SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
Magellan Aerospace announced today it has delivered the first two payload modules structure to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA), the prime contractor for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM).
Read More »UPDATED: Canadian 2015 Budget Includes New Space Funding and Space Station Extension
Today’s federal budget included a few surprises for Canada’s space program. The space sector had become accustomed to expecting little or no mention in the annual budget. Perhaps as this is an election budget, the government wanted to cover all its bases.
Read More »An Overview of Canadian Military Space in 2014 – Part 2
This is part 2 of An Overview of Canadian Military Space in 2014. Part 1 is available here.
Read More »An Overview of Canadian Military Space in 2014 – Part 1
Arguably 2014 was a watershed year in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military space program. Up until this year the military space program was focused on delivering capability that could be used by the Navy, Army and Air Force as joint force enablers but rarely were those capabilities tightly integrated into operations, nor were they exploited to their maximum advantage. To do so requires a …
Read More »The Transformation of MDA Into a Multinational Player – Part 1
In 2007 MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) made the assessment that the domestic space market wasn’t growing and that there was no long-term commitment to space by the Conservative government. As well, access to the U.S. market, critical for growth, was being stymied by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and security issues. At the same time MDA’s Information Products group was growing …
Read More »Would a Liberal Government Reform the Canadian Space Program?
Parliament has adjourned for the summer and members of parliament (MP) are back in their ridings doing the summer BBQ circuit. But when they get back in the fall they’ll be in full election mode. So this seems an appropriate time as any to look ahead and gaze into my crystal ball and see what would happen if the Liberal’s were elected.
Read More »SpaceX Falcon 9 to Launch RADARSAT Constellation Mission in 2018
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) has contracted SpaceX to launch Canada’s RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), which consists of three satellites, on a Falcon 9 rocket sometime in 2018.
Read More »The Defence and Security Applications of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission
The following article is a free sample from the current issue of Space Quarterly Magazine. It is our hope that if you enjoy this article you will consider subscribing to the magazine. — By Eric Choi: On January 9, 2013, the Federal Government announced it will proceed with the implementation phase of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM). Initially conceived almost a decade ago, the long-awaited …
Read More »March 2013 Issue of Space Quarterly Magazine Released
The March 2012 edition of Space Quarterly Magazine is now available. Here are the table of contents for the Canadian and U.S. editions.
Read More »MDA Satellite Contract Move Infuriates Government
In a move that has blindsided the government, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) is considering not subcontracting a significant piece of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) to Magellan Aerospace as was expected.
Read More »