Reaction Dynamics is a Canadian company developing rockets powered by storable, non-toxic propellants to enable faster and more flexible access to space. The team was selected for Phase 2 of the NATO DIANA programme, where they will gain access to tailored support as they work to accelerate the adoption of their pioneering hybrid rocket technology.
What does your company do and what is the solution you applied to DIANA with?
"Reaction Dynamics provides satellite launch services through the development of a deployable, orbital-class rocket powered by storable and non-toxic propellants. Because our vehicle can be stockpiled while fully fueled, we enable ultra-responsive launch capabilities – a key component of resilient space architecture.
This vision aligned directly with DIANA's Critical Infrastructure & Logistics challenge to which we applied. Our cost-effective launches of small commercial and defence satellites strengthen sovereign launch capacity in Canada and address growing demand for rapid access to space among Allied nations."
What problem does your solution solve?
"Today, constellation operators and defence users alike must conform to the manifest schedules of a handful of providers. This concentration creates systemic fragility: any delay by the primary provider cascades across an entire ecosystem, leaving customers months behind schedule. In the commercial sphere, such delays translate into slower time-to-revenue and higher capital drag.
In defence contexts, however, the consequences are operational – ISR, communications, navigation and, in the future, Space Control capabilities can be left degraded or absent at moments of acute national need. Responsive launch directly addresses this vulnerability by dispersing capacity both geographically (our rockets can be stored and are mobile) and temporally (we can launch in few hours with no cryogenic operations), reducing dependence on single providers and enabling launch-on-demand.
A further pain point is the issue of orbit misalignment. The reliance on rideshare opportunities leaves satellites deployed into insertion orbits far from their desired operational planes. Correcting these trajectories consumes time and propulsion, driving up satellite complexity and cost, while delaying the onset of operational service. In military or dual-use constellations, the delay in achieving full mission effectiveness is a direct vulnerability that can be exploited by adversaries. By contrast, responsive launch architectures enable tailored orbit insertion on demand, minimizing propulsion penalties and ensuring that spacecraft are mission-capable immediately upon deployment."
How did the company get started?
"Bachar Elzein, our co-founder, was conducting research at Polytechnique Montréal when he solved a challenge that had puzzled rocket scientists for nearly 90 years: how to stabilise the burn in a hybrid rocket engine using solid fuel and liquid oxidizer. Traditionally, as solid fuel burns, its geometry changes – altering the fuel-to-oxidizer ratio and destabilizing performance. By manipulating the fuel’s viscosity, Bachar discovered a way to maintain a consistent ratio throughout the burn, enabling longer, more stable engine operation.
"The implications were clear: this breakthrough could make hybrid propulsion a viable path to space. In 2017, Bachar left academia and teamed up with friends to turn this concept into a company. Reaction Dynamics was born! Eight years later, following over 300 engine tests, the development of advanced architecture, significant use of additive manufacturing, and with three granted patents in our innovation portfolio, we are preparing for spaceflight – offering a safe, cost-effective, and highly responsive propulsion solution for both commercial and defence applications."
Was your company already positioned as a dual-use company before DIANA? Why did you decide to apply to the programme?
"At its core, launching a military satellite during peacetime is operationally similar to launching a civilian one. That is why our service is dual-use by design. A sustainable business case for launch services cannot rely solely on the defence market — it must also be rooted in strong commercial traction. Our competitive civilian momentum, cost-efficiency, and agility – especially compared to traditional rideshare models – allow us to deliver mission-ready conditions to defence customers while building a solid commercial foundation.
Technologically, our system increases global launch flexibility, enabling geographically distributed operations, rapid deployment, and unmatched responsiveness. These capabilities directly support Alliance needs for resilience, mobility, and sovereignty in space access.
Joining the DIANA program has been transformative. Being selected among thousands of applicants, receiving mentorship from leaders with deep operational and technical credentials, engaging with experienced accelerators, and gaining exposure to potential customers, partners, and investors — all of this has been a game changer. Phase 1 was pivotal, and Phase 2 is accelerating our trajectory even further."
How does your tech differ from competitors?
"Most rocket manufacturers rely on liquid fuel and liquid oxidizers — a choice that brings significant complexity. Turbopumps, hazardous propellants, and long cryogenic fueling operations add risk, increase cost, and require highly specialized launch infrastructure. Reducing the price per kilogram to orbit typically means scaling up to larger rockets — unless you innovate.
At Reaction Dynamics, we chose innovation. To preserve the benefits of dedicated launch while improving flexibility and responsiveness, we developed a hybrid propulsion system using solid fuel and liquid oxidizer. Our engine design is radically simple – just five main parts – resulting in a propulsion system that is safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective.
Hybrid propulsion also unlocks key strategic advantages: our rockets can be stockpiled, deployed from distributed locations, and launched with minimal ground infrastructure — enabling true mobility and rapid responsiveness."
What has been your biggest success or milestone to date since starting the DIANA programme? How did participation in DIANA’s programme help make this possible?
"Our DIANA journey has been humbling – and truly impressive. It’s difficult to pinpoint a single success, because each achievement builds upon the others to create a much larger, integrated future.
Commercially, we secured our first civilian contract and signed a major agreement with a military customer.
Financially, we received $10M CAD from the Québec government and successfully closed a $14M CAD private Series A, which included Tim Draper Associates — the very first investor in SpaceX.
Technologically, we completed the long-duration burn test required for our sub-orbital flight, a critical milestone in our roadmap to space.
Being part of the DIANA cohort has been instrumental. It has provided us with public recognition, invaluable advice and support from mentors and accelerators, and connections to military stakeholders, strategic partners, and investors we would not have reached on our own."
What is next on the horizon for your company or is there another milestone in the future you are excited about?
"Just as we set bold and ambitious goals for DIANA Phase 1, we are now reaching for the stars in Phase 2. Literally! Our objective is to perform our suborbital launch – marking the first-ever test of a hybrid engine in the vacuum of space. This flight will be designed to meet both civilian and military requirements, demonstrating the dual-use potential of our technology.
We also plan to close our Series B financing round, providing the resources needed to carry the company through to our first orbital launch. Scaling up our team will go hand in hand with expanding our facilities and further optimizing our processes to meet growing demand."