MDA to build satellite communications subsystem for ESA's Columbus module on the international space station

RICHMOND, BC, Sept. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that its UK subsidiary has received authorization to proceed from the European Space Agency (ESA) 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 contract is expected to total approximately 14 million euros, and is planned to finalize before the end of 2014.

A flight model is a system or component that is qualified for use in space, and in satellite communications. MDA's terminal will complement existing communication systems on board the ISS, and using Ka band, it will enable higher bandwidth to provide ESA with an independent connection for faster delivery of scientific data and High Definition Video imagery between the ISS and ground stations.

Don Osborne, MDA's group vice president of Information Systems said, "We would like to recognize the support this commercial data relay program received from the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and our industry partners."

With the development of the Ka band Data Relay terminal, LEO science and remote sensing satellites will also be able to obtain individualized real-time information relay capabilities according to the needs of the user. MDA's UK subsidiary is based at Harwell, which is one of the potential locations of the relay downlink facility to which ISS communications from the ESA Columbus module will be directed.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 11 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

Related Websites

www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a contract with an intergovernmental agency. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA'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. MDA 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; satellite failure; failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or to comply with the requisite standards.

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 securities regulatory authorities, which are available online at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.

SOURCE: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
[phone]
[email protected]