This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Nov 12, 2026. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
Canada’s MDA Space has secured a supplier position on Europe’s flagship IRIS2 autonomous, secure satellite communications program.
The company says it has won a contract with Thales Alenia Space to provide digital antenna subsystems for 66 low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites.
The European Union and the SpaceRISE consortium deploying the constellation in August agreed to add 66 military Ka-band-only satellites to the system with first launch due in 2029. Airbus will build those satellites and Thales Alenia Space will provide the payload for the LEO spacecraft, along with the 264 dual Ku/Ka-band versions Aerospacelab will produce.
MDA said authorization to proceed from Thales Alenia Space for MDA Aurora broadband digital phased array antennas is valued at CA$100 million ($72 million).
“This critical role reflects the confidence Thales Alenia Space and the European Commission have placed in our ability to offer quickly performing, interoperable connectivity that meets the requirements of the Layer 1 satellites,” MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley said in an Oct. 30 statement.
Related Content
