[SatNews] Canada, which currently relies upon other countries to launch its satellites, has the technological ability to build its own rockets, according to space experts.

Canada's Defense Department and the Canadian Space Agency are considering the option of constructing a Canadian-made launcher, the Ottawa (Ontario) Citizen has reported. "One option currently being evaluated relates to the development of an indigenous launch capability for certain classes of satellites," said Julie Simard, a spokeswoman for the CSA. "Two studies concluded that, although challenging, developing a launch capability in Canada was technically feasible."

Another agency contributing their opinion — While some experts argue Canada doesn't launch enough spacecraft to justify such a program, Canadian Space Society President Kevin Shortt said he believes there is an opportunity to market launches for small satellites to other nations. The country's geographic location is ideal for particular launches such as for polar orbits, he noted.

CSA officials say a project to design and build a launcher could take between 10 and 12 years.