MDA Space Ltd., a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to supply an advanced, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite that will operate with the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) satellites. In addition to the space segment, the contract provides for launch and the enhancement of the satellite ground control, security and data management systems. This follows an initial $44.7M contract to procure and deliver long lead parts awarded in December of last year.
A follow-on order to RCM which was built and launched by MDA Space in 2019, the new SAR satellite will be based on MDA CHORUS, the company's new fourth generation of Earth observation technologies and capabilities. Now in its final integration phase before it is expected to launch late this year, MDA CHORUS will include day-night, all-weather broad surveillance area data across the globe that supports a wide range of critical services for Canadians. The RCM replenishment satellite is part of the Government of Canada's $1,012 billion RADARSAT+ portfolio of activities, announced by the Government of Canada in October 2023, which will ensure the continuity of the RCM mission and bolster sovereign Earth observation capabilities.
"Every day, Canada and Canadians rely on critical Earth observation technology and data to improve maritime safety, surveil the Arctic, respond to natural disasters and monitor the environment," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "By leveraging our significant commercial investments in MDA CHORUS, Canadians will benefit from world leading technologies developed right here in Canada to meet those vital needs."
The satellite will be assembled, integrated and tested at the MDA Space facility in Montréal. The contract will be added to MDA Space's backlog in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
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