MDA Space has received an authorization to proceed from Thales Alenia Space to begin work on digital antenna subsystems for 66 Layer 1 satellites in the European Union’s IRIS² secure-connectivity constellation. Valued at more than US$100 million, the agreement covers MDA’s AURORA broadband digital phased-array antennas and antenna controllers. The first Layer 1 satellites are scheduled to launch in 2029, while the full contract for MDA’s scope remains to be finalised.
The authorization allows work to start before the definitive contract is in place. MDA expects the agreement to enter its backlog in fiscal fourth-quarter 2026. The announcement did not specify the number or configuration of antenna units per satellite, or provide a detailed delivery schedule.
MDA’s AURORA direct-radiating arrays use digital beamforming and are designed for high-volume production. The systems are designed, manufactured and tested at the company’s facility in Montréal. Thales Alenia Space, the contracting party, is a joint venture in which Thales holds a 67% stake and Leonardo 33%.