Maxar's MDA-built robotic hand enroute to International Space Station
BRAMPTON, ON, June 28, 2018 /CNW/ - MDA, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX: MAXR), is pleased that a Latching End Effector (LEE) recently refurbished for the Canadian Space Agency, and using expertise that spans two of MDA's Canadian facilities, is planned to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX Dragon launch vehicle on June 29 to serve as an onboard spare. LEEs are components carried on each end of Canadarm2, on one end of Dextre, and on the Mobile Servicing System. LEEs allow the robots to capture and hold on to objects, or sections of the ISS exterior. Another LEE that returns to Earth for refurbishment later in 2018 provided 17 years of successful operational service in the hostile space environment.
Mike Greenley, Group President of MDA said, "This is good news for MDA and Canada's continued involvement with the ISS mission. MDA's industry-leading robotics that comprise the MSS have been supporting the construction and maintenance of the ISS for over 17 years with advanced equipment and support. MDA has also provided multiple communication systems and antennas to share voice, data and video between the ISS and Earth."
The Mobile Servicing System on the ISS is comprised of Canadarm2, the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator known as "Dextre," and the Mobile Base System. MDA built these innovative robotic systems for the Canadian Space Agency. They perform a variety of vital operations ranging from resupply, maintenance, and servicing tasks on the ISS. MDA also designed and built the Space Shuttle robotic arms, also known as the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, or Canadarm. Canadarm completed 30 years of successful operations when it was retired along with the Space Shuttle program after mission STS-135, which marked the robotic arm's 90th flight.
The Canadian connection to the ISS extends far beyond robotics. Thanks to these space robotics, Canada's contribution to ISS has enabled Canada to send Canadian astronauts on space missions to the ISS. Starting in December, Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques will be the ninth Canadian to visit the ISS, and the third to complete a long-duration mission aboard the ISS, spending six and a half months in orbit as a member of Expedition 58/59. Canada's status as a space-faring nation has been affirmed through its advanced technology contributions to the ISS and to its commitment to the Canadian Space Program.
About MDA
MDA is an internationally recognized leader in space robotics, satellite payloads, antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems, and geospatial radar imagery. MDA's extensive space expertise and heritage translates into mission-critical defence and commercial applications that include multi-platform command, control and surveillance systems, aeronautical information systems, land administration systems and terrestrial robotics. MDA is also a leading supplier of actionable mission-critical information and insights derived from multiple data sources. Founded in 1969, MDA is recognized as one of Canada's most successful technology ventures with locations in Richmond, Ottawa, Brampton, Montreal and Halifax. MDA is a Maxar Technologies company (TSX: MAXR; NYSE: MAXR). For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.
About Maxar Technologies
As a global leader of advanced space technology solutions, Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is at the nexus of the new space economy, developing and sustaining the infrastructure and delivering the information, services, systems that unlock the promise of space for commercial and government markets. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides vertically-integrated capabilities and expertise including satellites, Earth imagery, robotics, geospatial data and analytics to help customers anticipate and address their most complex mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 30 global locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of Maxar Technologies Ltd. (the "Company") with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the amendment of a contract with a government agency, MDA's relative expertise in space robotics, and statements regarding MDA's supply chain. Any such forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts with any government or intergovernmental agency not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The Company cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not necessarily limited to: changes in government or intergovernmental priorities, mandates, funding levels, contracts and regulations; robotic systems failure; failure of third parties, suppliers, and subcontractors; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards, or failure to maintain technological advances and offer new products to retain customers and market position.
For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, under the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov or on the Company's website at www.maxar.com.
Contact
Wendy Keyzer | MDA Media Contact | 1-604-231-2743 | [email protected]
Marissa Poratto | MDA Investor Relations | 1-604-331-2044 | [email protected]
SOURCE Maxar Technologies Ltd.
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