MDA Ltd., a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the global space industry, has announced that it has received an Authorization to Proceed (ATP) contract valued at $180 million from an undisclosed customer. The contract is for the start of work on a new Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite constellation.

Under the contract, MDA will immediately commence engineering and programmatic activities, including the procurement of long-lead items. The full constellation, estimated to be worth a minimum of $750 million, is expected to consist of at least 36 MDA software-defined digital satellites, a new product recently introduced by the company.

MDA will be the prime contractor for the full constellation, and the definitive contract is anticipated to be finalized in 2024. The ATP contract will be added to MDA’s backlog in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

The NGSO satellite constellation will operate in Non-Geostationary Orbit, which includes Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). This type of orbit offers advantages such as lower latency and higher data rates compared to traditional geostationary satellites.

MDA, with over 2,900 employees across Canada, the US, and the UK, is a pioneer in robotics, satellite systems, and geointelligence. The company aims to enable space exploration, enhance Earth observation, and improve communication capabilities in a connected world.

By pushing boundaries and seeking solutions, MDA has a track record of turning space ambitions into reality. The company is committed to making a positive impact on the world, both on the ground and in space.

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