MDA Space awarded contract with Canadian Department of National Defence to deliver Ground-Based Optical Capability for Space Surveillance

MDA (TSX: MDA) was awarded a contract valued at approximately $32 million by Canada’s Defence Investment Agency to deliver three Ground-Based Optical observatories for the Department of National Defence’s Surveillance of Space 2 program.

Rhea-AI Summary

MDA (TSX: MDA) was awarded a contract valued at approximately $32 million by Canada’s Defence Investment Agency to deliver three Ground-Based Optical observatories for the Department of National Defence’s Surveillance of Space 2 program.

By 2028 MDA will build, operate and provide long-term sustainment for sites in Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick to augment Sapphire-based space surveillance.

Positive

• $32 million contract award for three GBO observatories
• Delivery and in-service support commitment through 2028
• Three geographically distributed sites in Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick
• Operational sustainment to augment Sapphire deep-space tracking capability

Negative

• None.

Argus Mar 18 session

+5.58% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – MDA

On Mar 18, the day this news came out, MDA closed 5.58% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 18 session.

Key Figures

Contract value: $32 million Number of observatories: 3 observatories Target year: 2028

Contract value

$32 million

Ground-Based Optical observatories contract with Canada’s DIA/DND

Number of observatories

3 observatories

Ground-Based Optical space surveillance sites to be delivered

Target year

2028

Year by which three GBO observatories are to be established

Historical Context

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Key Terms

space domain awareness, ground-based optical, space surveillance

3 terms

space domain awareness technical

"as part of the Surveillance of Space 2 space domain awareness program to the Department"

The practice of detecting, tracking and predicting the location and behavior of objects in Earth orbit—such as active satellites, debris and spent rocket stages—so operators can avoid collisions and manage risks. For investors it matters because better awareness protects valuable satellite services, supports defense and commercial contracts, reduces insurance losses and creates market opportunities for companies that provide sensors, data and collision-avoidance services; think of it as air-traffic control for space.

ground-based optical technical

"to deliver three Ground-Based Optical (GBO) observatories as part of the Surveillance"

Ground-based optical refers to cameras, telescopes, and other light-based sensors located on Earth that observe, image or track objects and phenomena using visible or near-visible light. For investors, these systems matter because they are the practical tools companies and governments use to monitor satellites, aircraft, infrastructure and the environment; their quality and reliability influence contracts, regulatory approvals and the commercial value of firms that build or operate them—think of them as high-resolution binoculars that reveal risks and opportunities.

space surveillance technical

"Ground-Based Optical Capability for Space Surveillance"

Space surveillance is the continuous monitoring and tracking of satellites, rocket stages and debris orbiting Earth, like an air-traffic control or neighborhood watch for objects in space. It matters to investors because it reveals risks that can damage or disable space assets, informs insurance and liability assessments, affects regulatory compliance and launch planning, and highlights commercial opportunities in data, collision avoidance and defense services.

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TORONTO, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, announced today that it has been contracted by Canada's Defence Investment Agency (DIA) to deliver three Ground-Based Optical (GBO) observatories as part of the Surveillance of Space 2 space domain awareness program to the Department of National Defence (DND). Valued at approximately $32 million, as part of the contract MDA Space will also operate and provide in-service support to ensure long-term sustainment of the ground stations.

The DND is modernizing Canada's continental defence capabilities to address new and emerging threats to critical space infrastructure. Once delivered, the new GBO observatories will provide additional defence capabilities to Canada's existing Sapphire satellite which currently enables the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to detect, track, characterize and monitor objects in deep space.

Through this contract, by 2028, MDA Space will establish three remotely operated GBO observatories in Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick. These observatories will provide persistent, reliable space surveillance from the ground, and are an important component of Canada's broader space‑surveillance architecture.

Quotes

"As space becomes more contested, congested and competitive, persistent surveillance and space domain awareness provides the Canadian Armed Forces and trusted allies with a better understanding of what is happening in a complex environment they can't otherwise see. With decades of proven expertise providing defence and security, MDA Space is honoured to once again be selected as a trusted mission partner to Canada and to the Department of National Defence."

Mike Greenley
Chief Executive Officer, MDA Space

"Canada's security depends on the space‑based systems that enable everything from communications and navigation to weather forecasting and emergency response. Today's contract award to MDA Space will deliver the capabilities the Canadian Armed Forces need while growing Canada's world‑class space sector and creating good-paying jobs. With the Defence Investment Agency and our Defence Industrial Strategy, we are streamlining procurements and building the sovereign capabilities that will ensure Canada remains a leader in this crucial domain."

The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the company's current expectations regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the scope of any actual operational and in-service support services MDA Space will provide to the GBO observatories, the capabilities of the GBO observatories once delivered and their ability to meet the evolving needs of MDA Space's customer. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by MDA Space in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MDA Space to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including without limitation the risks and uncertainties detailed under the "Risk Factors" section of MDA Space's annual information form dated March 4, 2026.

Although MDA Space believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. There are a number of additional risks and uncertainties affecting or that could affect MDA Space, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those described in, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information included within this press release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA Space is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT MDA SPACE

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA; NYSE:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global defence and space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there. For more information, visit mda.space.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Facebook:      facebook.com/MDAspace
YouTube:        youtube.com/c/mdaspace
Instagram:      instagram.com/MDA_space

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SOURCE MDA Space

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did MDA (MDA) win from the Defence Investment Agency on March 18, 2026?

MDA won a contract valued at approximately $32 million to deliver three Ground-Based Optical observatories. According to MDA, the work includes construction, remote operations and long-term in-service support for the DND Surveillance of Space 2 program.

When will MDA deliver the three GBO observatories under the MDA contract?

MDA plans to establish the three observatories by 2028. According to MDA, sites will be remotely operated and sustained to provide persistent ground-based space surveillance for Canada’s defence architecture.

Where will the MDA (MDA) Ground-Based Optical observatories be located?

The contract specifies sites in Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick. According to MDA, the geographic spread provides persistent, reliable ground surveillance to complement Canada’s Sapphire satellite capabilities.

Does the MDA contract include operations and sustainment for the new observatories?

Yes — the award includes operation and long-term in-service support for the ground stations. According to MDA, this ensures ongoing sustainment and readiness as part of Canada’s space-surveillance architecture.

How will the MDA contract affect Canada’s space surveillance capability and the Canadian Armed Forces?

The contract will augment existing Sapphire capabilities to improve detection, tracking and characterization of deep-space objects. According to MDA, the GBO observatories add persistent ground-based coverage to strengthen CAF space domain awareness.