MDA Space wins contract from Canadian Space Agency

Executive Summary

• MDA Space Ltd. has been awarded an initial contract valued at $44.7 million by Public Services and Procurement Canada (on behalf of the Canadian Space Agency) to procure and deliver critical long-lead parts for the Radarsat Constellation Mission (RCM) replenishment satellite.
• The Government of Canada has announced its intention to contract MDA Space to build, test, and launch the full replenishment satellite, with the final contract for the full mission expected to be awarded in 2026.
• Additionally, MDA Space received a separate $747,000 contract to conduct a concept study for a next-generation sovereign synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite system, one of three companies selected for this study.

Key Details

• Initial Contract Value: $44.7 million.
• Contract Scope (Initial): Procurement and delivery of critical long-lead parts in support of the RCM replenishment satellite development.
• Future Contract Scope: Build, test, and launch of the additional RCM replenishment satellite.
• Expected Timeline for Full Mission Contract: 2026 (subject to finalization and approvals).
• Broader Initiative: Part of the Government of Canada’s $1.012-billion Radarsat+ initiative, a 15-year investment announced in October 2023.
• Secondary Contract Value: $747,000.
• Secondary Contract Scope: Delivery of a concept study for a modern, resilient radar satellite system to succeed the RCM.
• Competitive Context: MDA Space was one of three companies selected for the next-generation satellite study contract.
• Technical Basis: The replenishment satellite leverages the advanced development of the MDA Chorus satellite design to ensure cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.
• Operational Context: Existing RCM satellites provide critical services including maritime surveillance, ecosystem monitoring, and emergency management.

Notable Quotes

• "We are honoured to have been selected by the CSA to support the RCM replenishment satellite project," said Mike Greenley, chief executive officer of MDA Space. "By leveraging the advanced development of the MDA Chorus satellite design for this replenishment satellite, we can offer the CSA a cost-effective and timely solution that ensures continuity of service to meet the evolving needs of Canadian users. We look forward to finalizing the contract for the full mission and building upon our long history of collaboration to deliver critical space-based solutions for Canada."