Canadian Space Agency Awards $12M contract to MD Robotics for Engineering Services Supporting Canadarm2 and Mobile Servicing System

Brampton, Ont. - MacDonald Dettwiler (TSE:MDA) and Associates announced today that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded its Brampton-based subsidiary, MD Robotics a $12 million (Cdn.) contract for engineering services.

The contract increases the engineering services currently being provided by MD Robotics to the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) to include spares, repair and overhaul support, as well as remaining activities relating to the completion of the MSS development program.

"The contract awarded today is supporting Canada's contribution, Canadarm2, and the use of Canadian robotics engineering expertise and innovative technology to assure the maintenance of Canada's long-term investment in the International Space Station, the largest engineering project and scientific micro-gravity laboratory in the history of humanity," said the Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency.

"The Mobile Servicing System is vital to the construction and maintenance of the International Space Station," said Chris Woodland, Program Director at MD Robotics. "We look forward to applying our proven capability and know-how to maintaining this extremely complex robotic system and supporting planned mission objectives for the MSS over the next 15 years."

Mag Iskander, Vice President and General Manager of MD Robotics added, "We are extremely pleased to see the MSS spares and R&O contract come through. This is vital for maintaining such important on-orbit Canadian assets. This also helps reinforce MD Robotics as the world leader in space robotics and positions us for new opportunities in on-orbit servicing of satellites and planetary exploration."

Canadarm2, the first component of the Mobile Servicing System was successfully launched, and installed on the International Space Station during an historic space walk by Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield in April of this year. The next component, the Mobile Base System, is at the Kennedy Space Center awaiting launch in the spring of 2002. The final component, a new two-armed robot called the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, is scheduled for launch in 2004.

About MD Robotics

MD Robotics, a subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler, is the world's leading space robotics company, committed to offering hi-tech, sophisticated robotic and engineering solutions for space and terrestrial applications.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989 and headquartered in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services and Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

Related Websites:
www.mda.ca
www.space.gc.ca