Gina Cody School students prepare for the historic launch of Starsailor
After seven years of design, testing and determination, a rocket built by students from Concordia University’s Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science is nearly ready for liftoff.
Starsailor was developed by the Rocketry Division of Space Concordia, a student group at the Gina Cody School. It is set to become the first university-built liquid-fuel rocket in the world to reach space. The launch window opens August 8 and runs through August 18, with liftoff expected between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on the day of the launch.
If successful, the mission will mark the first space launch from Canadian soil in more than 25 years and the first ever achieved by a student team.
The Gina Cody School is a primary sponsor of the project. Gina Cody, namesake of the school, recently contributed $100,000 to help make the launch possible. The program has also received generous long-term support from Lorne Trottier and the Trottier Family Foundation, along with contributions from many other donors and sponsors who have helped the team reach this critical launch phase.
“This is about more than just launching a rocket,” says Oleg Khalimonov, program lead of the Rocketry Division. “It’s about proving that students, with the right support and determination, can push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace.”
Powered by a custom-designed engine and reaching speeds of more than 7,000 kilometres per hour, Starsailor is engineered to cross the Kármán line, the 100-kilometre boundary that defines the edge of space.
The launch will take place at a remote site approximately 250 kilometres north of Mistissini. In preparation, the team has worked closely with the Cree Nation of Mistissini to ensure respectful collaboration and organize educational activities with local youth.
“This project stands as a powerful testament to the boundless ambition, creative passion and innovative ingenuity of the Gina Cody School students, who are boldly pushing the frontiers of space engineering through this landmark multidisciplinary initiative,” says Mourad Debbabi, dean of the Gina Cody School. “We are deeply grateful to Gina Cody and Lorne Trottier for their steadfast support of both the Starsailor launch and design program. Their support empowered our students to transform years of dedication and hard work into a moment of historic achievement.”
A schematic of the Starsailor rocket. Photo credit: Space Concordia
7 years in the making
Space Concordia began designing Starsailor in 2018. Since then, more than 700 students have contributed to the initiative, which has grown into one of the most advanced collegiate rocketry programs in the country.
Their successful engine tests and custom-built launch tower have drawn national and international attention.
The current launch team includes up to 40 students on site in northern Quebec, finalizing preparations. The project has also benefited from guidance and mentorship by faculty and staff at the Gina Cody School, who supported key phases of propulsion, structural design and systems integration.
A feature-length documentary about Starsailor is currently in production. The film follows the team’s journey and the project’s impact in both Montreal and Mistissini. It is currently raising funds on Kickstarter.
The Starsailor launch will be livestreamed. Updates will be posted on Space Concordia’s Instagram, LinkedIn and the social media accounts of the Gina Cody School and Concordia.
