MDA Space Ltd., a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, inaugurated its new high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Montréal, marking a defining milestone in the company's growth as a satellite prime contractor. The 185,000-square-foot expansion was completed in under two years from groundbreaking to operational clean rooms. One of the world's largest and most advanced satellite manufacturing facilities in its class, the new facility doubles the company's manufacturing floor space, providing MDA Space the capacity and capability to meet the growing global demand for advanced satellite constellations.

The facility is specially designed to simultaneously and continuously assemble, integrate and test multiple MDA AURORATM satellites, the company's flagship line of digital satellite products. Designed to meet the changing and highly competitive technical and business requirements of the industry, the fully integrated MDA AURORA portfolio provides satellite operators with exceptional flexibility and functionality. These software-defined, dynamic beamforming satellites provide a new level of performance and efficiency in space-based networks for customers.

A New Era in Canadian Space Manufacturing

Augmented reality and automated equipment aid technicians with repetitive tasks, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency to enable the delivery of satellites at speed and scale. In addition, MDA Space has developed a proprietary test chamber and has integrated advanced technology that reduce validation time and enhance quality assurance processes. Beyond this expansion, the facility represents a fundamental shift in how MDA Space operates. New engineering and manufacturing processes, as well as performance data collection mechanisms, have been established to maximize efficiency and agility, building the operational foundation required to take on and deliver constellation programs and up to 400 satellites per year.

Involved in the development of Canada's first satellite in the early 1960s and its first commercial communications satellite a decade later, MDA Space continues to be at the forefront of space technology and is writing a new chapter in a long tradition of homegrown space innovation. Technologically advanced, the facility is also designed to meet LEED standard certification, with features that include a green roof, rainwater collection system and solar panels that will generate 78,000 kWh of energy annually.

"This new high-volume manufacturing facility is a key part of our strategy to establish MDA Space as a leading prime contractor for satellite constellations. With connectivity needs and the geopolitical climate evolving, we now have the cutting-edge talent, technology and capacity to deliver reliable, secure solutions for commercial, civil and military customers rapidly." — Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA Space.

"We've been designing and building advanced satellite technology for more than 60 years, contributing to Canada's role as a leading space faring nation. This new facility is a symbol of continuity, but also of change, as we expand our offering to respond to emerging market demand today. We wish to thank our partners who made it possible to achieve this milestone in less than two years." — Luigi Pozzebon, Vice-President, Satellite Systems, MDA Space.

"The fact that MDA Space is today inaugurating one of the largest satellite manufacturing facilities in the world highlights and reinforces Canada's place at the leading edge of the space sector. This investment also means good jobs for Canadians, a stronger, more sovereign economy, and growing our world class advanced manufacturing capacity here at home." — Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

"The inauguration of this new MDA Space facility is excellent news for all of Quebec. This project confirms that we have the talent, expertise and know-how needed to be a leading player in the global space industry. By investing in innovation and in high-quality specialized jobs, MDA Space is contributing directly to Quebec's economic vitality and international standing." — Bernard Drainville, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy.

Click here to learn more about MDA Space's MDA AURORA Satellite Product Line