MDA Space Missions

Brampton, ON - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded MDA an additional $6.0 million for a total award this year of $19.5 million to continue the design and build of a meteorological information station. This solution is part of the Canadian contribution to a NASA Mars exploration mission called Phoenix . This project positions us for further space-based information missions.

MDA is the prime contractor to build the scientific station and associated instruments that will provide information about the Martian climate and atmosphere, part of the search for water and traces of life on Mars. The Phoenix mission is expected to launch in 2007.

MDA has teamed with Optech Incorporated for instrument development, which draws upon both companies' experience and previous offerings. The science team in Canada is being led by York University 's Department of Earth & Space Science & Engineering.

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 2,500 people in locations across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.

MDA to Create Information Solution for Mars