MDa scores $35 million contract to provide broadband technology for satellite

RICHMOND, B.C. – MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA) says it has signed a $35 million contract to provide broadband communications for U.K.-satellite company Avanti Communications Group.

Richmond, B.C.-based MDA said Tuesday it will provide communications for the British company’s HYLAS3 satellite, which will provide data communications services in Africa and the Middle East.

The service is slated to launch in 2015.

“MDA is delighted to begin work on HYLAS 3 to leverage its world-class Ka-band satellite technology in support of Avanti’s continued growth and success,” said Don Osborne, MDA’s vice- president responsible for the satellite business.

MacDonald, Dettwiler is best known as the maker of the robotic arms used on the International Space Station and the now-retired U.S. space shuttles. It is also been involved in a variety of businesses that use satellites to collect information from space.