FLARE:
Future Leaders in Aerospace Research and Engineering

A unique, hands-on space engineering program for high school students in HRM, Nova Scotia.

Program Overview

FLARE (Future Leaders in Aerospace Research and Engineering) is an exclusive program for high school students passionate about STEM, offering a year-long, hands-on experience in spacecraft design, development, and operations. Held at the Pulsar labs in Halifax, the program runs from October to June, with students attending two sessions per week. Participants will have the opportunity to work on real satellite systems, tour leading spacecraft manufacturing facilities, and even send a student-built payload to space. This unique program is competitive, accepting only 30 students per year, with bursaries available thanks to sponsorship from CSA and GALAXIA.

Format:

In-person, twice a week at the Pulsar labs in Halifax.
Year-long program: October to June.

Target Audience:

High school students (STEM focus) living within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

Cost:

Annual Fee - Please Contact Us

Hands-On Learning: Engage in spacecraft design and build real satellite components.

Industry Connections: Tour spacecraft manufacturing facilities, work with experts at GALAXIA, and communicate with satellites in orbit

Exclusive Opportunity: Only 30 students selected each year, ensuring personalized learning.

Launch a Satellite Component: Participate in the development of a sensor system that will be launched into space as part of a real satellite mission.

Bursaries Available: Thanks to sponsorship from CSA and GALAXIA, limited bursary seats are available to ensure accessibility.

Program Structure & Curriculum

FLARE focuses on providing students with in-depth, hands-on experiences in space technology and aerospace engineering. Each week, students will participate in both theoretical and practical activities.

Spacecraft Design and Development:
Learn the fundamentals of spacecraft design, building mechanical and electronic systems, and working on satellite projects.

Subsystem Courses:
Dive deep into satellite subsystems, such as power systems, communication, attitude control, and thermal management.

Manufacturing and Operations:
Get a behind-the-scenes look at GALAXIA’s spacecraft manufacturing and control facilities, including a tour and live in-orbit satellite communication sessions.

Building a Nanosatellite:
Over the course of the program, students will collectively design, develop, and build a model nanosatellite. By the end of the year, they will have a working model that demonstrates basic satellite functions.

Space Launch Campaign:
The highlight of the program is the design and development of a single-board sensor system that will be launched into space as a secondary payload on one of the upcoming GALAXIA satellite missions. Students will have the rare opportunity to be part of the launch campaign and receive live data from space.

153E5199-DB1B-4CB4-8C91-90FBA695C18A_edi

Spacecraft Engineering:

Discover the inner workings of satellite systems, from nanosatellites to full-sized spacecraft, and participate in end-to-end space mission planning exercises.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Learn the fundamentals of AI, including neural networks and machine learning, and how these technologies are applied in space exploration and ocean monitoring.

Spacecraft Operations, Maintenance, and Orbit:

explore spacecraft maintenance, orbit dynamics, and have the chance to control real satellites in orbit, using ground station systems to send and receive telemetry to and from Orbit

Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT):

Build a sensor board and perform AIT using hands-on techniques and methods to safely fly your subsystem into orbit onboard an actual Low Earth Orbit mission.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility:
FLARE is open to high school students in STEM fields who live within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Applicants must be able to attend the Pulsar labs twice a week for the duration of the program.

Competitive Selection:
Only 30 students are selected each year based on a competitive application process. This ensures that students with a strong passion for aerospace and space technology are given the opportunity to participate.

Program Cost:
While the program is not free, students are required to pay a monthly fee. However, bursaries are available for students with financial needs, thanks to the contributions of CSA and GALAXIA, who have sponsored these seats to ensure the program is accessible.

How to Apply

Application Process:

FLARE is highly competitive, and we encourage students to apply early. The application includes a form, a personal statement, and a recommendation from a teacher or mentor in the field of STEM.

Requirements:

Enrolled in a high school within HRM
A personal statement (300-500 words) about your interest in aerospace and space technology.
A letter of recommendation from a STEM teacher or mentor.
Completed application form.

Deadline:

APPLICATIONS FOR 2024-25 ARE NOW CLOSED
Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified for the next cohort

sign up to our mailing list

Get notified when applications open

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the program?
FLARE is open to high school students within the Halifax Regional Municipality who have a passion for STEM and space technology.

Is the program free?
No, there is a monthly fee for the program. However, bursaries are available to students with financial needs, thanks to the sponsorship from CSA and GALAXIA.

What is the highlight of the program?
The program culminates in the development of a sensor system that will be launched into space on a GALAXIA satellite, allowing students to