MDA to develop Canada's space-based synthetic aperture radar

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) in Richmond, British Columbia, won an $11.4 million contract option by Canada's Department of National Defence to develop space-based synthetic aperture radar technology for a maritime surveillance project. The space-based radar will support the Polar Epsilon 2 broad-area maritime surveillance system that will use Canada's RADARSAT satellite constellation mission. PE2 ground systems are designed to receive and process information from RCM SAR satellites that MDA is also constructing for Canada's space agency. MDA also has unveiled a U.S. Access Plan as part of the company's push to win government contracts for information technology and communications services intended to support classified space programs in the U.S.