Longueuil, Quebec, May 9, 2008 – The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, today announced a four-year contract valued at $109 million between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA). MDA will continue to provide logistics, sustaining engineering services for the Canadian-made Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station (ISS).
The Mobile Servicing System, a multi-faceted sophisticated robotics system, is Canada's main contribution to the International Space Station and is critical to its assembly, maintenance, and servicing. It consists of three elements: Canadarm2, the Mobile Base System and Dextre. Canadarm2 and the Mobile Base System were delivered and installed on the Station in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Dextre, a special purpose multi-functional robot, was launched and installed on the Space Station in March 2008.
Under this contract, administered by Public Works and Government Services Canada, MDA will continue to provide systems engineering, general technical support, and software maintenance and enhancement, and to deliver spares provisioning for Canadian robotic components orbiting on the International Space Station. This will allow Canada to continue to meet its robotics commitments to the International Space Station program.
About the Canadian Space Agency
Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) coordinates all civil, space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada. CSA directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for the benefit of humanity.
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For more information please contact:
Bill Rodgers
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
Minister of Industry
Telephone: 613-995-9001
Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
Telephone: 450-926-4370
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