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Accredited: CEAB

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Entry: Requirements

#1 in Canada for Aero space Engineering program
#26 in the World for Aerospace Engineering
#1 in Canada for Aerospace Engineering

Program Overview 

Want to build satellites, spacecraft, and robotics that power space missions and global communication? In Lassonde’s Space Engineering program—the only one of its kind in Canada—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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Research & Industry Access –Collaborate on missions with NASA, the CSA, and leading companies like MDA, Kepler and Magellan Aerospace. Gain up to 20 months of paid work experience through co-op.

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

Inside Lassonde’s Drone Delivery Research

Meet Space Engineering student Marissa

Watching the rocket launch for ESSENCE

Meet Space Engineering student Matthew

Meet Space Engineering student Tetiana

Why choose this program?

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.  

  • Get paid, hands-on experience with up to 20 months of co-op at leading space organizations like MDA, Canadensys, and the Canadian Space Agency.  
  • Collaborate with faculty working on real space missions alongside NASA, CSA, and top aerospace organizations, benefiting from a low student-to-faculty ratio that fosters mentorship and personalized learning. 
  • Gain direct exposure to industry leaders, ensuring you graduate with the skills and experience employers need.

Undergrad research in the Nanosatellite Lab

Meet Space Engineering student Michelle

Space Engineering Student Ian on the undergrad research program

Checking in with Ian about the undergrad research program

  • Work with industry-standard space technology in hardware labs, robotics testing facilities and mission simulation environments. 
  • Design and test spacecraft systems used in satellites, planetary rovers and deep-space exploration. 
  • Use advanced software and tools to simulate orbital mechanics, mission planning, and space communications. 
Mechatronics Certificate

Expand Your Expertise with the Mechatronics Certificate

  • Designed for Space Engineering students, this certificate enhances expertise in electrical, mechanical, control and computer engineering, aligning closely with the curriculum.   
  • Expands career opportunities in robotics, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, mining, biomedical industries and more.

A degree built for the future 

  • With Canada investing heavily in lunar exploration, satellite technology and space innovation, this program puts you at the centre of a rapidly expanding industry. 
  • Tackle global challenges using space technology, from climate monitoring to disaster response and advanced communications. 

Where Our Grads Work 

Beyond Aerospace: Expanding Career Horizons

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

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Canadian Space Agency

Supporting national space missions and technology development.
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MDA

Communications satellites, earth & space observation, space exploration & infrastructure.
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Magellan Aerospace

Contributing to spacecraft components and propulsion technologies.
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Thales Canada

Innovating in defense, aerospace, and avionics.
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General Dynamics

Developing next-generation space and defense solutions.
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Kepler Communications

Expanding global connectivity with satellite networks.
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Telesat Ottawa

Advancing satellite communications and broadband networks.
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Loonify Space

Engineering novel space technologies and satellite systems.
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EADS Astrium

Designing advanced satellite and spacecraft solutions.

Aniket, Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer, MDA Space

Inseon, Systems Engineer, Honeywell

Arvin, Spectrum Engineer, OneWeb

Beyond Aerospace: Expanding Career Horizons 

Space Engineering skills open diverse career opportunities in industries beyond aerospace, including robotics, automotive, finance, and software development. Our graduates have secured rewarding roles at:

Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla

Innovating in autonomous vehicle technologies and advanced manufacturing.
TD Bank and RBC

TD Bank & RBC

Applying engineering expertise to cybersecurity and data analytics.
ANSYS Headquarters

ANSYS, Inc.

Simulating engineering solutions for aerospace and other industries.
Innovating in autonomous vehicle technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Specializing in navigation and positioning technologies.
Simulating engineering solutions for aerospace and other industries.
⠀Applying engineering expertise to cybersecurity and data analytics. 
Satellite Systems Engineer – Develops satellites for communication, Earth observation and space exploration. 
Spacecraft Design Engineer – Works on the structure, thermal control and electronics of spacecraft. 
Mission Systems Engineer – Integrates and oversees different spacecraft components to ensure mission success. 
Space Robotics Engineer – Designs robotic systems for planetary exploration and space station maintenance. 
Autonomous Systems Engineer – Develops AI-driven navigation and decision-making systems for space. 
Satellite Communications Engineer – Builds and maintains communication links between spacecraft and Earth. 
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) Engineer – Works on positioning and navigation technology for space missions. 
Remote Sensing Engineer – Uses satellites to track climate change, weather and natural disasters. 
Planetary Science & Instrumentation Engineer – Develops scientific instruments for space probes and planetary exploration. 
Space Mission Analyst – Plans and evaluates space missions for government and private organizations. 
Space Policy & Regulatory Specialist – Advises on international space law and commercial regulations. 
NewSpace Entrepreneur – Develops technologies for commercial space startups, from satellite services to space tourism. 

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. 

Sample First-Year Schedules

ENGINEERING – YEAR ONE COMMON CORE – FALL TERM

• 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

Flexible learning option: Lassonde’s innovative new block model delivery allows first-year students to focus on one course at a time, blending in-person and online learning for flexibility, deep engagement, and reduced stress.  

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. 
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. 

Professor Mike Daly

Professor Regina Lee

Meet master’s student Constantine

This is Lassonde: Podcast

Centre for Research in Earth & Space Science (CRESS)

Through Lassonde’s CRESS, researchers contribute to major space missions, develop new technologies, and explore planetary and climate science. Their work helps shape the learning environment, offering students opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research. 

Thinking about grad school? Many students continue into Master’s and PhD programs, driving research in aerospace, robotics, mechatronics, and beyond. 

Enhance your Space Engineering experience

Available for all of our Engineering programs

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.

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Dual Degree

Add a BA in International Development Studies with this Dual Degree. Available for all of our Engineering programs.

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BEST Certificate

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

Application and Admissions Info

Important Information for applicants

Application and Admissions Info 

Professional accreditation

Our Space Engineering program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), ensuring it meets the academic requirements for professional engineering licensure in Canada. Graduates of this program will: 

  • Fully satisfy the academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada. 
  • Be eligible to apply for registration with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and other provincial engineering regulatory bodies. 
  • Gain a recognized qualification that aligns with international engineering standards. 

This accreditation ensures you’re on the right path to becoming a licensed engineer, opening doors to career opportunities in Canada and beyond. 

Professional accreditation 

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