MDA Space secured a significant contract to support a next-generation defense communications satellite for Japan. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has contracted the Canadian manufacturer to build the digital payload, antennas, and various subsystems for a communications satellite that will replace Japan’s Kirameki-2 milsatcom satellite.
The Japan Ministry of Defense awarded Mitsubishi Electric the prime contract in February for the satellite and associated ground system. The satellite will have stronger interference protection and a larger communication capacity than Kirameki-2, which is an X-band communications satellite.
Mitsubishi Electric’s prime contract is worth 123.5 billion yen, with a delivery date set for March 29, 2030. Financial details of the award to MDA Space were not disclosed.
MDA Space said its U.K. team will support the core technology for the anti-jamming, multi-beam payload, which will be equipped with digital beamforming to be reconfigured in orbit. MDA Space’s Montréal facility will manufacture and test antenna solutions, including the analog repeater. MDA Space will also provide legacy products for the deployable mechanism of thrusters and reflectors.
Mitsubishi Electric will perform assembly, integration, and testing in Japan.
“It’s an honor for us to once again be collaborating with long-time customer Mitsubishi Electric, this time to provide key technology for Japan’s critical defence communication infrastructure,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “Our advanced dual-use technologies combined with the expertise and reach of our global satellite team ideally position MDA Space to respond to robust demand for sovereign missions with secure and flexible capabilities.”
