The first project to come out of the expanded facility will be the production of 198 Telesat Lightspeed satellites, powered by MDA's AURORATM technology. This follows Telesat's decision to appoint MDA as the primary satellite contractor for the Lightspeed constellation. Telesat is one of several MDA clients transitioning to advanced digital constellations, as demand for space-based broadband and direct-to-device communication services continues to grow.

MDA is adding 600 high-skill technology jobs in Quebec to support its expanding operations, in response to the projected growth of the global space economy, which is set to reach US$1.8 trillion within the next decade.

The new facility will be certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, and production is expected to start by the second half of 2025.

"The global satellite market is at an inflection point as satellite operators and customers shift to digital solutions like MDA AURORATM that offer greater performance and flexibility at a significantly lower cost. Our strategic investments in expanding our satellite production facility and team are ideally timed to solidify our market leadership position and expand the export and growth opportunities for the Canadian space industry in Quebec and across the country," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also praised the initiative: "Our government is focused on Canadians, and with Lightspeed, Telesat and MDA are designing and manufacturing the largest space program in Canadian history - creating thousands of jobs, growing our economy, and getting high-speed internet to Canadians. Together, we're putting Canada, Canadian innovation and talent at the forefront of a new global opportunity."

Premier Francois Legault added, "This is good news for our economy. Not only are we consolidating 650 existing jobs, but we are also creating close to 1,000 high-paying jobs in a cutting-edge sector. It is also a strategic project for Quebec. The message we are sending with the Telesat/MDA project is that Quebec continues to make its mark. The future of aerospace is happening right here in Quebec!"

Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, emphasized Canada's global leadership in space: "We're proud that Telesat's Lightspeed LEO constellation will be built by MDA, right here in Canada. Government support for the space sector will have a significant impact on the growing network of Canadian suppliers and talent - bolstering Canada's leadership as the sector continues to flourish."

Christine Frechette, Quebec's Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, noted: "This satellite network is an effective way to provide high-speed telecommunications across all regions of Quebec. We are proud to support these two companies as they drive technological innovation, helping to position Quebec as a true space industry leader."

Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, said, "High-speed Internet is no longer a luxury - it is a necessity. Today's investment in Telesat's Lightspeed project, with industry-leading satellites built in Canada by MDA, will help the federal government achieve its goal of connecting all Canadians, to high-speed Internet by 2030 so that they get better access to the services they need, no matter where they live."

Related Links
MDA Space
The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry