Dedicated to leading innovation in Ontario’s high-tech and advanced manufacturing sectors, the City of Brampton is an attractive location for global corporations and talented workers seeking to take their success to the highest level. For MDA, an international space mission partner and a robotics, satellite systems and geo-intelligence pioneer, Brampton’s robust economic ecosystem helps them do just that. With an impressive 53-year history of firsts on and above Earth, MDA is thriving and continuing its trajectory of bringing innovative space robotics technologies to market.
Over 50 Years of Out-of-This-World Innovation
From helping Canada become the first country with a domestic communications satellite to equipping the International Space Station with Canadarm technologies, MDA plays a leading role in advancing the rapidly expanding space industry.
The global space technology leader has recently started the preliminary design for Canadarm3 for the NASA-led Gateway mission, which is the next international space station that will orbit the Moon. MDA is also concurrently developing spinoff commercial products to enable emerging space applications including in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing.
Recently, MDA unveiled plans for a facility in Brampton that will support the company’s ongoing growth while laying a solid foundation for long-term success in the constantly evolving commercial space robotics market.
Building Global Headquarters and A Space Robotics Centre of Excellence
Construction is currently underway in Brampton, for MDA’s 200,000-square-foot global corporate headquarters building – including company’s recently announced Space Robotics Centre of Excellence.
MDA’s Vice-President of Robotics and Space Operations, Holly Johnson, shares that the centre “will be home to Canadarm3 and feature state-of-the-art labs, advanced manufacturing, research and development, and critical assembly, integration and test facilities.” Additionally, the building will be designed to facilitate visitor experiences, allowing the company to engage with the public and other stakeholders.
Highlighting just some of the opportunities MDA’s Canadian headquarters will provide to clients both here and abroad, Senior Director of Business Development, Laurie Chappell, said “MDA’s new facility will feature a unique Space Robotics Mission Control Centre, enabling MDA to provide critical on-orbit operations services to commercial and government customers worldwide”.
Creating Jobs for World-Leading Space Innovators
The Brampton-based Centre of Excellence is also attracting talent interested in working in the cutting-edge field of space robotics. MDA’s building will host 700 highly skilled employees pushing the boundaries of space-based engineering. “Our team is growing quickly, in line with the space economy. Our new facility will be an inclusive, diverse, and safe home to world-leading innovators,” says Margaret Bailey, VP of Human Resources.
Inspiring the Future of Robotics, Satellite Systems, and Geointelligence
There is no doubt that MDA is inspiring the future of robotics, satellite constellations, and Earth observation, demonstrated by the excitement of current employees and new talent eager to join the growing team. “It’s an exciting time to be at MDA,” shares Chris Langley, an MDA engineer. “We’re creating the intelligent algorithms that will allow Canadarm3 to think for itself and complete its tasks on the Gateway – 400,000 kilometres from Earth – without human intervention. It’s incredible,” says Langley.
With impressive innovations dating back to 1969, MDA is not showing any signs of slowing down. They are set to provide 32 external robotic interfaces for the Axiom Station – anticipated to be the world’s first in-orbit commercial space station. After 53 years of pioneering work, it is evident that MDA is just getting started.
Ever wondered what it’s like to work in the space industry?
MDA may have a space for you. Join the mission at mda.space/careers.
