On June 9, 2025, the Quebec government took a decisive step to cement its role in the global space race. Premier François Legault announced a $10 million Canadian dollar investment ($7.3 million USD) into two pioneering companies — rocket startup Reaction Dynamics and software firm Maya HTT. The move not only supports innovation within the province but also asserts Quebec’s intention to develop sovereign space launch capabilities, entirely from within its own borders.
A New Chapter in Canadian Aerospace
Reaction Dynamics, founded in 2017, has built its name around developing eco-friendly and cost-effective launch systems. The company focuses on small satellite deployment using its flagship vehicle — the Aurora rocket. This new funding allows Reaction Dynamics to continue its collaboration with Maya HTT, a Montreal-based engineering and simulation software developer, to push forward the development of its hybrid propulsion system and set up a dedicated testing facility.
Legault emphasized during the press conference, broadcast live on Facebook, that this is not just about funding another space startup. “We want the propulsion system not only built in Canada but 100 percent from Quebec,” he stated. The province intends to build a vertically integrated space industry, capable of developing, testing, and launching advanced technology from local facilities.
The Aurora Rocket: Quebec’s Ticket to Orbit
Reaction Dynamics’ Aurora rocket has a clear mission — to provide fast, affordable access to space for small satellite operators in the commercial and defense sectors. The rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 200 kilograms into low-Earth orbit (LEO). CEO and Chief Technology Officer Bachar Elzein likened their offering to “the equivalent of a private-jet flight at an economy-class price.” With this injection of provincial funds, the company can now accelerate its roadmap, which includes a suborbital launch by late 2025 and its first orbital flights by 2027 or 2028.
Elzein underscored the importance of this funding. “The support of the Quebec government will allow Reaction Dynamics to take the steps toward our planned demonstration flight,” he said, highlighting that the company’s technology promises a more responsive and flexible launch service compared to traditional heavy-lift vehicles.
Maya HTT: Engineering Brains Behind the Rocket Brawn
Quebec has allocated $8 million of the total funding to Reaction Dynamics and $2 million to Maya HTT. Maya HTT will develop advanced simulation tools to optimize the rocket engine’s design and performance. Their software will enable more efficient testing and innovation cycles, reducing development costs and accelerating time to market.
By choosing to invest in software and hardware simultaneously, Quebec is ensuring a strong integration between design and manufacturing. This approach avoids dependency on external vendors and builds self-reliance — a central pillar of Quebec’s space strategy.
Building Sovereign Capabilities in a Volatile World
Premier Legault made it clear that Quebec’s motivations go beyond economics or technological innovation. The province is responding to a rapidly shifting global landscape marked by geopolitical instability and increasing militarization of space. During the press conference, Legault said bluntly, “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.” He criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reliability as an ally, making a case for domestic space systems that Canada can fully control and deploy when needed.
Quebec’s investment reflects a broader trend in Western nations aiming to safeguard their national interests through sovereign aerospace and defense capabilities. By controlling its own launch platforms, Canada ensures that it can support both civilian and defense applications without relying on foreign states or third-party companies.
Positioning Quebec as a Global Aerospace Leader
Christine Fréchette, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, added strategic weight to the announcement. She described the initiative as a crucial move to position Quebec as “a world leader in aerospace.” The province has already built a strong reputation in aviation and engineering. Now, with this investment, it expands its influence into the next frontier — space.
Fréchette emphasized that local startups like Reaction Dynamics showcase Quebec’s ability to nurture talent and innovation domestically. “We are not just funding a company; we are building an ecosystem,” she said. The ecosystem she referred to includes everything from software development to propulsion engineering, launch facilities, and ground operations — all within Quebec’s borders.
Industry Applause and Future Implications
Mélanie Lussier, President and CEO of Aero Montreal, praised the government’s move. She called the investment critical for Canada’s long-term technological independence. “Until now, to launch a satellite, Canada had to rely on the platforms of other nations,” she said. “This investment changes the game. We are taking control of our destiny in space.”
The move also opens the door for new partnerships across academia, private industry, and government defense programs. Reaction Dynamics can now scale its workforce, test novel propulsion systems in Quebec, and attract global customers looking for flexible, low-cost launch options.
The involvement of Maya HTT suggests that digital simulation will play a pivotal role in minimizing environmental and financial costs while maximizing launch reliability. These simulation tools can also spin off into other industries, such as aviation, energy, and automotive, strengthening Quebec’s tech economy as a whole.