- MDA Space (TSX:MDA) awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency to build a new SAR satellite for the RADARSAT Constellation and upgrade supporting systems
- The satellite will use next-generation CHORUS technology and support ongoing Earth observation missions under Canada’s RADARSAT+ program
- Company also selected by Mitsubishi Electric to supply key components for Japan’s next-generation defence communications satellite
- MDA Space stock (TSX:MDA) opened trading at C$38.12
MDA Space (TSX:MDA) has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to supply an advanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite that will operate alongside the existing RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) satellites, the company announced.
The contract expands on an initial $44.7 million award granted in December 2025 for the procurement of long-lead components. In addition to the satellite itself, the agreement includes launch services as well as enhancements to ground control, cybersecurity, and data management systems supporting the mission.
This article is a journalistic opinion piece that has been written based on independent research. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice.
The new satellite represents a follow-on order to the RCM program, which was built and launched by MDA Space in 2019. It will be based on MDA CHORUS, the company’s fourth-generation Earth observation platform currently in its final integration phase. CHORUS is expected to launch later this year and is designed to provide day-and-night, all-weather radar imaging over broad global areas.
The expanded RCM system is intended to support a range of government and commercial applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and infrastructure tracking. Once completed, the satellite will be assembled, integrated, and tested at MDA Space’s facility in Montréal.
“Every day, Canada and Canadians rely on critical Earth observation technology and data to improve maritime safety, surveil the Arctic, respond to natural disasters and monitor the environment,” MDA Space’s CEO, Mike Greenley explained in a media statement. “By leveraging our significant commercial investments in MDA CHORUS, Canadians will benefit from world-leading technologies developed right here in Canada to meet those vital needs.”
The project forms part of the Government of Canada’s RADARSAT+ initiative, a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar portfolio of space-based Earth observation activities announced in October 2023. The replenishment satellite is expected to help ensure continuity of the RCM mission while strengthening Canada’s domestic Earth observation capabilities.
MDA Space said the new contract will be added to its backlog in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
In a separate development, the company also announced it has been selected by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) to contribute to Japan’s next-generation defence communications satellite program. The system, ordered by the Japan Ministry of Defence, will replace the DSN-2 (Kirameki-2) satellite currently operating in geostationary orbit.
Under this agreement, MDA Space will design and manufacture key elements of the spacecraft’s communications payload, including the digital payload system, antennas, and various supporting subsystems. The company’s UK operations will provide core technologies for an advanced, anti-jamming, resilient multi-beam payload that incorporates digital beamforming. This capability allows communications coverage to be dynamically reconfigured while in orbit.
MDA Space’s Montréal facility will be responsible for producing and testing the satellite’s advanced antenna systems, including an analog repeater. These components will then be shipped to Japan, where Mitsubishi Electric will lead final assembly, integration, and testing.
The satellite will also incorporate several of MDA Space’s established product lines, including deployable mechanisms for thrusters and reflectors, reflecting the company’s broader heritage in space systems engineering.
Both contracts underscore MDA Space’s growing involvement in international space and defence programs at a time when governments are increasing investment in sovereign space capabilities. The announcements also align with broader efforts by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan to deepen trade and industrial collaboration in advanced technologies.
“Our partnerships with Canada and Japan are delivering real results, helping to build secure, resilient space infrastructure for modern defence,” UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd said in a news release. “It’s great to see UK capability at the centre of this, with MDA Space’s UK facility providing the digital beamforming technology supporting Japan’s future defence communications.”
Like the CSA award, the Mitsubishi Electric contract is expected to be added to MDA Space’s backlog in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.
MDA Space has positioned its CHORUS platform and related technologies as a foundation for the next generation of radar imaging satellites, aiming to deliver faster revisit times, enhanced data resolution, and wider coverage. The company, which bills itself as a mission partner to the expanding global space industry, continues to pursue both civil and defence opportunities as demand for space-based data and communications grows worldwide.
MDA Space Ltd. is one of Canada’s largest and most established space technology companies, best known for robotics systems such as Canadarm and its involvement in government and commercial satellite missions. The company has been expanding rapidly into next‑generation satellite manufacturing, Earth observation systems, and deep-space robotics.
MDA Space stock (TSX:MDA) opened trading around 5 per cent lower at C$38.12 and has risen more than 45 per cent since this time last year.
Join the discussion: Find out what everybody’s saying about these satellite stocks on the Telesat and MDA Space Bullboards, then check out the rest of Stockhouse’s stock forums and message boards.
