MDA Space Awarded $44.7 million Contract by CSA for RCM Replenishment Satellite

Government of Canada announces intention to contract MDA Space to build, test, and launch an additional radar imaging satellite

MDA Space Ltd. has been awarded a contract by Public Services and Procurement Canada on behalf of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) valued at $44.7 million to procure and deliver critical long lead parts in support of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) replenishment satellite development. The Government of Canada further announced its intention to contract MDA Space to build, test, and launch this additional satellite for the RCM. The contract for the full mission is expected to be awarded in 2026, subject to contract finalization and approvals.

These contracts are part of the Government of Canada’s $1.012 billion RADARSAT+ initiative, a 15‑year investment that the CSA announced in October 2023 to support immediate and future satellite Earth observation needs. The initiative includes funding for a replenishment satellite for the RCM as well as funding to initiate the definition of a next-generation national sovereign synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite system that will succeed the RCM.

In support of the development of the next generation satellite system, MDA Space has also been awarded a contract for $747,000 to deliver a concept study focused on a modern, resilient radar satellite system that responds to the growing demands of government, industry and communities across Canada for space-based Earth observation data. MDA Space is one of three companies selected for a study contract.

“We are honoured to have been selected by the CSA to support the RCM replenishment satellite project,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “By leveraging the advanced development of the MDA CHORUS™ satellite design for this replenishment satellite, we can offer the CSA a cost-effective and timely solution that ensures continuity of service to meet the evolving needs of Canadian users. We look forward to finalizing the contract for the full mission and building upon our long history of collaboration to deliver critical space-based solutions for Canada.”

Designed and built by MDA Space, the RCM satellites now in operation have been a vital resource for Canadian government departments, enabling them to deliver critical services to Canadians, including maritime surveillance, ecosystem monitoring and emergency management.

These important investments ensure Canada will continue to have the sovereign satellite data needed to keep the Arctic secure, respond quickly to hurricanes and floods, and monitor environmental impacts.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the company’s current expectations regarding future events, including the award, approval and finalization of the contract for the full RCM mission.

“Through these investments, we are strengthening Canada’s space sector and ensuring Canadians continue to benefit from the satellite data that supports essential everyday services. In doing so, we are strengthening Canada’s sovereign satellite capabilities and equipping Canadian industry and governments with the tools to protect communities, support decision-making, and keep Canada secure.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

ADDITIONAL INFO

• These contracts are part of the Government of Canada’s $1.012 billion, 15‑year investment in the CSA, announced in October 2023, to support immediate and future satellite Earth observation needs.
• Following a competitive procurement process for the next-generation satellite system, each of the selected companies is expected to deliver a proposal for a multi-year plan that defines the mission concept, the satellite system’s design, the technical requirements, and the critical technologies that would need to be developed.
• The RCM builds on Canada’s 30-year legacy in Earth observation, providing reliable and trusted data to federal departments daily to guide decision-making for Canadians, international allies, and our environment.
• The replenishment satellite will help maintain uninterrupted access to this source of Earth observation data, used by over 10 federal departments to deliver many essential services to Canadians.