Scroll to the top

MDA, the space mission partner of choice for Earth observation, is a market-leading provider of space-based Synthetic Aperture Radar and space situational awareness products and services. These include cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses and governments to make informed decisions based on real-time data and insights about our planet.

MDA’s RADARSAT-2 satellite, for example, scans the Earth day or night to help monitor maritime activity, detect pollution, and spot illegal deforestation. MDA is also investing in its next-generation Earth observation mission CHORUS, which will provide the most extensive radar-imaging capacity available and change how and when we see the world.

Learn how MDA is building the space between proven and possible.

MDA is building on its proud 40+ year history in space robotics for the Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station (ISS) with next-generation autonomous robotics and vision systems and sensors that will enable exploration in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), deep space, and on the surface of the Moon and Mars.

Historically, the need for space robotics and mission-support services has been driven by government activities, but that is changing. An increase in commercial space activity is now driving demand and creating opportunity for new commercial solutions and applications to enable in-space servicing including the upgrade, repair, relocation and refueling of satellites, as well as assembly and manufacturing. In 2022, MDA won its first two contracts for commercial derivatives of Canadarm3 technology for Axiom Station, which aims to become the world’s first commercial space station.

As the world gears up for missions that will return humans to the Moon — and go beyond — learn how MDA’s space robotics and operations capabilities are ideally positioned to build the space between proven and possible in the commercial space economy.

MDA is building on its proud 40+ year history in space robotics for the Space Shuttle program and the International Space Station (ISS) with next-generation autonomous robotics and vision systems and sensors that will enable exploration in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), deep space, and on the surface of the Moon and Mars.

Historically, the need for space robotics and mission-support services has been driven by government activities, but that is changing. An increase in commercial space activity is now driving demand and creating opportunity for new commercial solutions and applications to enable in-space servicing including the upgrade, repair, relocation and refueling of satellites, as well as assembly and manufacturing. In 2022, MDA won its first two contracts for commercial derivatives of Canadarm3 technology for Axiom Station, which aims to become the world’s first commercial space station.

As the world gears up for missions that will return humans to the Moon — and go beyond — learn how MDA’s space robotics and operations capabilities are ideally positioned to build the space between proven and possible in the commercial space economy.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing accounts for 20% of all global fishing activity. This type of fishing happens all around the world and equates to 26 million tons of fish, which is worth over $23 billion each year.

As a leader in space-based maritime domain awareness, MDA operates the RADARSAT-2 satellite, which can monitor maritime activity and enables dark vessel detection. Dark vessels turn off required tracking devices in a deliberate effort to avoid detection while committing crimes on the water that put ocean ecosystems and maritime economies at risk. With radar imaging, every boat on the ocean becomes visible, regardless of time of day or weather conditions. MDA is committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses and governments to make informed decisions based on real-time data and insights on our planet.

Learn how MDA is keeping an eye on Earth to support a sustainable future.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing accounts for 20% of all global fishing activity. This type of fishing happens all around the world and equates to 26 million tons of fish, which is worth over $23 billion each year.

As a leader in space-based maritime domain awareness, MDA operates the RADARSAT-2 satellite, which can monitor maritime activity and enables dark vessel detection. Dark vessels turn off required tracking devices in a deliberate effort to avoid detection while committing crimes on the water that put ocean ecosystems and maritime economies at risk. With radar imaging, every boat on the ocean becomes visible, regardless of time of day or weather conditions. MDA is committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses and governments to make informed decisions based on real-time data and insights on our planet.

Celebrate World Oceans Day and learn how MDA is keeping an eye on Earth to support a sustainable future.

The communications satellite market is going through an extraordinary evolution. For decades, the industry produced satellites for geosynchronous orbit, and it is now transforming itself to produce high volumes of low Earth orbit satellites or LEO constellations. MDA is helping lead this satellite industry renaissance.

Last February, MDA won a US$327 million contract to build a constellation of satellites to expand Globalstar Inc.’s network in support of Apple’s mission to deliver satellite-enabled emergency SOS services. As a premier provider of satellite constellation missions and a leading merchant supplier of satellite antenna systems and electronic subsystems that have flown on 350+ missions, MDA is focused on next-generation communication technologies designed to deliver space-based broadband internet connectivity.

Watch this video to learn more about MDA's Satellite Systems.

The communications satellite market is going through an extraordinary evolution. For decades, the industry produced satellites for geosynchronous orbit, and it is now transforming itself to produce high volumes of low Earth orbit satellites or LEO constellations. MDA is helping lead this satellite industry renaissance.

Last February, MDA won a US$327 million contract to build a constellation of satellites to expand Globalstar Inc.’s network in support of Apple’s mission to deliver satellite-enabled emergency SOS services. As a premier provider of satellite constellation missions and a leading merchant supplier of satellite antenna systems and electronic subsystems that have flown on 350+ missions, MDA is focused on next-generation communication technologies designed to deliver space-based broadband internet connectivity.

Watch this video to learn more about MDA's Satellite Systems.

MDA is a trusted international space mission partner and a pioneer in space robotics, in-orbit operations, satellite systems, and Earth observation with a 50+ year story of firsts on and above the Earth. With over 2,700 employees across Canada, the US, and the UK, MDA is helping lead the charge toward viable Moon colonies, enhanced Earth insight, and communication in a hyper-connected world. With decades of flight heritage and world-leading space missions, the company is at the forefront of the global space economy.

While MDA is getting ready to deliver Canadarm3 to the Artemis program, it’s also developing a suite of commercial space robotics enabled by the Canadarm3 technology, paving the way for a range of new business models and commercial uses in orbit. MDA’s first commercial sale of Canadarm3 technology was to Axiom Space, and it has joined forces with Lockheed Martin and General Motors to develop a next-generation lunar rover, which will integrate MDA’s robotic arm technology.

To learn more, watch here.

Latest