Reaction Dynamics Pivots to Medium-Lift with Borealis

Strategic Shift to Medium-Lift

Quebec’s Reaction Dynamics is escalating its orbital ambitions. According to Payload, the startup has unveiled Borealis, a medium-lift launch vehicle designed to deliver 6,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The rocket is slated for an inaugural flight in 2031, signaling a significant scale-up from the company’s small-lift Aurora vehicle.

The Liquid-Fuel Pivot

For nearly a decade, Reaction Dynamics focused on hybrid engine technology utilizing solid fuel and liquid oxidizer. However, within the last year, the company pivoted to a fully liquid-fueled architecture. This technical realignment is intended to streamline development; by optimizing the Aurora small-launcher (200 kg capacity) for liquid fuel, the company creates a direct technological bridge to the heavier Borealis. Jesse Mikelberg, director of business development, stated the shift was driven by Canada’s demand for sovereign heavy-lift capability and the vacuum created by SpaceX’s decision to sunset its Transporter rideshare program.

Scaling Infrastructure and Capital

Transitioning from 200 kg to 6,000 kg requires significant capital and industrial expansion. The current roadmap includes:

• ▸Funding: The company has raised $35.4M (CAD 50M) and is currently seeking over $349.6M (CAD 70M+) in Series B funding to launch Aurora.
• ▸Manufacturing: Development of a 375,000 sq. ft. facility in Quebec designed to produce 24 Borealis rockets annually.
• ▸Workforce: Plans to expand headcount from 68 to over 350 by 2031.

Reaction Dynamics has already completed 21 hot-fire tests of the new liquid engine. If successful, the Aurora mission in Q4 2028 will serve as a flight-proven baseline for the avionics and tankage required for Borealis’ 2031 debut.