MDA Space has officially opened a new 185,000-square-foot satellite manufacturing facility in Montréal. The expansion, completed in under two years, doubles the company’s manufacturing footprint and signals an operational shift toward high-volume production for satellite constellations.
The facility is geared specifically toward the continuous assembly and testing of the company’s MDA AURORA software-defined satellites. According to the company, the plant utilizes automated equipment and a newly developed proprietary test chamber to support a targeted production capacity of up to 400 satellites annually.
The infrastructure investment aligns with MDA Space’s stated strategy to transition into a prime contractor role for large-scale commercial, civil, and military space networks.
“This new high-volume manufacturing facility is a key part of our strategy to establish MDA Space as a leading prime contractor for satellite constellations,” stated MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley. Greenley noted that evolving geopolitical climates and connectivity needs are driving the demand for rapid delivery of these systems.
The building was designed to meet LEED certification standards, incorporating solar power, a green roof, and a rainwater collection system. The inauguration was attended by federal and provincial ministers including Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Bernard Drainville, who highlighted the facility’s expected regional economic impact and job creation within Quebec’s aerospace sector.
“The fact that MDA Space is today inaugurating one of the largest satellite manufacturing facilities in the world highlights and reinforces Canada’s place at the leading edge of the space sector,” said the Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “This investment also means good jobs for Canadians, a stronger, more sovereign economy, and growing our world class advanced manufacturing capacity here at home.”