SSL to provide camera focus mechanisms for NASA-JPL Mars 2020 project

PASADENA, CA, April 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that MDA US Systems, a division of MDA managed by SSL, will design and build the camera focus mechanisms for the NASA-JPL Mars 2020 Rover instrument, named SHERLOC, which will be used to research the surface of Mars and to support the selection of return samples.  The Company is providing the focus mechanism to Malin Space Science Systems, a leader in space camera systems working directly with JPL on the Mars Rover cameras.

"It is an honor to have this opportunity to contribute to the MARS 2020 mission," said Nick Zello, Director, Emerging Markets Operations. "SSL provides a unique combination of spacecraft, robotics, and other systems and mechanisms, and we believe our space hardware heritage, design creativity, and responsiveness provide a compelling value for our partners."

The Company is an expert in the field of complex Space Mechanisms and robotics for extreme environments such as the surface of Mars.  The focus mechanism for SHERLOC is the second contract award that the company announced for hardware on the NASA-JPL Mars 2020 Program. SSL also recently announced other work with JPL and is the industry partner for a potential NASA Discovery Mission to the asteroid Psyche and is participating in a first phase study for a spacecraft bus for NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission.

About SSL

SSL, a subsidiary of MDA, is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions.  The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for service such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband Internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation.  As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL's advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations.  For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 11 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.'s (MDA) common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively "MDA" or the "Company") with respect to future events and financial performance.  When used in this news release, the words "believes", "expects", "plans", "may", "will", "would", "could", "should", "anticipates", "estimates", "project", "intend" or "outlook" or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including competition, cyclicality of MDA's end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of MDA's factory and personnel; risk associated with financial factors such as volatility in exchange rates, increases in interest rates, restrictions on access to capital, and swings in global financial markets; risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation, including export controls and economic sanctions; and other risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects MDA's beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.

SOURCE MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

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