September 17, 2010

MDA delivers advanced technology solution for NASA's Mars Mission

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that its US operation, MDA Information Systems, Inc. reached a major milestone with the delivery of their advanced technology solution destined for use on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover. The $14.5 million (USD) contract with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory involved four years in the design and development of the solution, and is central to achieving NASA's mission and science goals on the upcoming mission to Mars.

This will be the fourth advanced technology solution developed by MDA to operate on Mars. Three earlier solutions operated on NASA's iconic Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers, and more recently the Phoenix Mars Lander.

About MDA

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.

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

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
(604) 231-2743
wendy@mdacorporation.com

Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com
www.nasa.gov

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 government contract. 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 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 changes in government priorities, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure of systems to meet performance requirements.

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.