Starsailor
Concordia students reach for space.
On August 15, 2025, Concordia students made history with the launch of Starsailor.
The liquid-fuel rocket, designed and built entirely by students at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, became the first of its kind in Canada to fly and marked the country’s first attempted space launch from domestic soil in more than 25 years.
About the mission
Since 2018, more than 700 students have helped design, test and launch Starsailor, making it one of the most advanced student rocketry programs in the world.
The 13-metre rocket was designed to reach space, crossing the Kármán line at 100 kilometres above Earth. With approval from Transport Canada, the mission met the same safety standards as a professional launch.
The team is already working on Starsailor II, advancing Canada’s student-led aerospace leadership.
Oleg Khalimonov, Esokia Piché, Alice Langlais and Henri Massicotte accept the 2025 Forces AVENIR Science and Technology Prize for Space Concordia’s Starsailor project.
Student innovation in action
Starsailor is more than a rocket. It is a training ground in teamwork, leadership and innovation.
Students from engineering, business and science collaborated on every aspect of the mission: propulsion, structures, avionics, business development, communications and outreach.
By working across disciplines, they gained the kind of experience that prepares them for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and beyond.
The launch
On August 15, 2025, after nearly a week of rain and wind, clear skies opened over a remote site about 250 kilometres north of Mistissini. The location was chosen for its vast open space and safe distance from populated areas.
At 5:34 a.m., Starsailor lifted off the launch tower and soared into the sky. The rocket separated earlier than planned and did not reach space, yet the flight was a breakthrough for Concordia students and for Canadian aerospace.
Photo credit: Gabriel Dupras
Collaboration with the Cree Nation of Mistissini
The mission was carried out in partnership with the Cree Nation of Mistissini, whose community is closest to the launch site. Students worked with local leaders to ensure the project respected the land and created opportunities for youth to explore science and technology.
Donor support
Starsailor was made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, alumni and industry partners who supported the project at every stage.
Special recognition goes to Gina Cody, namesake of the school, whose contribution helped make the launch possible. We also thank Lorne Trottier and the Trottier Family Foundation, whose long-term support carried the project from design through years of development.
Watch the launch
Relive the historic liftoff through the recording of the Space Concordia livestream.
Starsailor in the news
Starsailor captured national attention and was featured in Concordia News as well as major media outlets across Canada.
Discover our programs
Starsailor shows what is possible when students put their knowledge into action. At the Gina Cody School and across Concordia, you will find opportunities to join Space Concordia and contribute in your own field of expertise, whether in engineering, business or science.
