In 1998, MDA initiated a strategic business thrust in the area of Space Exploration. Since then, the company has expanded its world leading position in earth-orbital space robotics to become a dominant provider of exploration robotic systems and missions targeted at the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and other solar system locations.

Examples of current Space Exploration activities at MDA include:

• The 2007 NASA Phoenix program. MDA is designing and developing the MET station to characterize the Mars atmosphere - including an atmospheric lidar sensor.
• The 2009 NASA MSL program. MDA is designing and developing the APXS instrument to understand Mars geology.
• The 2009/2011 ESA ExoMars program. MDA is developing concepts for the ExoMars rover and instrument payload package.
• The 2009/2011 CSA Canadian Led Mars Mission. MDA is designing complete orbiter, rover, and micro-lander network Mars missions concepts.

MDA is developing a lidar based landing system that will allow for safe and precise landings on planets, moons and asteroids. This system will use lidar data and other mission specific criteria (e.g. fuel consumption and terrain features) to choose the best landing site and then autonomously guide the spacecraft to the surface.

MDA in strategic teaming with several of our international partners, is also developing several other planetary robotics systems and missions for NASA, ESA, and CSA as well as commercial space exploration opportunities.