointment of Melissa Quinn as Vice President, Spaceport Operations to lead readiness at Spaceport Nova Scotia. Quinn joins on secondment from strategic partner MDA Space and will build the spaceport operations team, oversee transition from development to full operational capability, and prioritize licensed, safe, and sustainable orbital launches.

She previously served as Head of Spaceport at Spaceport Cornwall and led delivery of facilities and the UK's first spaceport license. Maritime Launch says the site will support commercial and government missions with engagement of Mi'kmaq and local communities.

CANSO, NS, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Maritime Launch Services Inc. (Cboe CA: MAXQ) (OTCQB: MAXQF) today announced the appointment of Melissa Quinn as Vice President, Spaceport Operations, a key leadership role as the company intensifies development and preparations for Canada's first orbital launches from Spaceport Nova Scotia.

Ms. Quinn joins Maritime Launch on secondment from strategic partner MDA Space, bringing more than a decade of international spaceport, launch, and commercial space leadership experience. She will lead the build-out of the spaceport operations team and oversee readiness activities as Spaceport Nova Scotia transitions from development into full operational capability, with a clear focus on safe, licensed, and sustainable orbital launch.

"Melissa brings exactly the kind of operational leadership and global experience needed at this stage of our journey," said Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch. "Her track record in delivering licensed spaceport infrastructure, building high-performing teams, and placing the community at the centre of complex launch programs will be instrumental as we prepare for historic orbital missions from Nova Scotia." 

Ms. Quinn previously served as Head of Spaceport at Spaceport Cornwall in the United Kingdom, where she led the successful delivery of facilities and operations that enabled the UK's first licensed orbital launch attempt. Her work included securing the first-ever UK spaceport license, achieved through extensive regulatory coordination, sustainability planning, and deep community engagement. 

Across her career, Ms. Quinn has been recognized for building multidisciplinary spaceport teams, managing mission-critical infrastructure, and aligning government, industry, and local stakeholders around safe and responsible launch operations. She is widely known for her passion for space technology that delivers tangible benefits on Earth, including economic development, workforce growth, sustainability, and innovation.

In her new role, Ms. Quinn will be based in Nova Scotia and will work closely with local communities, regulators, and partners as Maritime Launch prepares the spaceport for orbital launch campaigns.

"The successful delivery of spaceport facilities is fundamental to achieving a safe and historic launch," said Melissa Quinn. "At Cornwall, that success was built on rigorous safety standards, meaningful sustainability practices, and genuine community engagement. I am excited to bring those same principles to Spaceport Nova Scotia and to help position this orbital launch site as a world-class launch location that benefits Nova Scotia, Canada, and the global space sector." 

Ms. Quinn is deeply motivated by the broader impact of space activity and the role space technology can play in improving life on Earth, from enabling advanced communications and climate monitoring to driving economic opportunity. She sees Nova Scotia as uniquely positioned to play a defining role in the next chapter of global launch and is proud to be contributing to that future.

Spaceport Nova Scotia is being developed as a dual-use launch facility to support both commercial space activity and government missions. This includes enabling sovereign launch capability, strengthening national resilience, and contributing to Canada's broader space, defence, and security objectives, while ensuring transparency and collaboration with the Mi'kmaq and local communities.

About Maritime Launch Services

Maritime Launch (Cboe CA: MAXQ, OTCQB: MAXQF) is a Canadian-owned commercial space company based in Nova Scotia. Maritime Launch is developing Spaceport Nova Scotia, a dual-use commercial spaceport designed to support both civil and defence-related space missions. The spaceport will provide satellite launch services to domestic and international clients across the global commercial space market, supporting a wide range of orbital inclinations from a single location.

Spaceport Nova Scotia is Canada's first commercial orbital launch complex, enabling launch vehicles to place satellites into low Earth orbit.

For more information about Maritime Launch and Spaceport Nova Scotia, visit www.maritimelaunch.com

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Forward-Looking Statements 

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.  

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

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SOURCE Maritime Launch Services Inc.

FAQ

Who is Melissa Quinn and what role did Maritime Launch announce on January 5, 2026 for MAXQF?

Melissa Quinn was appointed Vice President, Spaceport Operations to lead Spaceport Nova Scotia readiness and operations.

What experience does Melissa Quinn bring to Maritime Launch and how will it affect MAXQF operations?

She joins from MDA Space and previously led Spaceport Cornwall, including delivery of facilities and the UK's first spaceport license, supporting operational readiness.

Will Melissa Quinn be based in Nova Scotia and what will she oversee for MAXQF?

Yes; she will be based in Nova Scotia and will oversee building the operations team, licensing readiness, safety, sustainability, and community engagement.

How does the appointment relate to Spaceport Nova Scotia's mission for MAXQF?

The hire supports the transition from development to full operational capability for orbital launches, for both commercial and government missions.

Does the announcement mention Indigenous or local community engagement for MAXQF at Spaceport Nova Scotia?

Yes; the company highlighted transparency and collaboration with the Mi'kmaq and local communities as part of development and operations.

Is Melissa Quinn joining Maritime Launch permanently or on secondment as of January 5, 2026?

She is joining Maritime Launch on secondment from MDA Space according to the announcement.