This Echo is READ ONLY !   NO Un-Authorized Messages Please!
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Canadian Space Agency

Press Release
**************************************************

CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY AWARDS $116 MILLION CONTRACT TO MD ROBOTICS

St. Hubert, Quebec-June 3, 2003-The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) today
awarded a four-year contract worth $116 million to MacDonald
Dettwiler Space and Advanced Robotics (MD Robotics) of Brampton,
Ontario, to provide ongoing engineering services for the
Canadian-made Mobile Servicing System on the International Space
Station.

"This contract is an example of the ongoing partnership between the
space industry and government," said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry
and Minister responsible for the CSA. "The Canadian Space Agency and
MacDonald Dettwiler have developed a strong working relationship,
positioning Canada as a leader in space robotics, strengthening our
Canadian space industry and creating high-tech jobs."

As part of this contract administered by Public Works and Government
Services Canada, MD Robotics will provide software maintenance and
enhancement for orbiting Canadian robotic components, and the
development, testing and integration of Dextre, a special purpose
multi-functional robot. MD Robotics will also provide spare equipment
and overall technical support on the ground.

Dan Friedmann, President and CEO of MDA, said: "With this contract,
our robotics on the International Space Station, including Canadarm2,
will transition to long term operation on Station. This is a key
milestone for our Robotics group."

The Space Station's sophisticated robotic system is critical to its
assembly, maintenance, and servicing.  It includes Canadarm2
(installed in 2001), the Mobile Base System (installed in 2002), and
the two-armed robot known as Dextre, which will be undergoing final
testing before launch and installation on the Space Station in 2005.

MD Robotics is a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Ltd of Richmond, BC. (TSX: MDA)

About the CSA

Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert,
Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the
Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and
Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services
involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence
in Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space
Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian
Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application
of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

About MacDonald Dettwiler Space and Advanced Robotics (MD Robotics)

MDA subsidiary, MD Robotics is the world leader in space robotics,
offering sophisticated robotic engineering solutions for applications
in space and on Earth.   MD Robotics is the prime contractor to the
Canadian Space Agency for the sophisticated robotic system critical
to the assembly, maintenance and servicing of the International Space
Station. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) is an
information company providing customers with essential information
used for decision making in the workplace. The company employs over
2,200 people around the world.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

Monique Billette
Senior Media Relations Officer
Canadian Space Agency
450-926-4370
Monique.billette{at}space.gc.ca

Lynne Vanin
Manager, Public Relations
MD Robotics
905-790-4466
lvanin{at}mdrobotics.ca

Ted Schellenberg
Media Relations
MacDonald Dettwiler
604-231-2215
teds{at}mda.ca

 - END OF FILE -
==========

@Message posted automagically by IMTHINGS POST 1.30
---