Richmond, BC - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") (TSX: MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has signed a contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). MDA will provide additional grapple fixtures, which provide a critical interface between the JEM Robotic Manipulator System (JEMRMS) and mission support equipment of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). JEM is a human-rated space facility designed and developed for conducting scientific research activities on the International Space Station (ISS), and uses the JEMRMS to support its experiments and maintenance tasks.

The grapple fixtures are specially adapted to work with the JEMRMS and some of the payloads it handles, both mechanically and electrically. With Japan’s commitment to extend its participation in the ISS program until 2024, these new grapple fixtures will support further JEM operations such as JAXA’s innovative Small Satellite Orbital Deployer for launching cubesats from the ISS.

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.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA” or the “Company”) with respect to future events, financial performance and operational capabilities. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the design and construction of technology for use in an extraterrestrial environment. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include the contract not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes in government or government agency priorities, mandates, policies, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; risks associated with the design, development and operation of technology for use in an extraterrestrial environment; failure of systems to meet performance requirements and technical standards; and failure to anticipate changes in technology.

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.