MDA to Supply Key Mars Rover Elements on European Mission

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA” or the “Company”) (TSX: MDA), a global communications and information company, announced today that it has started work under two Authorizations to Proceed, totalling approximately CA$2.5 million, to provide key systems on the European Space Agency’s (ESA) flagship ExoMars program. The work is expected to total approximately CA$17.5 million and go to contract in 2014.

MDA will be working with Astrium, Thales Alenia Space España and Thales Alenia Space Italia (ExoMars Prime Contractor). MDA’s contribution is on the drive system which is critical for safe deployment of the rover on landing and for the rover to manoeuvre and negotiate steep slopes, large obstacles and the sandy Martian terrain. The rover’s primary task will be to search for evidence of life, past or present, beneath the surface of the Red Planet.

“After landing on the Martian surface it will be MDA’s contribution that gets the mission rolling to undertake surface operations,” said Don Osborne, Vice President responsible for this business at MDA.

This mission builds on MDA’s heritage and development efforts on the past four surface missions to Mars.

A longstanding cooperation agreement between ESA and Canada provides Canadian industry with access and opportunities to compete for ESA contracts. The Government of Canada’s commitment to international partnerships helps enable Canadian companies to provide signature technologies for international flagship missions like ExoMars 2018.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA’s well-established global customer base is served by more than 4,500 employees operating from 11 offices located in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company’s common shares trade under the symbol TSX:MDA.