The Government of Canada announced on June 30, 2026 the award of a $688-million contract to MDA Space Ltd. to design, build, test, and launch an additional satellite for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM). The announcement was made in Longueuil by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Economic Development Canada for the Quebec Regions. This fourth satellite will strengthen Canada's ability to monitor its vast territory from space, against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions.
A Strategic Investment in National Sovereignty
This investment is directly linked to Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and contributes to meeting NATO spending targets. It is part of a broader $1.012-billion, 15-year funding envelope announced in October 2023 to address Canada's immediate and future satellite Earth observation needs. In December 2025, the Canadian Space Agency had already taken a first procurement step by purchasing specialized components to accelerate production of the additional satellite — a clear signal of the government's intent to act swiftly on this sovereignty priority.
« In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, Canada is investing in modern surveillance systems that detect threats earlier. With this investment, we are reinforcing Canada's satellite sovereignty, providing industry and the Canadian Armed Forces with the intelligence they need to protect communities, inform decisions and keep Canada safe. » – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry
Beyond defence considerations, this contract will create and sustain up to 100 well-paying jobs in Canada's aerospace sector over the life of the project. MDA Space Ltd. will draw on a diversified national supply chain for design, manufacturing, and integration activities, spreading economic benefits across the country.
MDA CHORUS™ Technology at the Core
The additional satellite will be built on a commercial platform from MDA Space Ltd. incorporating the next-generation MDA CHORUS™ synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, combined with 30 years of expertise accumulated through Canada's RADARSAT program. This proven design approach reduces technological risk, accelerates the manufacturing timeline, and ensures full compatibility with the existing RCM infrastructure. Launch is targeted for the early 2030s.
« Every day, Canada and Canadians rely on critical Earth observation technologies to improve maritime security, monitor the Arctic, respond to natural disasters and track environmental change. By leveraging our commercial investments in MDA CHORUS™, Canadians will benefit from cutting-edge technology developed right here in Canada to meet these vital needs. » – Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA Space Ltd.
The decision to build on a proven commercial design rather than starting from scratch reflects a pragmatic approach that reduces delays and costs while maintaining world-class technological standards — an approach that makes sense both operationally and fiscally.
Essential Data for Over 10 Federal Departments
The RADARSAT Constellation Mission delivers daily surveillance data to more than 10 federal departments. That data is critical for monitoring sea ice in the Arctic, managing shipping lanes, detecting floods and oil spills, and supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations by the Canadian Armed Forces. With nearly 10 million square kilometres of territory and the world's longest coastline, Canada relies on space-based observation to monitor regions that simply cannot be reached effectively from the ground.
Adding this extra satellite will guarantee uninterrupted access to RCM data, improving the system's resilience against potential technical failures and meeting growing surveillance demands. It is an insurance policy for the continuity of essential services that millions of Canadians depend on every day.
Longueuil and MDA Space: Pillars of Quebec's Aerospace Sector
MDA Space Ltd., whose space activities are largely rooted in Quebec, once again confirms its role as prime contractor for Canada's major satellite missions. This contract underscores the vitality of the Longueuil aerospace corridor and cements Quebec's position at the heart of Canada's space ambitions. Engineers, technicians, radar specialists, and embedded systems experts working in the region will be at the forefront of this national sovereignty mission.
For aerospace professionals looking to contribute to landmark national and international projects, Quebec's space sector offers stimulating career opportunities and highly skilled, well-paying positions.
Looking for a job in Quebec's aerospace or space industry? Browse available opportunities at MDA Space and across the sector on aeroemploi.ca.