It's blast off for rocket competition held in northern Ont.

Students soar into the skies on northern First Nation Students from across the country have been reaching new heights at a national rocket launching competition in the region this week.

You've heard of shooting for the stars and that's exactly what students across the country have been doing at a national rocket launching competition taking place in our region this week.

Dozens of student rocket teams are showcasing their engineering and teamwork skills – and organizers say interest in the event is out of this world.

It's an explosive event that has people's eyes on the skies while giving dozens of rocket enthusiasts the chance to launch their mind-blowing projects into the stratosphere.

Around 50 university rocketry teams are blasting off on Canadian soil for the third year, something that wasn't possible before.

And it's attracting teams from across the country.

"We were hoping to test our aerodynamic capabilities," said Loic Gauthier-Heintz of Universite Laval.

"We're going to try to use this knowledge for a higher launch, eventually."

Shooting for the moon is the goal here, with some rockets capable of reaching up to 30,000 feet in the air.

Organizers said the event is drawing more teams and spectators every year.

"One of the coolest things this year is just the level of support we've been getting with the local community," said Adam Trumpour of Launch Canada.

"The event keeps growing and so does the support that keeps us coming back here."

The competition's even getting international attention, but Trumpour doesn't want to fly too close to the sun just yet.

It's second year on Mattagami First Nation territory and an Indigenous youth team is lifting off for the first time.

"There's exposure to a lot of excellence in this area," said Chief Jennifer Constant.

"So that's an opportunity for us to participate in something that's really wonderful."

One giant step

"It's one small step for our students, but one giant step for Mattagami First Nation because we're making history today," said Ian Vaithilingham of Keewaytinook Internet High School.

"Next year, we're hoping to get our students licences so that they can shoot off the next class of rockets."

"It's been really fun," added high school student Trentin Thomas.

"I got to learn a lot from the people that came to our community, and I would definitely do something like this next year."

A Toronto high school student and rocket fanatic who volunteered here in the past is now competing with her own team.

"Trying to get a rocket in the air, it's competitive, but it's friendly, it's a community," said Ilaria Hobbs.

"Everyone works together, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I go to an all-girls school and I decided I really wanted to push to inspire girls in STEM."

Whether it's emulating aerospace companies they hope to work for one day, making Canadian history, conducting research for the space industry – or even just having fun – the event aims to give youth of all backgrounds a launch pad for big dreams -- and giant leaps.