BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 24, 2022 /CNW/ - MDA Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced that it has been selected as the prime contractor for Globalstar Inc.'s (NYSE American:GSAT) new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Globalstar is a leading provider of Mobile Satellite Services including customizable satellite IoT solutions for individuals and businesses globally. The contract, valued at $327 million USD (approximately $415 million CAD) includes the design, manufacture, assembly and test of 17 satellites, with options for Globalstar to purchase up to nine additional satellites with flexibility in timing to order such satellites as well as other contractual options. The satellites built by MDA will integrate with Globalstar's existing constellation, ensuring service continuity for Globalstar customers.
MDA also announced that it will partner with Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq:RKLB) on the contract, bringing together two of the space industry's most innovative satellite companies. MDA will act as prime contractor to manufacture Globalstar's satellites as well as lead the development of the payload and integration while Rocket Lab will lead the development of the spacecraft bus.
"The expertise and ability of our Satellite Systems team to provide industry-leading innovative and competitive satellite solutions is second to none, and we are honoured by Globalstar's confidence and trust in selecting MDA as the prime contractor for its new satellites," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA. "Combining our deep expertise with new partners like Rocket Lab to bring exciting capability to the rapidly growing LEO constellation market further strengthens our position in the global satellite systems market and demonstrates MDA's increasing role at the heart of the expanding space economy."