MDA awarded key technology development work for space exploration and communications

RICHMOND, BC, Jan. 21, 2014 /CNW/ - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX: MDA), a global communications and information company, announced today that it has been awarded multiple strategic technology development contracts by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The contracts, with a combined value of approximately CA$3 million, are funded under CSA's Space Technology Development Program whose mandate is to advance key technologies to support future Canadian space exploration missions and support industrial capacity building.

Several of the contracted projects are expected to advance technologies which enable more ambitious approaches to robotic spacecraft servicing, robotic systems that can operate in more challenging space environments, and instruments for planetary exploration.

One project is to focus on advancing the development of deployable ultra-high frequency (UHF) antennas used for satellite communication. UHF antennas are normally rigid and deployed at full size; this project seeks to develop an antenna that could be folded, resulting in a very compact size for launch. The antenna could then deploy to its full length once the final orbital position is reached. Reducing the size of the antenna at launch could benefit initiatives such as small satellites and hosted payloads.

"These contracts build on MDA's reputation of developing a broad range of innovative space-based solutions," commented Don Osborne, the general manager responsible for this business. "They will help to accelerate strategic technologies for future space missions."

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. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's well-established global customer base is served by more than 4,500 employees operating from 11 offices located in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade under the symbol TSX: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 government contracts.  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.