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Explore Your Passion. Find out more about Space Engineering at Lassonde

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About the Program

New frontiers offer new challenges.

Lassonde’s Space Engineering program will equip you with the technical skills required to design solutions to Earth’s problems using space-based assets while utilizing the principles of systems engineering. 

These solutions require knowledge of all engineering disciplines combined with knowledge of unique space environments – both in orbit and on other planets. You will look at the interface of engineering and science through payload and instrument design. Learn from real space missions, starting with initial concept design to hardware and software design, manufacturing, testing and in-orbit operations.

Delve into concepts ranging from spacecraft structures, orbit control and space-to-ground communications to flight software and robotics. As a student, you will learn and practice the design and management of complex multidisciplinary projects that enable missions to the far reaches of the solar system.

Beyond these systems engineering skills, the Space Engineering program also helps you develop payload design and development capabilities, understanding scientific phenomena on the Earth and in space, and designing engineering instruments to measure them.

Spacecraft Touchdown and Backaway from Site Nightingale

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Advanced knowledge of the systems engineering process and the cross-section of engineering disciplines needed for designing and developing a space mission
  • Payload design and development, covering Earth and Space science, and measurement and instrumentation design to interact with this science.
  • Space mission and vehicle design, space communications, space environment and orbital dynamics
  • The use of software tools for designing and modelling projects involving robotics; Earth observation, planetary missions, communications systems and other space applications are emphasized while frequently using industry-standard tools
  • Hardware laboratories provide hands-on learning for many subsystems required in spacecraft design
  • Valuable experience with hardware test methods required prior to spaceflight

Some of our Co-op Employers

  • MDA
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • Canadensys
  • eSight Corporation
  • Cheelcare

Featured Courses

A selection of courses from our Space Engineering experience

Engineering and robotics student

Space Systems Engineering

Experience the process of creating a successful launch of a mission that could make a sizeable difference in the world while learning about space subsystems and how they interface to develop a full-functioning system.

You will work on a mission in a student team using a systems engineering design process, including mission requirements, and design fundamentals to tackle a prevalent, real-world problem.

Satellites in space

Geophysics and Space Science

Learn about Earth and its natural occurrences and how they play a part in various components of life through gravitational aspects, seismic waves, earthquake fault plane solutions and other forms.

You’ll also discover how these principles can also be applied to the space environment.

Lab experiences include:

  • Communications through means of a parabolic antenna.
  • Sending LCP and RCP polarized radio waves to be received by and the antenna.

Stories

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Enhance your Space Engineering experience

Available for all of our Engineering programs

teacher advising student

Co-op

Work a minimum of 12 months up to a maximum of 20 months while on co-op. You can earn up to 1 year of qualified experience towards your PEng.

student

Dual Degree

Add a BA in International Development Studies. Available for all of our Engineering programs

students working on laptops

BEST Certificate

Through entrepreneurial, academic and experiential achievements during your time at Lassonde, you can earn the BEST Certificate.

Sample First-Year Schedules

ENGINEERING – YEAR ONE COMMON CORE – FALL TERM

MONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAY
Applied CalculusRenaissance Engineering IEngineering Mechanics
Applied CalculusApplied Linear AlgebraRenaissance Engineering IApplied Calculus
Applied Linear AlgebraRenaissance Engineering IEngineering MechanicsApplied Linear Algebra
Engineering MechanicsEngineering Mechanics
Computational Thinking Through MechatronicsComputational Thinking Through MechatronicsComputational Thinking Through Mechatronics
Computational Thinking Through MechatronicsEngineering Mechanics
• Class • Lab • Tutorial

ENGINEERING – YEAR ONE COMMON CORE – WINTER TERM

MONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAY
Materials Science for EngineersRenaissance Engineering IIElectricity, Magnetism & Optics
Applied Calculus IIRenaissance Engineering IIApplied Calculus IIRenaissance Engineering IIApplied Calculus II
Object Oriented ProgrammingObject Oriented ProgrammingMaterials Science for EngineersObject Oriented Programming
Electricity, Magnetism and OpticsMaterials Science for EngineersElectricity, Magnetism & OpticsElectricity, Magnetism & Optics
Discrete Mathematics OR The Earth EnvironmentDiscrete Mathematics OR The Earth EnvironmentDiscrete Mathematics OR The Earth Environment
The Earth EnvironmentObject Oriented ProgrammingMaterials Science for EngineersElectricity, Magnetism & Optics
• Class • Lab • Tutorial

Application and Admissions Info

Important Information for applicants

  • How to Apply

    You can apply to the Lassonde School of Engineering through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) website or you may use York University’s online application.

    Use the OUAC application if you are:

    • Current Ontario high school student, or
    • Currently reside in Canada and not currently in an Ontario high school day program, or
    • Canadian citizen/permanent resident residing elsewhere and not attending an Ontario high school, or
    • International applicant (not a Canadian citizen/PR, not residing in Canada and not in Ontario high school)

    Use York University’s online application if you are:

    • Previous York student, or
    • Mature or university/college transfer applicant and you’re only applying to York.

