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Aerospace

Aerospace systems enable mobility, connectivity, and situational awareness across complex environments.

In Canada, aerospace capabilities contribute to economic strength, scientific advancement, and national capacity in areas such as remote sensing, transportation, and space-based infrastructure.

At the University of Toronto, aerospace research integrates engineering, robotics, and data systems to advance the design, operation, and autonomy of air and space platforms—supporting innovation in domains ranging from sustainable aviation to autonomous flight and space exploration.

Why this matters

Mobility and connectivity
Advances air and space systems that support transportation, communication, and access across large and remote regions.

Situational awareness
Enhances monitoring and data collection through remote sensing and space-based infrastructure.

Innovation and autonomy
Drives development of next-generation aerospace technologies, including autonomous systems and sustainable aviation.

Entities

University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS)

University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS)

The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) is a globally recognized centre for research and graduate education in aerospace engineering, robotics, and space systems. UTIAS advances foundational and applied research in aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, autonomy and spaceflight, supported by strong international partnerships and deep industry engagement. Through initiatives such as Start@UTIAS, the Institute […]
Robotics Institute

Robotics Institute

The University of Toronto Robotics Institute is a globally recognized hub for interdisciplinary research in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Bringing together researchers from engineering, computer science, health and design, the Institute advances foundational and applied work in perception, manipulation, human-robot interaction and learning-enabled autonomy. Its facilities include a dedicated indoor drone testing arena […]
Connect with the Robotics Institute
Centre for Aerial Robotics Research and Education

Centre for Aerial Robotics Research and Education

The Centre for Aerial Robotics Research and Education (CARRE), part of the UTIAS ecosystem, is a University of Toronto initiative that expands and unifies research and teaching in the rapidly growing field of aerial robotics. CARRE supports the development of new technologies, advanced training of highly qualified personnel, and the dissemination of research outcomes to […]
Autonomous Space Robotics Laboratory

Autonomous Space Robotics Laboratory

The Autonomous Space Robotics Laboratory (ASRL), part of the UTIAS ecosystem, is a research group focused on advancing visual navigation, localization, and mapping for mobile robots in both space and terrestrial environments through methods like Visual Teach & Repeat and SLAM. Their work produces datasets, software and algorithms that support long-term autonomous robot navigation without […]
Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research

Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research

The Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) is a collaborative innovation platform linking industry, academia, and government within Canada’s aerospace ecosystem. As a funding partner, the University of Toronto contributes research expertise and participates in shared R&D initiatives focused on aeroacoustics, advanced materials, propulsion and next-generation aerospace systems. DAIR provides access to secure research space […]
Connect with DAIR
Creative Destruction Lab Space Stream (CDL Space)

Creative Destruction Lab Space Stream (CDL Space)

The CDL Space Stream is an objectives-based accelerator that helps early-stage space and space-related technology startups grow by pairing them with world-class mentors (including entrepreneurs, investors, and astronauts) to sharpen business strategy, raise capital, and scale technologies in areas like satellite communications, Earth observation, robotics, AI and more. In addition, the CDL Defence Stream augments this initiative by […]

Related news and events

Government of Canada invests in CDL Defence to accelerate dual-use technologies from research to deployment

NEWS |  March 6, 2026

Creative Destruction Lab is receiving a Government of Canada investment, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support its newly launched CDL Defence program.

Next-generation Earth Observation Satellite System

NEWS |  February 9, 2026

UofT-enabled startup Kepler Communications was selected the Canadian Space Agency to ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of space-based environmental monitoring, national security, and climate resilience.

Opportunities

Training

BSc: Astronomy

Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga

BSc: Astronomical Sciences

Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga

Ph.D.: Astronomy and Astrophysics

David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Faculty of Arts and Science
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