February 17, 2009

MDA plays significant role in planning future global space explorations

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today it has been selected to deliver concept design solutions to support planning of Canada's potential participation in global space exploration. The Canadian Space Agency contracts are worth $1.8 million (CAD).

CSA is exploring future opportunities for Canadian participation in the new global space exploration initiative together with NASA and the other international space agencies. CSA has awarded MDA contracts to study three such opportunities: Canadian robotics for on-orbit servicing, a Canadian human lunar rover concept, and a Canadian robotic lunar lander mission. In each case MDA will work with leading companies and universities across Canada to develop potential concepts and Canadian roles.

Steve Oldham, MDA's vice-president in charge of this business said, 'The award builds on MDA's 30-year heritage as a prime contractor for major Canadian space science and technology initiatives, from RADARSAT and the Canadarms, to the recent Martian arctic weather station.'

The team of companies and universities will provide world-class expertise and an exciting mixture of established and new partnerships that can support CSA's exploration goals of maintaining Canadian industry and academia at the forefront of international space science and technology research, while serving the national interest and helping Canadians meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

The studies will be conducted during 2009.

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 3,300 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

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
Telephone: 604-231-2743
E-mail: wendy@mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements
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.