Montreal Space Symposium

The bulk of satellites launched have historically been large scientific or telecommunication satellites weighting thousands of kilograms. However, in recent years, COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) technologies and miniaturization trends have created a surge in interest towards microsatellites2. The emergence of these new technologies has allowed new actors to develop smaller and more cost- effective satellites to perform the same missions at a fraction of the weight. In 2016, there were 101 microsatellites launched. Over the next 10 years, there is an expected 19.7% compound annual growth rate3 of satellite launch worldwide. This highlights the short-term requirements of the launch market, expected to be worth around $62 billion over the next 10 years with 11,631 Smallsats (10 – 300 kg) launched through 20301.
However, due to the lack of operational dedicated launchers, microsatellites are often constrained to launch as secondary payloads alongside larger satellites. This situation requires microsatellite operators to adapt to the primary payload’s timeline, as well as their less than optimal orbits.

Reaction Dynamics is pioneering the Canadian space industry by developing the first Canadian orbital launcher. With it’s proprietary hybrid rocket fuel technology, the company aims to target the microsatellite market which is poised to grow to $62.2 billion over the next ten years.