March 7, 2008

Countdown to Launch

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Dextre, the world’s most sophisticated space robot is set to launch on March 11 at 2:31 a.m. EDT aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. Developed by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA)under contract to the Canadian Space Agency, Dextre is the final component of the Mobile Servicing System, Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station. The arrival of Dextre will mark the debut of the complete Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station and its transition from robotic assembly and EVA support, to its full servicing capability.

Installation and activation of Dextre will be like no other when it arrives at the International Space Station. Launched in nine modular components, astronauts will perform three spacewalks to assemble and bring the robot to its full stature of 3.5 metres.

Dextre will be equipped with five camera systems providing video and lighting, a temporary work platform, and will even outfitted with its own tool belt and tool kit. With 15 degrees of freedom and its unique sense of touch, Dextre will be well equipped to perform high precision robotic maintenance tasks on the station's exterior.

All three elements of the Mobile Servicing System - Canadarm2, the Mobile Base System and Dextre are designed to work together or independently and can be commanded by a crew inside the Space Station or by flight controllers on the ground.

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 earth and space based information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

MDA employs more than 3,000 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.space.gc.ca

Forward-Looking Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and MDA's actual results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Additional information on these and other potential factors that could affect MDA's financial results are detailed in documents filed from time to time with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

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