MDA Space contracted to help us know what's out there

Executive Summary

• MDA Space Ltd., in partnership with ThothX Group, has been awarded a standing offer by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) to deliver enhanced Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data services.
• The service integrates ThothX’s Earthfence radar capabilities with MDA Space’s secure, cloud-based infrastructure to track and assess satellites and space objects in the Geosynchronous belt.
• This partnership leverages MDA Space’s existing operational expertise with Canada’s military satellite, Sapphire, and ThothX’s deep space radar technology to support Canada's critical space infrastructure against orbital debris and collision risks.

Key Details

• Contract Type: Standing offer awarded to MDA Space Ltd.
• Counterparties: MDA Space Ltd. and ThothX Group (partnering with the Canadian Department of National Defence).
• Service Scope: Delivery of enhanced Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data services to safeguard Canada's critical space assets.
• Technical Integration:
  • Combines ThothX Group’s innovative Earthfence radar capability with MDA Space’s secure, cloud-based infrastructure.
  • Optimized for tracking and assessing satellites and space objects in the Geosynchronous belt (approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth's surface).
• Strategic Context:
  • Builds on MDA Space’s legacy as a trusted space domain mission partner.
  • Leverages expertise gained from operating Sapphire, Canada's first military satellite, which serves as a key sensor in the U.S. Space Surveillance Network.
  • Addresses the growing imperative for robust SSA capabilities due to over 19,000 launched satellites and more than 30,000 tracked objects in Earth's orbit.
• Market Positioning: The solution is described as demonstrating Canadian leadership in the rapidly growing global commercial SSA market, providing continuous all-weather coverage and operational redundancy.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space: "We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with the Department of National Defence in advancing Canada's space security... As threats in orbit continue to grow, MDA Space remains committed to delivering the mission-critical insight needed to navigate an increasingly complex space environment."
• Brendan Quine, CEO and CTO of ThothX Group: "Together MDA Space and ThothX are pioneering deep space radar technologies that track spacecraft and debris in geostationary orbit... This mission extends the boundary of space domain awareness that provides reliable and critical insight and awareness."