Quebec backs Canadian launch startup Reaction Dynamics

SAN FRANCISCO – Quebec’s government announced an award of $10 million Canadian dollars ($7.3 million) to fund development of Canadian rocket startup Reaction Dynamics’ propulsion system.

The funding will enable Reaction Dynamic to continue working with Canadian software and engineering services firm Maya HTT, to qualify the hybrid propulsion system and establish a testing facility.

The goal is to ensure the hybrid propulsion system is not only built in Canada, but 100 percent from Quebec, Premier François Legault said June 9 in a news conference broadcast on Facebook.

Aurora Rocket

Reaction Dynamics, founded in 2017, is developing the Aurora rocket to send satellites with a mass of 200 kilograms or less to low-Earth orbit. The first suborbital launch is expected in late 2025, followed by orbital flights in 2027 or 2028.

“Our proposal is a fast service dedicated to satellite operators in the commercial and defense sectors,” Bachar Elzein, Reaction Dynamics CEO and chief technology officer, said during the news conference. “The equivalent of a private-jet flight at an economy-class price. The support of the Quebec government will allow Reaction Dynamics take the steps towards our planned demonstration flight.”

Sovereign Capabilities

Quebec also made this investment because small launch vehicles play a role in defense. And the government of Quebec is well aware of geopolitical instability, Legault said.

Canada and European countries “can’t take the chance of hoping that if I get attacked, it might be Trump who comes to defend me,” Legault said, adding “Donald Trump is not a reliable partner.”

Aero Montreal President and CEO Mélanie Lussier lauded Quebec’s funding for Reaction Dynamics, saying it will help “ensure Canada’s technological sovereignty. Until now, to launch a satellite, Canada had to rely on the platforms of other nations.”