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MDA and Thoth Partner for Canadian SDA Capability

MDA
ARO and Aurora Credit: MDA

Ibadan, 1 June 2023. – MDA Ltd., a provider of advanced technology and services to the global space industry, has announced it is working with Thoth Technology Inc. to create a made-in-Canada deep space radar surveillance and space domain awareness (SDA) capability. A strategic cooperation agreement will integrate MDA’s commercial data services with Thoth’s ground-based radar technology to provide unprecedented levels of sovereign monitoring in deep space over Canada, providing both detection and characterization of space objects.

Thoth uses a unique ground-based radar to characterize objects in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). This new radar technology, called Earthfence, detects and characterizes Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in GEO to provide situational awareness for a region 36,000 km away from Earth. Furthermore, MDA will utilize its extensive experience to provide web-based data services through its industry-leading observation web platform tool to evaluate and store data collected from Earthfence. MDA will also serve as the customer interface for all data requests as part of the agreement.

Speaking on the agreement, Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA, said, “This collaboration is fitting for MDA, and we’re glad to be part of bringing Thoth’s unique deep space radar technology to build this space domain awareness capability in Canada.” Greenley also added, “MDA currently operates the Department of National Defence Sapphire spacecraft, and with this agreement, we are in a good position to continue to provide critical space domain awareness capabilities that are an essential part of space surveillance and space security.”

Likewise, Dr. Caroline Roberts, Thoth Technology President and CEO. added, “Our Earthfence technology provides unprecedented levels of space traffic awareness day or night, and Thoth is the only commercial provider of this service.”

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