The “Starsailor” rocket will take off from a trapline in northern Quebec, marking the first time in more than 25 years that a Canadian-made rocket will reach space.
The mission is a collaborative effort between the Space Concordia Rocketry Division and members of the local Cree community. The launch date is set to be between Aug. 8 and 22.
The rocket’s development spanned seven years and brought together 700 contributors from a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Originally built for a science competition, the rocket was left without a contest after the event was cancelled, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the team pressed forward with a greater purpose: to make Canadian aerospace history.
“We have something here that we can help open the skies and be part of history here at home,” said Oleg Khalimonov, director of the Starsailor program and lead for the launch.
The journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Transporting the rocket, bunkers, and other structures involved navigating rugged logging roads, all while relying on radio communication due to the lack of cell service in the remote area. Yet for Khalimonov, the peace, starlit skies and wildlife, made it worthwhile.
“This is what makes Canada or Quebec special. This is the only place in the world where you’ll find something like this,” said Khalimonov.
The launch is set to occur 250 kilometres north of Mistissini, at a site that was once used as a plane landing strip by a now-defunct mining company. Cree tallyman Harry Coonishish gave his approval for the launch after careful deliberation.
Although the project has had strong support from the scientific community throughout, Khalimonov shared that his time on Cree land brought something more personal: connection.
“The traditions, the people here, the Cree way of life. The best part about being here [is] learning how people live here and the culture and the community,” said Khalimonov.
“For me, it’s an exciting opportunity for our community to be a part of something this historic,” said Pamela MacLeod, a member of the Mistissini council.
The rocket is adorned with Cree syllabics in tribute to the legend of Chikabesh.
“Some of our legends around this Chikabesh, right? Who is Starboy. We’ve heard these growing up. To link it to this project, I think [it’s] important for our community,” said MacLeod.
MacLeod values how the project merges Cree heritage with modern science. She enjoys seeing the outreach team engage Mistissini youth through educational programs and mini-rocket activities.
“I hope this [is an] opportunity for our youth to remember the experience and hope that we have our own Cree space engineering students one day,” said MacLeod.
She plans to watch the livestream with her son and family during a community viewing.
“To be able to witness and remember the experience, and say, yeah, this happened in my community, in our territory,” said MacLeod.
As for Khalimonov, he looks forward to witnessing the launch alongside the team that has supported the project over the past seven years. He hopes the launch inspires others to pursue their goals, no matter the setbacks.
“Never give up. If it’s something you truly care about, it’s worth it. Just keep going,” said Khalimonov.
