MDA Space gets $1.3B satellite contract from EchoStar
August 1, 2025
by CM Staff
Delivery of satellites is planned for 2028, with commercial service starting in 2029.
BRAMPTON — EchoStar, a global communications and connectivity provider, has selected MDA Space as the prime contractor for its new low Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-device (D2D) satellite constellation, compliant with 3GPP 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) standards.
The initial contract is valued at approximately US$1.3 billion (C$1.8 billion) for the design, manufacturing, and testing of over 100 MDA AURORA D2D satellites. With additional options, the contract could grow to US$2.5 billion (C$3.5 billion) for over 200 satellites.
“Our satellite expertise combined with our U.S.-based terrestrial 5G Open RAN network uniquely positions EchoStar to execute on this new large-scale wide-band LEO constellation,” said Hamid Akhavan, president and CEO of EchoStar. “The market-leading technical innovation provided by MDA Space, along with our global S-band/2GHz spectrum rights with the highest ITU priority, and our strong services delivery capabilities, will enable us to serve the consumer, enterprise, public safety and government sectors in the U.S., Europe and beyond.”
“EchoStar’s selection of our new MDA AURORA D2D software-defined satellite to meet its demanding technical and business requirements is a testament to the confidence satellite operators have in our deep expertise, our differentiated MDA AURORA product line, and our expanding production capacity,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “This contract also demonstrates our continued market momentum as we strategically position MDA Space to be the prime contractor of choice for satellite operators offering direct-to-device and broadband connectivity.”
The constellation will enable global talk, text, and broadband services directly to standard 5G mobile devices without modifications, as well as connections to sensors and mobile platforms. It will be built at MDA’s expanding high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Montreal, with satellite deliveries planned for 2028 and service starting in 2029.
This reportedly marks the fourth LEO constellation contract awarded to MDA Space in just over three years.
