Students Launch Experimental Rockets in Northern Ontario Challenge

Approximately 400 students from various Canadian universities and high schools recently gathered on Mattagami First Nation territory, just a 90-minute drive from Timmins, for an experimental rocketry challenge organized by Launch Canada. This event marks a significant opportunity for young minds to engage in the field of aerospace, as the site is recognized as the only location in Canada authorized for experimental rocket launches.

According to Cyril Mani, a member of Launch Canada’s outreach team, the initiative has garnered support from municipal, provincial, and federal levels. “There’s really a vision for Canada to develop this aerospace industry, and it starts with our students, whether university or high school,” he stated. The participation of high school students from Timmins and nearby regions has been particularly noteworthy, showcasing their potential to shape the future of the industry.

The event attracted students from numerous institutions, including McGill University, Carleton University, the University of Alberta, and the University of Saskatchewan. Alongside these participants were approximately 100 volunteers, parents, and spectators, all of whom contributed to an atmosphere of excitement and learning.

Transport Canada representatives attended to ensure that Launch Canada could manage its own airspace safely, further solidifying the event’s credibility. Major sponsors, including the Timmins Economic Development Centre, provided an $80,000 grant sourced from the municipal accommodation tax. Corporate partners such as MDA Space also played a role in supporting the competition.

The competition has become a platform for students to demonstrate their engineering skills. For example, a team from McGill University has invested tens of thousands of hours building and testing their experimental rocket, making this event a rare opportunity for many Canadian universities. Mani noted the growing need for rocket scientists in Canada, highlighting that several companies are competing to develop the first Canadian rocket capable of reaching orbit. “As we build our country and make Canada strong, we need to have our own access to space,” he added.

Local organization Science Timmins has participated in this challenge for four consecutive years. Dennis Parisi, a volunteer with the group, expressed his enthusiasm for witnessing the students’ joy during rocket launches. “You should see their faces when their rockets go up,” he said. The event fosters a supportive environment, with spectators applauding successful launches and recognizing the learning opportunities presented by failures.

Participants like Sophie Lapointe from Science Timmins shared their experiences of building rockets from kits. “We got step-by-step instructions on how to build everything,” she explained. Lapointe emphasized the importance of engineering skills in everyday life, noting, “It teaches me how to be able to think on my own and design stuff and how to innovate.” While she finds launching rockets exhilarating, her aspirations lie in the medical field as she aims to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Launch Canada, a national non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting rocketry and aerospace innovation through hands-on learning. Its signature event serves not only as a competition but also as a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals. The success of this year’s event underscores the potential for Canada’s growth in the aerospace sector, driven by the ingenuity and passion of its youth.