IRIS² CONSTELLATION: MDA SPACE TO PROVIDE THALES ALENIA SPACE WITH DIGITAL ANTENNA SUBSYSTEMS FOR 66 EARLY-DELIVERY SATELLITES
Key Highlights
- ➤ATP agreement valued at more than $100M for 66 Layer 1 IRIS² satellites
- ➤MDA Space to provide AURORA digital phased-array antennas and controllers
- ➤IRIS² Layer 1 satellites are scheduled for launch in 2029
- ➤ATP contract enters MDA Space's backlog in fiscal Q4 2026
- ➤Definitive contract covering full scope remains subject to finalization
Expert Statements
Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space
“Entering into this ATP to deliver critical digital antenna subsystems for the first set of Layer 1 IRIS(2) satellites, to be launched in 2029, is a landmark moment for MDA Space and our MDA AURORA(TM) technology.”
Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space
“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.”
IRIS² CONSTELLATION: MDA SPACE TO PROVIDE THALES ALENIA SPACE WITH DIGITAL ANTENNA SUBSYSTEMS FOR 66 EARLY-DELIVERY SATELLITES PR Newswire
TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) (NYSE: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the global defence and space industry, has entered into an agreement with Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), to begin work on MDA AURORA(TM) broadband digital phased array antennas and digital antenna controller for the 66 "Layer 1" IRIS(2 )satellites in low Earth orbit. IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), the EU Secure Connectivity Programme, will be the new standard bearer for Europe's autonomous and sovereign space capability. The authorization to proceed (ATP) agreement is valued at more than $100M.
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