MacDonald Dettwiler Delivers the Second Canadian Robotics Component Destined for The International Space Station

BRAMPTON, Ontario..MD Robotics, a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., (TSE:MDA) has achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of the Mobile Base System (MBS) to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. As a key project of the Canadian Space Program, the MBS is the second of three Mobile Servicing System components that Canada is contributing to the International Space Station.

The Mobile Base System is the foundation for the International Space Station's Mobile Servicing System, that will serve as a storage location and work platform for astronauts during on-orbit assembly and maintenance tasks. The MBS is equipped with cameras and vital electrical, power and data interfaces necessary for the operation of the Canadian-built robotics system and Space Station payloads.

Chris Woodland, director of the MSS program at MD Robotics said, "As we move from the MBS build stage to sustaining engineering, the team of professionals responsible for the development of the MBS will shift their focus to supporting the equipment during the launch phase and on-orbit activities." "This is a major milestone in the Mobile Servicing System program," added Mag Iskander, Vice President and General Manager of MD Robotics. "MD Robotics is recognized as an industry leader and this prime contract with the Canadian Space Agency, for Canada's contribution to the International Space Station, has created key technologies that better position us to capitalize on growing commercial space market opportunities around the world."

MBS being lifted onto flatbed truck for delivery to NASA KSC

	The MSS is comprised of three components: the Space Station Remote Manipulator System, scheduled to be launched in April 2001, the Mobile Base System, and the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, which is scheduled for completion in Spring 2001.
MBS leaves MD Robotics, Brampton for NASA Kennedy Space Center

About MacDonald Dettwiler

MacDonald Dettwiler is an information company that provides essential information from anywhere in the world for decision making in the workplace. The Company operates its business through two principal groups. The Information Products Group delivers essential land information products and services in three categories including: Legal Information, Asset Information, and Geographical Information. The Information Systems Group provides mission critical information systems to three major applications: Monitoring Activities on the Planet, Managing Mobile Assets, and Enabling the Mobile workforce. MacDonald Dettwiler employs 1,750 people around the world through a network of offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.

Watch the arrival of the MBS at the Kennedy Space Center on the web at:
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/payload/missions/station/sspf-video.html

Photos of the MBS are also available on this site at:
http://www.mdrobotics.ca/gmbs.html

Related Websites:
www.mda.ca