The contract covers the space segment, launch and enhancements to satellite ground control, security and data management systems. It follows an initial $44.7 million contract awarded in December last year to procure and deliver long-lead parts.
The new SAR satellite is a follow-on order to the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, which MDA Space built and launched in 2019. The satellite will be based on MDA CHORUSTM, the company’s fourth generation of Earth observation technologies and capabilities.
MDA CHORUSTM is now in its final integration phase before an expected launch late this year. The system is intended to provide day-night, all-weather broad surveillance area data across the globe for critical services used by Canadians.
The replenishment satellite is part of the Government of Canada’s $1.012 billion RADARSAT+ portfolio of activities announced in October 2023. The portfolio is intended to ensure continuity of the RCM mission and strengthen Canada’s 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 CHORUSTM, 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 MDA Space’s facility in Montréal. The contract will be added to the company’s backlog in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
MDA Space described itself as a mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry. The company said the new satellite will support Canada’s use of Earth observation data through an advanced radar capability linked to the RADARSAT Constellation Mission.
