MDA Ltd., a prominent frontrunner in cutting-edge technology and services for the rapidly expanding global space sector, has proudly unveiled its selection as the principal contractor for Telesat's groundbreaking Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Telesat Lightspeed. This revolutionary global network is set to elevate digital connectivity for both Canadians and a worldwide clientele. With a staggering value of approximately $2.1 billion, this contract stands as the most substantial in MDA's history. It encompasses the comprehensive spectrum of tasks, including design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing of 198 satellites, along with options for Telesat to potentially acquire an additional 100 satellites.

Notably, this marks the second major LEO satellite contract secured by MDA within the past eighteen months. These significant triumphs are a testament to the tangible outcomes of MDA's multi-year strategic initiatives and investments, capitalizing on the escalating global market demand for satellite services catering to communication and other multifaceted applications.

Mike Greenley, the CEO of MDA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative effort, stating, "We’re pleased to partner with Telesat to use the combined world-leading talent and technology of our teams to bring the Telesat Lightspeed mission to life." He emphasized how MDA's strategic investments in the digital satellite product portfolio and advanced manufacturing capabilities would yield substantial cost and scheduling benefits, positioning MDA at the epicenter of the swiftly expanding global LEO constellation and satellite systems market.

MDA will undertake the assembly, testing, and construction of the Telesat Lightspeed satellites at their state-of-the-art high-volume satellite manufacturing facilities in Montreal. Leveraging Industry 5.0 techniques, these production lines incorporate AI, automation, cobots, augmented reality, and highly skilled assemblers to meet the accelerated production rates demanded by high-volume non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems. Telesat's contract also marks the inaugural utilization of MDA's novel software-defined digital satellite product line.

Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership's expansion, highlighting the advancements MDA brings. "MDA’s next-generation on-board processor and direct radiating array antennas with digital beamforming roughly triples the number of beams per satellite," Goldberg noted. These innovations are projected to yield substantial enhancements in cost efficiency, network performance, and geographic coverage flexibility. The funding now secured and MDA's role as the prime satellite contractor mark significant progress toward making Telesat Lightspeed a reality, poised to deliver unparalleled high-capacity, secure, resilient, and affordable global broadband connectivity.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in stimulating economic growth and innovative solutions in the telecom sector. Additionally, the potential impact on various pressing challenges, such as bridging the digital divide and addressing issues related to health, climate change, and national security, was emphasized.

In response to escalating customer demands and the industry-wide shift from analog to digital satellite technologies, MDA is introducing a new software-defined digital satellite product line. This comprehensive suite of solutions, coupled with advanced high-volume manufacturing capabilities capable of producing two satellites daily, promises to significantly reduce production costs and schedules. The launch of MDA's software-defined digital satellite product line is eagerly anticipated during World Satellite Business Week in September.

Source:mda.space