MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) has taken a controlling interest in Orbital Optics Ltd., MDA announced March 20.

MDA will pay 900,000 British pounds ($1.7 million) to Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), which established Obital Optics in April 2006 to commercialize high-resolution optical data collection technology developed by Rutherford.

"This acquisition not only improves MDA’s ability to offer unique highly competitive solutions for small satellite mission opportunities around the world, but it also increases our content on these bids," Steve Oldham, director of business development at MDA, said in a statement. "In addition, this U.K. presence and the associated strong relationship with RAL is expected to increase our market access to European opportunities for small satellite missions."