MDA Space Secures $474 Million Contract for Telesat Lightspeed Expansion

The deal marks a significant escalation in the partnership between the Toronto-based aerospace firm and Telesat, specifically targeting the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project-Polar program. By incorporating 500MHz of military Ka-band spectrum into the new units, MDA Space aims to bolster connectivity across the Canadian Arctic, a region critical for national sovereignty and emergency response operations. These satellites are slated for production at the company’s high-volume facility in Montréal.

Beyond the LEO constellation, MDA Space has been tapped as the prime contractor for a separate, secure communications project involving Medium Earth Orbit satellites. The company is currently negotiating the development of UHF and X-band services for this initiative, with Telesat acting as a subcontractor. The financial impact of the current $474 million contract increase will be reflected in MDA Space’s corporate backlog during the third quarter of 2026.