MDA, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR), today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Public Service Procurement Canada on behalf of the Defence Research and Development Canada, under the Space Operations program within the Joint Force Development portfolio, to develop a Threat Detection and Early Warning System to provide protection for Canadian space-based assets. The contract is for the study, concepts and research and development phases which could lead to MDA pursuing subsequent phases of technology demonstration and technology pilot.
Satellites support a wide variety of applications like telecommunications and remote sensing which provide on-going, critical services to individual Canadians, businesses and government agencies. Canada has invested billions of dollars to create these services, which have become essential for Canadian society. Disruption or loss of these services would impact the ability of Canada to respond to emergency situations and to meet commitments to its global allies and would have widespread negative impacts on day-to-day life.
The contract includes the work required for the development of the Threat Detection and Early Warning System (TDEWS) up to a proof-of-concept stage. The TDEWS will incorporate technologies and systems capable of providing automated, reliable early warning of potential in-orbit threats against operational Canadian satellites. The goal is to identify credible threats against space assets to generate operationally relevant intelligence and enable prompt mitigation actions.
Mike Greenley, group president of MDA said, “DND and MDA have worked closely together over the years to build and operate the Canadian Sapphire surveillance of space mission. This project builds on that success but drives the innovation well beyond Sapphire, using emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and big data to enhance the security of the critical Space assets upon which Canadians depend.”
About MDA
MDA is an internationally recognized leader in space robotics, satellite antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems, and geospatial radar imagery. MDA’s extensive space expertise and heritage translates into mission-critical defence and commercial applications that include multi-platform command, control and surveillance systems, aeronautical information systems, land administration systems and terrestrial robotics. MDA is also a leading supplier of actionable mission-critical information and insights derived from multiple data sources. Founded in 1969, MDA is recognized as one of Canada’s most successful technology ventures with locations in Richmond, Ottawa, Brampton, Montreal and Halifax. MDA is a Maxar Technologies company (TSX: MAXR; NYSE: MAXR). For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.
About Maxar Corporation
Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is a leading global provider of advanced space technology solutions for commercial and government markets including satellites, Earth imagery, geospatial data and analytics. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides unmatched end-to-end advanced systems capabilities and integrated solutions expertise to help our customers anticipate and address their most complex mission critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 20 locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes: SSL, MDA, DigitalGlobe, and Radiant Solutions. Every day millions of people rely on Maxar Technologies to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that empower a better world. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information visit www.maxar.com.
