Space Day 2026

Image of trail with important moments in space history with a rocket in the background

Join us on Thursday, May 21st for Western Space’s annual Space Day event!

From 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., the Institute for Earth & Space Exploration will be hosting our annual Space Day in the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB 1170) and the Western Space Mission Control Facility (WIRB 7110). The theme of this years conference is 'The Road to Launch' and we will be hearing from a variety of experts working in this dynamic field of space sovereignty.

Space Day will also showcase the current research of graduate students from the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences who are part of the Western Integrated Collaborative Specialization program. Food and light refreshments will be provided.

Stay tuned for more information on our panelists!

Please RSVP by April 22nd, and we look forward to hosting you!

Microsoft Forms RSVP Survey Link

Schedule: 

Time 

Agenda Items 

9:30am 

Registration and Coffee (WIRB Atrium)

10:00

Land Acknowledgement, Welcome and Updates from the Director  Sarah Gallagher (WIRB 1170)

10:15

Impact Report Presentations (WIRB 1170):

    • Catalyst Grant Award presentation by Jamie Voogt
    • Catalyst Grant Award presentation by Denis Vida
    • Experiential Learning Fund Award presentation by Ariel Chitan
    • Experiential Learning Fund Award presentation by Ananya Srivastava
    • Experiential Learning Fund Award presentation by Kyle Fred Velez
10:45
Bio Break

11:00

Panel: Perspectives on Launch in Canada (moderated by Valerie Oosterveld, Western Faculty of Law, WIRB 1170)

12:00

 Lunch (provided, WIRB Atrium and Patio)
2:00   Collaborative Specialization student posters & Networking Event (located in Mission Control, WIRB 7110)
5:00

end of event