September 22, 2010

MDA contracted to develop next generation technologies for space exploration

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has signed a contract worth $6 million (CAD) with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide an advanced technology solution for CSA's Exploration Surface Mobility program. As prime contractor, MDA will lead a team that will design, build and test a Mars Exploration and Science Rover (MESR) Prototype.

a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has signed a contract worth $6 million (CAD) with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide an advanced technology solution for CSA's Exploration Surface Mobility program. As prime contractor, MDA will lead a team that will design, build and test a Mars Exploration and Science Rover (MESR) Prototype.

Steve Oldham, the vice-president responsible for this business said, 'MDA has a long and proud history of providing advanced robotic solutions for Canada's space exploration program, and MESR will be valuable in maintaining our technology readiness for future missions. We are pleased to be broadening synergy and cooperation with academia and leading industrial organizations from the terrestrial vehicle sector to preserve and advance Canada's technological leadership.'

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.asc-csa.gc.ca

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.