    Applying to one of our Engineering programs?

    Since we offer a common first-year, our engineering programs are merged into a single selection on the OUAC application form Engineering (BEng) – including Co-op.

    When we receive your application, you’ll be sent details on how to let us know what your preferred programs are.

    Read More

  • Boost Co-Application

    You want to explore your passion – we want to help you get there.

    And while having good grades usually means you have the academic chops to do well in your classes, it’s your passion for science, technology & engineering that will help you succeed.

    That’s why we created Boost, an optional co-application to our School.

    Through a digital interview, you’ll get the chance to tell us who you really are and demonstrate to us that you possess the traits of a future Renaissance Engineer – creativity, passion, ingenuity, rational thinking and confidence.

    Plus, if you’re an engineering applicant you’ll also have the chance to provide up to three engineering program choices.

    Find out more about Boost

  • Important Dates

    Applications Open (OUAC and York Direct) – September, 2020

    Boost Co-Application Opens –  Mid February, 2021

    Ontario High School Applicant Deadline – January 15, 2021

    International and Transfer Applicant Deadline – March 15, 2021

    Boost Co-App Deadline (Engineering 2nd Year Program Guarantee) – April 1, 2021

    Read More

  • Program Requirements

    Ontario Applicants

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • English
    • Advanced Functions
    • Calculus & Vectors
    • Physics
    • Chemistry

    With no prerequisite grade below 70%
    Recommended average:     80

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • English
    • Advanced Functions
    • One other 12U Math course (Calculus & Vectors strongly recommended)
    • For BSc and iBSc programs: All of the above plus Physics or Chemistry

    With minimum average of 75% on Math courses, with no Math grade below 65%  
    Recommended average: Mid 80s

    For Digital Media

    • English
    • One 12U Math course (with minimum grade of 75%)
    • One 12U Arts course or equivalent training recommended
    Recommended average: High 70s 

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • English
    • Advanced Functions
    • Calculus & Vectors
    • Physics

    Chemistry 12 strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams
    Recommended average: High 70s 

    International Curricula

    –– GCE; IB; Indian; CAPE; Chinese; WAEC

    Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL) plus the program-specific requirements (at the Grade 12/Senior level) below.

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • Math
    • Physics
    • Chemistry

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • BA/iBA: Math
    • BSc/iBSc: Math + Physics OR Chemistry

    For Digital Media

    • Math

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • Math
    • Physics

    Chemistry strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams

    University Transfer Applicants

    Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL), plus the program-specific requirements (Grade 12U, equivalent or higher) listed below.
    *Requirement (or equivalent) must have been satisfied within the previous five years. 

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*
    • Chemistry*

    With no prerequisite grade below 70%
    Recommended average:     80

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent), plus a minimum grade of C+/65% in each of any math courses taken in university
    • Advanced Functions*
    • One other 12U Math course (Calculus & Vectors strongly recommended)*
    • For BSc and iBSc programs: All of the above plus Physics or Chemistry*

    With minimum average of 75% on Math courses, with no Math grade below 65%  
    Recommended average: Mid 80s

    For Digital Media

    • Overall average of 2.3 or betteer on a 4-point scale (C+/65% or equivalent)
    • One 12U Math course (with minimum grade of 75%)*
    • One 12U Arts course or equivalent training recommended
    Recommended average: High 70s

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • Overall average of 2.3 or better on a 4-point scale (C+/65% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*

    Chemistry 12 strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams
    Recommended average: High 70s

    College Transfer Applicants

    Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL), plus the program-specific requirements (Grade 12U, equivalent or higher) listed below.
    *Requirement (or equivalent) must have been satisfied within the previous five years. 

    For all Engineering programs (Including IDS Dual Degree)

    • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (B+/75% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*
    • Chemistry*

    With no prerequisite grade below 70%
    Recommended average:     80

    For Computer Science or Computer Security

    • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (B+/75% or equivalent), plus a minimum grade of C+/65% in each of any math courses taken in college
    • Advanced Functions*
    • One other 12U Math course (Calculus & Vectors strongly recommended)*
    • For BSc and iBSc programs: All of the above plus Physics or Chemistry*

    With minimum average of 75% on Math courses, with no Math grade below 65%  
    Recommended average: Mid 80s

    For Digital Media

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent)
    • One 12U Math course (with minimum grade of 75%)*
    • One 12U Arts course or equivalent training recommended
    Recommended average: High 70s

    For Earth & Atmospheric Science

    • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (B/70% or equivalent)
    • Advanced Functions*
    • Calculus & Vectors*
    • Physics*

    Chemistry 12 strongly recommended for Atmospheric Science & Space Science streams
    Recommended average: High 70s

    Outside Ontario & Other International Applicants

    Applying from outside of Ontario or other International curricula not listed on this page? Have a look at our program-specific requirements available here.

    It is important that you verify requirements based on where you are coming from, but generally our programs require:

    • Proof of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers, i.e. IELTS, TOEFL)
    • Upper level Maths
    • Upper level Sciences (Physics and/or Chemistry)
    • Official Transcripts (High School and/or College/University)
    Read More

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