MDA to develop mission concept for Polar communications and weather mission

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has signed a $4.3 million (CAD) contract with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the development of the mission concept for the Polar Communications and Weather (PCW) Mission. MDA will develop and advance the mission design and generate the inputs necessary to proceed towards the next phase.

The PCW Mission is targeted to launch two satellites in a highly elliptical orbit to provide continuous communication services and weather observation of the Northern regions. It includes a ground segment to process the meteorological information and to manage the communication services offered by the satellites. PCW is meant to facilitate Canadian operations in the north and support Canadian sovereignty by providing reliable and continuous space-based communications services and timely meteorological information.

Steve Oldham, one of MDA’s vice presidents within the Information Systems group said, ‘MDA is excited to be chosen as CSA’s prime contractor for the development of the mission concept for the PCW mission. The PCW mission addresses the Canadian government needs in the Arctic and strengthens Canada’s sovereignty in the North.’

About MDA

MDA provides advanced information solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of business and government organizations worldwide.

Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

MDA employs more than 3,200 people in locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.