Maritime Launch Appoints Global Space leader to its Strategic Advisory Board, Jeffrey Manber

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Maritime Launch Services Inc. (NEO: MAXQ, OTCQB: MAXQF), developer of Canada’s first commercial spaceport, Spaceport Nova Scotia, announces the addition of a prominent space industry leader to its team of strategic advisors.

Jeffrey Manber, a celebrated author, co-Founder of Nanoracks and now President of International and Space Stations for Voyager Space, joins the Maritime Launch Board of Advisors.

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 is to support and guide Maritime Launch to success throughout construction and operations of Spaceport Nova Scotia, while at the same time, help establish Canada as a leader and a key competitor in the global space economy. 

“I am proud to add Jeffrey Manber, a long-time space industry colleague, to our board of strategic advisors” says Stephen Matier, President and CEO, Maritime Launch. “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. In addition to his work supporting commercial services in LEO, Jeffrey has been a champion of Spaceport Nova Scotia since day one. 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.  

Recently, on May 16th, Jeffrey 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.

Jeffrey Manber is an 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.

Members of the Advisory Board include:

Sarah McLean, Chair - Sarah McLean is the VP, Communications and Corporate Affairs for Maritime Launch. A leader in inclusive community engagement, Sarah has led the public affairs and community engagement strategies for Maritime Launch since 2016, joining the company full time in 2021. Previous to Maritime Launch, Sarah was Associate Vice President at Canada’s largest public relations firm located in Halifax. Prior to that, Sarah led policy development for high profile federal Cabinet Ministers in Ottawa, serving as Director of Policy to the President of the Treasury Board, Policy Advisor to the Minister of International Trade and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Hon. Stephen McNeil – Served as the 28th Premier of Nova Scotia from 2013 -2021. Until his resignation in Spring 2021, Stephen was the dean of Canadian premiers, having held the office since 2013. In total, he served for 18 years in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Stephen served as Minister in a number of portfolios in the Nova Scotia Government including Aboriginal Affairs, Intergovernmental Affairs, Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness. An expert in international trade, Stephen supports global companies as they build business in Atlantic Canada.

Donna Lawler – Principal at Azimuth Advisory, Space Law Specialists, a member of the International Institute of Space Lawyers and a fellow of the London Institute of Space Policy and Law. Donna is an experienced commercial space lawyer specialising in transactions related to space activities, including launch of spacecraft and related risk, liability, and insurance matters. With over more than twenty years in the space industry, she has advised a range of commercial space organisations, including launch facilities and launch service providers.  She serves on several advisory boards for space-related organisations, has published joint papers on Space Law topics internationally and has lectured and presented on Space Law in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, South Africa and Australia.

Regional Chief Paul (PJ) Prosper – Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief, Nova Scotia. Regional Chief Prosper is the former Chief of the Paq’tnkek First Nation in Antigonish County (2013-2020) and he was elected as Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations in September 2020. A lawyer, Regional Chief Prosper taught Mi’kmaq Governance and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights at Cape Breton University and he has inspired community members and students with his extensive experience working with Canadian and Mi’kmaq law.  

Cory Bell – President and CEO of Lindsay Construction, Atlantic Canada’s leading Construction Management company based in Nova Scotia. The core of Cory’s business philosophy is rooted in excellence, as it applies to projects, teams and client satisfaction. Widely regarded for his commitment to philanthropy, community, and contributing to Atlantic Canada’s economic growth, Cory has served on numerous industry boards, and he volunteers his time supporting several start-up companies.

Colonel Lee Rosen, US Air Force, Ret. – Co-Founder and President of Think Orbital Inc., a company building the toolkit and infrastructure for large scale, autonomously assembled platforms in space. Lee has a 23-year service career in engineering, acquisition, and space operations with command tours at both US launch bases, Vandenberg SFB and Cape Canaveral.  He is a retired SpaceX VP of Mission & Launch Operations, and VP of Customer Operations & Integration. In his career to date, Lee has supported the build of five launch pads and 200+ launch operations.