The Canadian government has awarded a $688 million contract to build a replenishment satellite for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, Industry Minister Melanie Joly announced on Tuesday.
Contract awarded to MDA
The contract was awarded to MDA, a Canadian space technology company based in Montreal. The new satellite will ensure continuity of Earth observation data critical for maritime surveillance, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
“This investment strengthens Canada’s space industry and ensures we remain a world leader in radar satellite technology,” Joly said during a funding announcement at MDA’s facility.
RADARSAT Constellation Mission
The current RADARSAT Constellation Mission, launched in 2019, consists of three satellites. The new replenishment satellite will be built to extend the mission’s lifespan and provide backup capacity.
The contract is expected to create and maintain hundreds of high-skilled jobs at MDA’s facilities in Montreal and across Canada. Delivery of the satellite is planned for the early 2030s.
