MDA Space to supply antenna subsystems for 66 IRIS² LEO satellites
Thales Alenia Space has given MDA Space a contract worth over C$100 million for IRIS² antenna subsystems.
MDA Space will supply digital antenna subsystems for 66 IRIS² Low-Earth Orbit satellites under a new contract with Thales Alenia Space, announced on 30 October 2026. Thales issued the Canadian manufacturer an authorisation to proceed valued at more than C$100 million ($72 million).
MDA will provide its Aurora broadband digital phased array antennas and a digital antenna controller, both with digital beamforming capabilities. The company said its Aurora direct radiating arrays will be "key enablers" for the programme.
Eutelsat contracted the LEO component of IRIS² in September, with Airbus building 66 Ka-band satellites and Thales Alenia Space supplying the payloads. The 66 satellites will form Layer 1 of the IRIS² LEO component and are set to launch in 2029. Separately, Aerospacelab is building 264 dual Ku/Ka-band satellite platforms.
MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley called the contract a "landmark moment" for the company and its Aurora technology.
Sourcesatellitetoday.com