MDA selected to define robotic concepts for deep-space missions

RICHMOND, BC, April 28, 2014 /CNW/ - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has received two contracts from the Canadian Space Agency to define critical technologies and assess potential contributions that Canada could make to future space exploration missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

MDA will assess application of Canadian robotic technologies to potential missions such as the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM), subject of the recently announced Broad Agency Announcement issued by NASA, and the Deep-Space Habitat Mission at EML-2 (Earth-moon libration point 2) proposed in the Global Exploration Roadmap.

The ARM includes a robotic spacecraft rendezvous with a small near-Earth asteroid, capture it and redirect it to a safe orbit on the far side of the moon.   ARM will build on the capabilities and experience gained in low-Earth orbit aboard the International Space Station and develops the next set of technologies and skills required for deep space exploration.

The EML-2 Deep-Space Habitat Mission would establish a platform or staging area approximately 37,000 miles beyond the Moon that could serve as a servicing or fueling depot for future lunar and/or deep-space exploration missions.

Building on our robotics and automation heritage, MDA will generate robotic concepts to perform tasks such as capture of the asteroid, docking, extra-vehicular activity support, maintenance and inspection.   The robotic system will also perform robotic servicing of satellites in deep-space.  We will also derive a sensor suite that can be used for rendezvous and capture of the asteroid, 3-D surface mapping, and assisting with navigating it into an orbit around the moon.

"These are extremely exciting mission scenarios and we're pleased to support the Canadian Space Agency in deriving next generation technologies for space exploration and commercialization of space," said Craig Thornton, the general manager responsible for robotics and automation at MDA.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 11 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA".

Related Websites

www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") with respect to future events and financial performance.  The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of government contracts.  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 with any government agency not being terminated.  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, but are not limited to: changes in government priorities, mandates, policies, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure of systems to meet performance requirements.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.

SOURCE: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
[phone]
[email protected]