Reaction Dynamics has unveiled Borealis, a next-generation medium-lift rocket designed to deliver 6 metric tons to low Earth orbit, with a first launch targeted for 2031. The company, based in Longueuil, Quebec, announced the vehicle at the SpaceBound Conference in Ottawa on October 20, 2026. The plan builds on the company's Aurora rocket, which is targeting its first orbital flight from Canadian soil in the fourth quarter of 2028.
A Two Vehicle Roadmap
Reaction Dynamics is pursuing an integrated development strategy rather than two independent programs. Aurora will serve as both an orbital launch vehicle and the technological foundation for Borealis, advancing propulsion, avionics, flight software, manufacturing, and operational systems. Borealis will then support larger spacecraft deployments, dedicated constellation launches, and sovereign missions requiring greater payload capacity and control over orbit access.
Storable Propulsion for Northern Operations
Both rockets will use storable liquid propulsion with catalytic ignition and advanced engine manufacturing. The propellants remain stable at ambient temperature and require no cryogenic cooling, which simplifies ground infrastructure and enables extended readiness. The company says these characteristics could support responsive missions in Canada's remote and northern regions, including Arctic surveillance, secure communications, and national security operations.
Funding and Expansion Plans
Reaction Dynamics plans to raise approximately CA$350 million in additional private investment through 2031 to support its two-vehicle roadmap. This includes a Series B targeting between CA$70 million and CA$100 million for Aurora's first orbital launch, followed by a Series C targeting between CA$200 million and CA$250 million for Borealis. The company has already secured around CA$50 million in private investment and public funding commitments.
Manufacturing Growth and Launch Capacity
The company currently employs 68 people and plans to grow to more than 350 by 2031. It is planning approximately 375,000 square feet of manufacturing and integration capacity in Quebec, with potential expansion sites in Ontario or Nova Scotia. Reaction Dynamics is targeting an eventual Borealis launch rate of 24 missions annually for commercial, government, and allied defense customers.
Commercial Pipeline and Market Opportunity
Reaction Dynamics has assembled a commercial pipeline representing more than US$5 billion in potential launch opportunities, supported by at least 10 agreements and letters of intent with satellite operators and institutional customers across Canada, the United States, and Europe. The company points to strong demand as SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has started turning away customers past 2028. This dynamic has opened a window for Canada's emerging launch sector to offer dedicated and more controlled access to orbit.
Government Support and Spaceport Plans
Reaction Dynamics has benefited from Canada's renewed focus on sovereign space capabilities. The 2025 federal budget committed CA$182.6 million over three years to establish a sovereign space launch capability, and the company received a grant of CA$8.3 million under the IDEaS Launch the North contest. Aurora's first orbital launch is planned from Maritime Launch Services' spaceport near Canso, Nova Scotia, which the federal government has supported through a CA$200 million lease.
Reaction Dynamics is moving beyond reaching orbit toward building the industrial infrastructure Canada needs for long-term commercial and strategic launch capacity. The company's integrated roadmap from Aurora in 2028 to Borealis in 2031 is designed to scale technology, manufacturing, and operations in a capital-efficient way. If successful, the program could provide dedicated medium-lift launch services for Canadian, allied, and commercial customers while creating highly skilled jobs across the country.