[Satellite TODAY 11-04-11] Canadian space and satellite technology company MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) has been awarded a $27.5 million contract to construct satellite ground stations for the Canadian Department of National Defense, the company announced Nov. 3.

   MDA will build two transportable satellite ground stations for the Canadian military — both capable of being rapidly deployed to any area around the world, the company said. The station also will have the ability to quickly receive and process imagery from multiple satellites. MDA traditionally collects data gathered by satellites orbiting Earth and sells related information services to its customers.

   “[Canadian National Defense] commanders will use the information to better monitor and respond to Canadian domestic missions such as border security and Arctic sovereignty, as well as to overseas operations, such as peacekeeping and disaster relief,” MDA said in a company statement.