Rendering of Aurora Satellite Photo: MDA SPACE

MDA Space is undergoing a 185,000 square foot expansion at its satellite production facility in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec to boost manufacturing capacity for Telesat Lightspeed production. MDA Space announced on Sept. 13 that construction has begun on the expansion. 

The production line is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025.

The company said this facility will be the largest high-volume manufacturing facility in its satellite class. The facility is designed to deliver up to two MDA Aurora digital satellites a day. MDA Space is also working to add 600 new high-skill jobs in Quebec. 

MDA Space is building 198 satellites for the Telesat Lightspeed constellation, based on its Aurora satellite line. MDA said that Telesat is the “first of multiple MDA satellite customers moving to next generation digital constellations.” The company also has an undisclosed customer under an initial $180 million contract. 

“Our strategic investments in expanding our satellite production facility and team are ideally timed to solidify our market leadership position and expand the export and growth opportunities for the Canadian space industry in Quebec and across the country,” MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley commented.