MDA building $19.8M data system for European Space Agency
by The Canadian Press
MDA-built data relay terminal flight model will be used on ESA Columbus module of International Space Station
VANCOUVER—MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) says its British subsidiary has received a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) valued at about $19.8 million.
The British Columbia-based space communications and information company says the contract is for the development and construction of a Ka band data relay terminal flight model for use on the ESA Columbus module of the International Space Station (ISS).
The MDA-built terminal will complement existing communication systems on board the ISS and, using Ka band, will enable higher bandwidth to provide ESA with an independent connection for faster delivery of scientific data and high definition video imagery between the space station and ground stations.
