[Satellite TODAY 07-20-10]  MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) has received the initial payment due under its $254 million contract with the National Space Agency of Ukraine for the provision of a communication satellite system, the company announced July 19.
    MDA said it also has completed the definization phase on the satellite and will add the contract to its backlog. The geostationary communications satellite aims to provide direct broadcast television and high-speed Internet access to Ukraine and surrounding areas.
    MDA will build the communications payload and procure both a satellite bus and launch service.