Canadian Satellite Manufacturer Doubles Capacity
Canadian Satellite Manufacturer Doubles Capacity
MDA Ramps Up Aurora Production to Meet Demand
Construction is underway on a 185,000 square foot expansion at the MDA Space satellite production facility in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Once completed, it will be the world's largest high-volume manufacturing facility in its satellite class, with capacity to deliver up to two MDA Aurora digital satellites a day.
"This is good news for our economy. Not only are we consolidating 650 existing jobs, but we are also creating close to 1,000 high-paying jobs in a cutting-edge sector."
François Legault, Premier of Québec.
An initial order of 198 Telesat Lightspeed satellites, powered by MDA Aurora technology, will be produced at the new facility, following Telesat's selection of MDA as the prime satellite contractor for the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. Telesat is the first of multiple MDA satellite customers moving to next generation digital constellations, as the market for space-based broadband networks and direct-to-device connectivity expands.
"The global satellite market is at an inflection point as satellite operators and customers shift to digital solutions like MDA Aurora that offer greater performance and flexibility at a significantly lower cost," said Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA. "Our strategic investments in expanding our satellite production facility and team are ideally timed to solidify our market leadership position and expand the export and growth opportunities for the Canadian space industry in Quebec and across the country."
As part of its expansion, the company is in the process of adding 600 new high-skill technology jobs in Quebec to further accelerate its growth as the global space economy is set to expand to $1.8 trillion in the next decade.
"This is good news for our economy. Not only are we consolidating 650 existing jobs, but we are also creating close to 1,000 high-paying jobs in a cutting-edge sector," said François Legault, Premier of Québec. "It is also a strategic project for Québec. The message we are sending today with the Telesat/MDA project is that Québec continues to make its mark. The future of aerospace is happening right here in Québec!"
The new facility is designed to be a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building. The production line is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025.