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MDA Ltd. has been chosen as the prime contractor for Telesat’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Telesat Lightspeed. This constellation aims to provide enhanced digital connectivity to Canadians and customers worldwide. The contract, valued at approximately .1 billion, is the largest in MDA’s history. It includes the design, manufacture, assembly, and testing of 198 satellites, with options for Telesat to purchase up to 100 additional satellites.

Telesat Lightspeed is MDA’s second prime satellite contract for an LEO constellation in the past eighteen months. These successes highlight the results of MDA’s multi-year strategy and investments in satellite services for communications and other applications.

The Telesat Lightspeed satellites will be built, assembled, and tested at MDA’s high-volume satellite manufacturing facilities in Montreal. MDA’s production lines utilize Industry 5.0 techniques such as AI, automation, cobots, augmented reality, and highly-skilled assemblers to meet the accelerated rates required for high-volume non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems. Telesat becomes the anchor customer for MDA’s new software-defined digital satellite product line through this contract.

Telesat’s President and CEO, Dan Goldberg, expressed excitement about the expanded role of MDA in the Telesat Lightspeed program. He mentioned the benefits of MDA’s innovative digital satellite products and real-world experience, which will lead to significant cost improvements, network efficiency, and better link performance. Telesat aims to deliver high-capacity, secure, resilient, and affordable broadband connectivity worldwide.

The collaboration between MDA and Telesat on this project has received support from the Canadian government. François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, emphasized the importance of bringing high-skilled jobs and cutting-edge innovation to Canada’s telecom industry. He also mentioned the role of Telesat Lightspeed in addressing various challenges, including bridging the digital divide, health, climate change, and national security.

To meet the increasing demand for digital satellite technologies, MDA is introducing a new software-defined digital satellite product line. This portfolio includes modular digital products and components for space-based communication solutions, along with advanced high-volume manufacturing capabilities. MDA plans to showcase its new product line at World Satellite Business Week in September.

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