MDA Space Selected to Deliver Enhanced Space Situational Awareness Data Services to Canadian Department of National Defence
MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced it has been selected to deliver enhanced space situation awareness to the Department of National Defence (DND). The standing offer awarded to MDA Space, in partnership with Canadian-based ThothX Group, underscores the growing importance of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) in safeguarding Canada’s critical space assets amid a rapidly evolving and increasingly congested orbital environment.
Building on MDA Space’s proven legacy as a trusted space domain mission partner and leveraging ThothX Group’s innovative Earthfence Radar Capability, the new service integrates high-fidelity sensor data with secure, cloud-based infrastructure optimized for tracking and assessing satellites and space objects in the Geosynchronous belt, approximately 36,000 km above the Earth’s surface.
“We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with the Department of National Defence in advancing Canada’s space security,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “Our heritage and expertise in Space Domain Awareness is built on decades of operational excellence, innovation, and trusted partnership with Canada’s defence community. As threats in orbit continue to grow, MDA Space remains committed to delivering the mission-critical insight needed to navigate an increasingly complex space environment.”
Thoth Technologies’ advanced Earthfence Radar Capability enables comprehensive coverage and timely data acquisition. Combined with MDA Space’s secure data management and operational expertise, this solution is a unique service that demonstrates Canadian leadership in the rapidly growing global commercial SDA market.
“Together MDA Space and ThothX are pioneering deep space radar technologies that track spacecraft and debris in geostationary orbit,” said Brendan Quine, CEO and CTO, ThothX Group. “Our combined solution gives operators and regulators the perspective and confidence they need to ensure the safe and sustainable use of space. This mission extends the boundary of space domain awareness that provides reliable and critical insight and awareness.”
With over 19,000 satellites launched and more than 30,000 objects currently tracked in Earth’s orbit, the imperative for robust SDA capabilities has never been greater. Canada’s space-based infrastructure – vital for communications, navigation, and weather forecasting – faces escalating risks from orbital debris and potential collisions.
This new SDA commercial service leverages unique space domain awareness expertise gained with Sapphire, Canada’s first military satellite. Sapphire, a key space-based sensor in the US Space Surveillance Network, was built by and is currently operated by MDA Space on behalf of DND.