Brampton, Ontario May 1, 2000

MD Robotics Successfully Concludes Major Review Of Space Station Hardware

MacDonald Dettwiler subsidiary, MD Space and Advanced Robotics Ltd. (MD Robotics), has completed a successful Acceptance Review with the Canadian Space Agency for the Mobile Base System (MBS), a major piece of hardware for the International Space Station.

The MBS is the foundation for the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station. This system will be employed as a storage location and work platform for astronauts.

The program received the highest praise from both CSA and NASA for the excellence of the product. The contractor team, which included firms from coast to coast in Canada, can be proud of this outstanding achievement.

The MBS is the fourth system produced by MD Robotics that has been accepted by both CSA and NASA for integration into the International Space Station; the others include the Space Station Remote Manipulator System, Operations Control Software System and Robotic Work Station.

“The acceptance of the MBS by the Canadian Space Agency is the culmination of many years of intensive design, development and test,” said Mag Iskander, vice president and general manager of MD Robotics. “The success of this review validates the technology and Canada’s pioneering efforts in space.”

Following the interface with other space station equipment to verify its operation in the end-to-end configuration in June, the MBS will be shipped to NASA KSC for integration and testing with other elements of the International Space Station. Early in 2002 the 1,450 kg structure will be delivered to the space station and installed on the waiting Mobile Transporter providing the capability to move payloads and EVA crewmembers along the station’s 100-meter long truss.

MD Robotics, under government contract to the Canadian Space Agency, is the prime contractor for the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station. The MSS comprises a Space Station Remote Manipulator System, the next generation Canadarm; a Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, a two-armed robot designed to carry out delicate assembly and servicing tasks; and a Mobile Base System, a work platform and storage area mounted to the Space Station.

About MacDonald Dettwiler

MacDonald Dettwiler is Canada’s leading space and information company focused on the delivery of essential information for land related business transactions and the development of end-to-end business systems to automate business processes and functions. MDA helps people around the world make important decisions anytime, anywhere.

MacDonald Dettwiler employs over 1700 people around the world through a network of offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.

Related Websites:
MacDonald Dettwiler www.mda.ca

For more information, please contact:

Lynne Vanin
Public Affairs
MD Robotics
905-790-4466
E-mail: lvanin@mdrobotics.ca
WWW: http://www.mdrobotics.ca