MDA wins $3M in tech contracts from Canadian Space Agency
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Projects include development of folding utra-high frequency antennas used for satellite communication
RICHMOND, B.C.—Communications and aerospace contractor MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) said it has won multiple technology development contracts with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) worth $3-million.
According to MDA, the projects fall under the federal department’s Space Technology Development Program, and include advancing development of deployable utra-high frequency (UHF) antennas used for satellite communication.
UHF antennas are generally rigid and deployed at full size, according to MDA, but the British Columbia-based company will work to develop a folding antenna.
MDA said reducing the size of the antenna at launch could benefit initiatives like small satellites and hosted payloads.
“Several” of the undisclosed number of contracts “are expected to advance technologies which enable more ambitious approaches to robotic spacecraft servicing, robotic systems that can operate in more challenging space environments, and instruments for planetary exploration,” the firm said.
“These contracts build on MDA’s reputation of developing a broad range of innovative space-based solutions,” MDA’s Don Osborne said in a release. “They will help to accelerate strategic technologies for future space missions.”
