CSA Awards $116 Million Contract to MD Robotics
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) today awarded a four-year contract worth $116 million to MacDonald Dettwiler Space and Advanced Robotics (MD Robotics) of Brampton, Ontario, to provide ongoing engineering services for the Canadian-made Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station.
“This contract is an example of the ongoing partnership between the space industry and government,” said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CSA. “The Canadian Space Agency and MacDonald Dettwiler have developed a strong working relationship, positioning Canada as a leader in space robotics, strengthening our Canadian space industry and creating high-tech jobs.”
As part of this contract administered by Public Works and Government Services Canada, MD Robotics will provide software maintenance and enhancement for orbiting Canadian robotic components, and the development, testing and integration of Dextre, a special purpose multi-functional robot. MD Robotics will also provide spare equipment and overall technical support on the ground.
Dan Friedmann, President and CEO of MDA, said: “With this contract, our robotics on the International Space Station, including Canadarm2, will transition to long term operation on Station. This is a key milestone for our Robotics group.”
The Space Station’s sophisticated robotic system is critical to its assembly, maintenance, and servicing. It includes Canadarm2 (installed in 2001), the Mobile Base System (installed in 2002), and the two-armed robot known as Dextre, which will be undergoing final testing before launch and installation on the Space Station in 2005.
MD Robotics is a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd of Richmond, BC. (TSX: MDA)
About the CSA
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.
About MacDonald Dettwiler Space and Advanced Robotics (MD Robotics)
MDA subsidiary, MD Robotics is the world leader in space robotics, offering sophisticated robotic engineering solutions for applications in space and on Earth. MD Robotics is the prime contractor to the Canadian Space Agency for the sophisticated robotic system critical to the assembly, maintenance and servicing of the International Space Station. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) is an information company providing customers with essential information used for decision making in the workplace. The company employs over 2,200 people around the world.
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For more information, please contact:
Monique Billette
Senior Media Relations Officer
Canadian Space Agency
Telephone: 450-926-4370
E-mail: Monique.billette@space.gc.ca
Website: http://www.space.gc.ca
Lynne VaninManager
Public Relations
MD Robotics
Telephone: 905-790-4466
E-mail: lvanin@mdrobotics.ca
Website: http://www.mdrobotics.ca
Ted Schellenberg
Media Relations
MacDonald Dettwiler
Telephone: 604-231-2215
E-mail: teds@mda.ca
Website: http://www.mda.ca
