MDA to Build Satellite Communications Subsystem for ESA's Columbus Module on the ISS

September 18, 2014

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MacDonald , Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") ( TSX:MDA ), a global communications and information company, today announced that its UK subsidiary has received authorization to proceed from the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development and construction of a Ka band Data Relay terminal flight model for use on the ESA Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS). The contract is expected to total approximately 14 million euros , and is planned to finalize before the end of 2014.

A flight model is a system or component that is qualified for use in space, and in satellite communications. MDA's terminal will complement existing communication systems on board the ISS, and using Ka band, it will enable higher bandwidth to provide ESA with an independent connection for faster delivery of scientific data and High Definition Video imagery between the ISS and ground stations.

Don Osborne , MDA's group vice president of Information Systems said, "We would like to recognize the support this commercial data relay program received from the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and our industry partners."

With the development of the Ka band Data Relay terminal, LEO science and remote sensing satellites will also be able to obtain individualized real-time information relay capabilities according to the needs of the user. MDA's UK subsidiary is based at Harwell, which is one of the potential locations of the relay downlink facility to which ISS communications from the ESA Columbus module will be directed.

Source : MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.