MDA selected to support UrtheCast in creating streaming HD video platform of Earth with cameras located on the International Space Station
RICHMOND, BC, Feb. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that it has signed a contract for CA$4.2 million with Earth Video Camera Inc., (operating as UrtheCast, www.UrtheCast.com) to provide them with information solutions to be incorporated into two high-definition video cameras to be installed on the International Space Station in late 2012. The cameras will stream pictures and constant, near-live video to Earth for potential uses in education, environmental information, disaster monitoring and consumer-generated media.
The information will be offered through a consumer-centric website created by UrtheCast, a subsidiary of Earth Video Camera Inc., that will allow users to track the location of the Space Station, and then as it passes over a particular geographic location, allow access to the video data and imagery of the area, thus providing the opportunity for more immediate awareness of events around the world.
Scott Larson, president of UrtheCast stated 'We are thrilled to have MDA as part of this project and to be able to add them to a team that already includes RSC Energia, Rutherford Appleton Labs in the UK, and the Russian Federal Space Agency. A project like this is obviously quite involved and complex, and MDA is the right partner. We look forward to working closely with them on a variety of fronts over the duration of this project.'
About MDA
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 information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.
The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.
About UrtheCast
UrtheCast (pronounced "EarthCast") is providing the world's first ever, near-live HD video feed of Earth from space. Working with world class partners, UrtheCast is building, launching, installing, and operating two cameras on the Russian module of the International Space Station. Video data of the Earth collected by the cameras will be down-linked to ground stations around the planet and then displayed in near real time on the UrtheCast web platform, or distributed directly to our exclusive partners and customers.
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Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com
www.UrtheCast.com
Urthecast Media Contact:
Christian Darbyshire
Calgary: +1 (403) 245-8550
Toronto: +1 (416) 419-9953
[email protected]
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA") with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a contract. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts not being terminated and the ongoing functioning of the video cameras and ground stations. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or comply with the requisite standards.
For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to MDA's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online at www.sedar.com or on MDA's website at www.mdacorporation.com.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.
Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
(604) 231-2743
[email protected]
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