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Space Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)



Design space tech like satellites and spacecraft to power navigation, communication and next-gen innovation!

Entry in:
Fall or Winter

Explore Your Passion. Find out more about life at Lassonde.

#1 in Canada

for Aerospace Engineering

#32 in the world

for Aerospace Engineering

(ShanghaiRanking of Academic Subjects, 2025)

One-of-a-kind

Canada’s only dedicated Space Engineering program  

Program Overview

Want to build satellites, spacecraft, and robotics that power space missions and global communication? In Lassonde’s Space Engineering program you’ll design and operate advanced space systems for Earth and beyond. The program offers:

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Hands-on Space Tech – Design, build and test real satellite hardware, space robotics, and flight systems in state-of-the-art labs and research facilities, including access to Canada’s largest steerable antenna.

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Gain up to 20 months of paid co-op experience – Collaborate on real missions with NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and leading companies such as MDA, Kepler, and Magellan Aerospace, contributing to the design, testing and operation of space systems.

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Launch a Future-Proof Career – With space innovation booming in Canada, graduates work in satellite communications, spacecraft design, robotics, AI-enabled systems, and space policy—at SpaceX, Honeywell, Tesla, and beyond.

Meet Randa: Space Engineering Alumna
Exploring Careers in the Space Industry
Undergrad research in the Nanosatellite Lab
Meet Space Engineering student Michelle
Space Engineering Student Ian on the undergrad research program

Why Space Engineering at Lassonde?

Whether you’re passionate about spacecraft design, mission planning, robotics or space science, this program will prepare you for a career at the cutting edge of the fast-growing space sector.  

From your first years onward, you’ll apply theory to real systems, not just simulations. Courses are built around hands-on design, testing, and problem-solving using industry-standard tools and technologies. You’ll work in advanced hardware labs, robotics testing facilities, and mission-simulation environments—gaining experience with spacecraft subsystems, satellite operations, and space communications in settings that mirror professional practice.
Space Engineering students have direct access to undergraduate research opportunities, including work in Lassonde’s Nanosatellite Lab and other active research groups. You’ll collaborate closely with faculty on live research projects—often connected to real missions—while benefiting from a low student-to-faculty ratio that supports mentorship and individualized learning. Paid summer research opportunities allow you to deepen your expertise and build a strong foundation for graduate studies or industry roles.
This program is designed to connect learning with work. Through up to 20 months of paid co-op, you’ll gain real-world experience with leading space and aerospace organizations in Canada and beyond. You’ll graduate with a professional network, practical experience, and a clear understanding of how space systems are developed, tested, and deployed—giving you a competitive edge when entering the workforce.
Canada’s space sector is expanding rapidly, with growing investment in satellite technology, lunar exploration, robotics, and advanced communications. This degree prepares you to contribute to that future—equipping you to apply space technologies to global challenges such as climate monitoring, disaster response, and secure communications. Optional pathways, including the Mechatronics Certificate, allow you to broaden your skill set and open doors across aerospace, robotics, and high-tech industries.
Satellite Communications

Satellite Communications

Work with a parabolic antenna to send and receive radio signals, gaining practical experience in space communication systems.  

Flight Software Development

Flight Software Development

Program and test autonomous systems used in space missions. 

Hardware Testing for Spaceflight

Hardware Testing for Spaceflight

Gain experience with industry-standard test methods before components go into space.  

Vibration Testing Facility

Vibration Testing Facility

Utilize state-of-the-art equipment capable of subjecting components and systems to vibration loads up to 1600 kg-force, simulating the rigorous conditions of spaceflight to ensure reliability and performance. 

The Algonquin Radio Observatory

The Algonquin Radio Observatory

As part of their studies, 4th-year Space Engineering students use Canada’s largest fully steerable antenna to track GPS satellites, applying real-world techniques in satellite navigation and deep-space communication. 

Control & Mechatronics Laboratory

Control & Mechatronics Laboratory

Explore how spacecraft and aerospace systems maintain stability and precision. Using the Quanser AERO, a dual-motor experiment platform, students gain hands-on experience with real-time control systems, essential for spacecraft attitude control, drone navigation, and robotic autonomy. 


Launch Your Career in the Space Industry

Beyond Aerospace: Expanding Career Horizons

Graduates of our program have secured careers with top space agencies, aerospace companies, and cutting-edge startups, including:

Important information for applicants

Course Details 

ENGINEERING

Year One Common Core
Fall Term

• Class • Lab • Tutorial

Monday

Applied Calculus

Applied Linear Algebra

Engineering Mechanics

Computational Thinking Through Mechatronics

Tuesday

Renaissance Engineering I

Computational Thinking Through Mechatronics

Wednesday

Applied Calculus

Applied Linear Algebra

Engineering Mechanics

Computational Thinking Through Mechatronics

Thursday

Renaissance Engineering I

Renaissance Engineering I

Engineering Mechanics

Friday

Engineering Mechanics

Applied Calculus

Applied Linear Algebra

Engineering Mechanics

Computational Thinking Through Mechatronics

ENGINEERING

Year One Common Core
Winter Term

• Class • Lab • Tutorial

Monday

Applied Calculus II

Object Oriented Programming

Electricity, Magnetism and Optics

Discrete Mathematics OR The Earth Environment

The Earth Environment

Tuesday

Materials Science for Engineers

Renaissance Engineering II

Materials Science for Engineers

Object Oriented Programming

Wednesday

Applied Calculus II

Object Oriented Programming

Electricity, Magnetism & Optics

Discrete Mathematics OR The Earth Environment

Materials Science for Engineers

Thursday

Renaissance Engineering II

Renaissance Engineering II

Materials Science for Engineers

Electricity, Magnetism & Optics

Friday

Electricity, Magnetism & Optics

Applied Calculus II

Object Oriented Programming

Electricity, Magnetism & Optics

Discrete Mathematics OR The Earth Environment

First-Year Core Courses 

All engineering students at Lassonde complete a common first-year curriculum. Courses include: 

  • Applied Calculus & Linear Algebra – Essential math skills for engineering problem-solving. 
  • Engineering Mechanics – Understanding forces, motion, and structures. 
  • Electricity, Magnetism & Optics – The physics behind modern space technology. 
  • Computational Thinking Through Mechatronics – Learn the basics of programming and automation. 
  • Materials Science for Engineers – Study materials used in spacecraft and space environments. 
  • Renaissance Engineering – A multidisciplinary approach to solving engineering challenges. 

Specialized Space Engineering Courses 

As you progress, your studies will focus on designing, building, and operating space systems, with courses that provide hands-on experience in key areas: 

(ESSE 2361, 2nd Year) – Learn how to design spacecraft, from mission concept to launch. 
(PHYS 3250, 3rd Year) – Explore how spacecraft send and receive data across vast distances. 
(ESSE 3280, 3rd Year) – Understand how satellites navigate and function in extreme space conditions. 
(ESSE 3330, 3rd Year) – Study the unique challenges of materials exposed to space. 
(ESSE 4110, 3rd Year) – Learn the mechanics of spacecraft motion and control. 
(ESSE 4350, 4th Year) & Payload Design (ESSE 4360, 4th Year) – Design and develop mission-critical hardware and payloads. 
(ESSE 4361, 4th Year) – Integrate engineering disciplines to create full mission proposals. 
(ESSE 3380 & ESSE 4th Year Mechatronics Systems and Design) – Apply mechatronics principles to spacecraft and robotic systems. 

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