MDA Space wins $32-million contract with Canadian DND

Executive Summary

• MDA Space Ltd. has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) via the Defence Investment Agency (DIA) to deliver ground-based optical (GBO) observatories for the Surveillance of Space 2 program.
• The contract is valued at approximately $32 million and includes the delivery, operation, and in-service support of three GBO observatories to enhance Canada's space domain awareness and continental defense capabilities.
• The observatories are scheduled to be established by 2028 in Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick, complementing the existing Sapphire satellite system to detect, track, and monitor objects in deep space.

Key Details

• Contract Value: Approximately $32 million.
• Counterparties: MDA Space Ltd. (Contractor) and Canada's Defence Investment Agency (DIA) / Department of National Defence (DND) (Client).
• Scope of Work:
  • Delivery of three ground-based optical (GBO) observatories.
  • Operation and provision of in-service support for long-term sustainment of the ground stations.
• Program Context: Part of the "Surveillance of Space 2" space domain awareness program.
• Timeline: Establishment of observatories to be completed by 2028.
• Locations: Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
• Technical Capability: The GBO observatories will provide persistent, reliable space surveillance from the ground, serving as an important component of Canada's broader space surveillance architecture.
• Strategic Impact: Enhances the Canadian Armed Forces' (CAF) ability to detect, track, characterize, and monitor objects in deep space, working in conjunction with the existing Sapphire satellite. Addresses modernization of continental defense capabilities against emerging threats to critical space infrastructure.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA Space: "As space becomes more contested, congested and competitive, persistent surveillance and space domain awareness provides the Canadian Armed Forces and trusted allies with a better understanding of what is happening in a complex environment they can't otherwise see. With decades of proven expertise providing defence and security, MDA Space is honoured to once again be selected as a trusted mission partner to Canada and to the Department of National Defence."
• Hon. Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement): "Canada's security depends on the space-based systems that enable everything from communications and navigation to weather forecasting and emergency response. Today's contract award to MDA Space will deliver the capabilities the Canadian Armed Forces need while growing Canada's world-class space sector and creating good-paying jobs. With the Defence Investment Agency and our defence industrial strategy, we are streamlining procurements and building the sovereign capabilities that will ensure Canada remains a leader in this crucial domain."