MDA Space Wins $474 Million Deal to Boost Telesat Lightspeed Arctic Satellite Fleet

MDA Space Ltd. has been awarded a $474 million contract to supply additional AURORA™ broadband satellites for Telesat’s Lightspeed low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) constellation. The expansion adds 69 satellites, raising the fully funded total from 156 to 225, with MDA Space’s order increasing by 27 satellites. The contract includes 500 MHz of military Ka‑band spectrum, replacing commercial Ka‑band, and will support the Canadian Armed Forces’ Enhanced Satellite Communications Project‑Polar (ESCP‑P) for reliable Arctic communications.

The Canadian Defence Investment Agency also awarded an initial $2.3 billion contract to Telesat LEO ULC for the same project, with two option periods worth about $214 million and $218 million. The procurement is expected to create or maintain roughly 2,600 jobs and contribute about $335 million annually to Canada’s GDP over seven years. All satellites are manufactured at MDA Space’s high‑volume facility in Montréal. MDA Space will serve as the prime contractor for the end‑to‑end mission, while Telesat will subcontract on a future secure UHF and X‑band medium‑Earth‑orbit component.

MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley said, “Reliable military communication in the Arctic is a necessity for protecting Canadian sovereignty, maintaining situational awareness, coordinating joint operations with allies, and responding quickly to emergencies.”