Business · Companies · 13 hrs ago
Reaction Dynamics targets 2031 for Borealis rocket launch
Quebec-based Reaction Dynamics plans to build Borealis, a medium-lift rocket it aims to launch by 2031.
The rocket is designed to carry six tonnes to low Earth orbit, for missions such as deploying large spacecraft and satellite constellations.
It will follow Aurora, the company’s smaller rocket, which is intended to carry payloads under half a tonne and reach orbit from Canada by 2028.
Reaction Dynamics says Aurora will help it gain launch experience and build manufacturing capacity for Borealis.
The company sees a chance to serve customers seeking alternatives as SpaceX’s popular satellite rideshare program faces an expected end, and says it has signed 10 agreements and letters of intent with prospective customers.
It plans to raise about $350 million CAD over five years, while growing its workforce from 68 to 350 and expanding its manufacturing and testing space.
The company is considering locations in Quebec, Ontario or Nova Scotia for the larger facility.
Reaction Dynamics unveiled Borealis, a medium-lift rocket designed to carry six tonnes to low Earth orbit, and is targeting its first launch in 2031.
The Quebec-based company plans to use development of its Aurora rocket to build experience and capabilities for Borealis.
Reaction Dynamics aims to launch Aurora from Canadian soil by 2028.
The company plans to raise about $350 million CAD over two funding rounds and grow its workforce from 68 to 350 employees.
It is also planning a 375,000-square-foot manufacturing and testing facility, with Québec as a strong option and possible sites in Ontario or Nova Scotia.
- Who
- Reaction Dynamics, a rocket maker based in Longueuil, Quebec.
- What
- It unveiled Borealis, a medium-lift rocket designed to carry six tonnes to low Earth orbit, and is targeting a first launch in 2031.
- When
- The plans were announced on October 20, 2026. The company is targeting Aurora’s first orbital launch in 2028 and Borealis’ first launch in 2031.
- Where
- The announcement was made at the SpaceBound Conference in Ottawa. The company plans to launch Aurora from Canadian soil.
- Why
- The company says Borealis could serve Canadian launch demand and provide dedicated capacity for customers in the United States, Europe and allied countries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Reaction Dynamics revealed its plans for Borealis at the SpaceBound Conference in Ottawa.
The company is targeting Aurora’s first orbital launch from Canadian soil.
The company is targeting Borealis’ first launch.
- Borealis payload capacity
- 6 tonnes to low Earth orbit
- Aurora launch target
- 2028
- Borealis launch target
- 2031
- Planned fundraising
- About $350 million CAD across two rounds
- Workforce goal
- From 68 to 350 employees over five years
- Planned facility size
- 375,000 square feet
3 sources
What people are saying
We see an opportunity to serve Canadian demand while providing additional dedicated launch capacity for customers in the United States, Europe, and allied countries
Aurora will give us flight experience and practical knowledge of manufacturing, transporting, integrating, and launching an orbital vehicle
The whole decision to transition Aurora to liquid is to be able to optimize for Borealis