The agreement covers AURORA broadband digital phased array antennas and a digital antenna controller for the low-Earth-orbit Layer 1 satellites. The first set is scheduled for launch in 2029.
“Entering into this ATP to deliver critical digital antenna subsystems for the first set of Layer 1 IRIS2 satellites, to be launched in 2029, is a landmark moment for MDA Space and our MDA AURORA technology,” said Mike Greenley, MDA Space’s chief executive officer. “This critical role reflects the confidence Thales Alenia Space and the European Commission have placed in our ability to offer quickly performing, interoperable connectivity that meets the requirements of the Layer 1 satellites.”
The antennas use digital beamforming and are designed for high-volume production at MDA’s Montréal facility, where they are also manufactured and tested. They will support IRIS², the EU programme intended to strengthen Europe’s autonomous and sovereign satellite connectivity.
Thales Alenia Space is owned 67% by Thales and 33% by Leonardo. MDA expects to include the authorisation-to-proceed contract in its backlog in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.
The agreement follows CSG’s announcement on 13 October that it had acquired a 9.5% stake in MDA Space. The industrial and defence group said the investment made it MDA’s largest shareholder at the time.
CSG described the investment as its entry into the space sector, complementing its existing defence and aerospace businesses. It has also established a core team of senior space and defence professionals to support further expansion in the sector.
