[Satellite TODAY 10-29-10] Increased activity in communication satellite and UAV surveillance sectors has pushed MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates’ (MDA) backlog up to $1.19 billion in the third quarter of 2010 from $928 million in the same period last year, the company announced in its latest results, issued Oct. 28.
    MDA said its space-related divsions performed well during the quarter. The company’s Information Systems division revenues increased $30 million to $142 million, while MDA’s Information Products revenues remained flat at $121 million.
   MDA operating earnings were up 28 percent over the same period last year. At the end of September, MDA’s cash balances were $165 million after paying off a revolving loan during the quarter. The company’s long-term debt stands at $203 million, consisting of two term loans maturing in 2013 and 2017.