January 6, 2010

MDA's advanced technology solution to support O3b communication satellite network

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., (TSX:MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has received a contract valued in excess of €15 million ($22.5 million CAD) from Thales Alenia Space to provide a number of advanced technology solutions. The solutions will be used for eight Medium Earth Orbit communication satellites that are being designed and manufactured for O3b Limited.

O3b Limited will build a global Internet backbone for telecommunication companies and Internet Service Providers. These solutions will provide simultaneous data transmission and reception over Africa, Asia, Oceania and South and Central America-the majority of these areas are not connected to fibre networks.

MDA provides advanced information solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of business and government organizations worldwide.

Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

MDA employs more than 3,200 people in locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.

Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com
www.o3bnetworks.com