Space Commerce

MDA Signs Contract to Support Canadian Robotics on ISS

By Keith Cowing
Press Release
March 29, 2013
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MDA Signs Contract to Support Canadian Robotics on ISS
MSS on the Space Station In Use during STS-114
NASA

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., a global communications and information company, announced today that it has signed a contract with the Canadian Space Agency valued at CA$81 million (excluding GST/PST) to provide sustaining engineering and operational support for its robotic elements on the International Space Station (ISS) through December 2015.
MDA’s robotic systems played a critical role in the construction of the Space Station. With construction of the station complete, robotics continue to play a vital role in on-going operations–from berthing visiting vehicles such as the SpaceX Dragon and Japanese HTV spacecraft to performing ground-breaking technology demonstrations.

“We have a long history of supporting human spaceflight activities and are committed to providing critical capabilities to meet the future needs of the ISS,” said Don Osborne, the vice president responsible for this business.

MDA is the prime contractor to the Canadian Space Agency for the Mobile Servicing System, which consists of Canadarm2, Dextre, and the Mobile Base System. From inception to operation, MDA’s innovative solutions have demonstrated flexibility and utility in building and maintaining the ISS.

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.

SpaceRef co-founder, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA, Away Teams, Journalist, Space & Astrobiology, Lapsed climber.