MDA to provide solutions related to space exploration

RICHMOND, BC, July 14, 2016 /CNW/ - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has been awarded multiple contracts from the Canadian Space Agency with a combined total value of CA$1.7 million. MDA will provide:

• Enhancements to improve the ability of MDA's Mars Exploration and Science Rover (MESR) Prototype to operate autonomously in remote environments. 
• Critical science instruments to analyze rocks and soil in planetary exploration. The science instruments may one day provide researchers with essential information about geology and aid in the search for evidence of life on other planets. MDA has partnered with INO and York University for this contract.
• A report studying concepts for robotic solutions that could support an outpost that orbits the Moon. If successful, a selected concept could support human exploration beyond Earth's orbit.
• A robust, simple and cost-effective next-generation common robotics interface to spacecraft, payloads and tools, that will minimize users integration and operation demands and reinforces Canada's lead in robotic exploration and servicing technologies.

"These contracts allow MDA to assess robotic solutions and advance innovative sensor and guidance navigation and control technologies for future Canadian space exploration missions," said Craig Thornton, the general manager responsible for this business.

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 13 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 a government 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 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.

For further information: Wendy Keyzer, MDA External Relations, [phone], [email protected]