MDA Space reopens operations at David Florida Laboratory

MDA Space Ltd has taken over operation of the David Florida Laboratory (DFL) in Ottawa, ensuring this world-class testing facility remains open to industry and under sovereign Canadian control. The facility houses essential infrastructure that enables the assembly, integration and testing of entire spacecraft and satellite systems and subsystems to ensure their ability to operate in the harsh conditions of space. No other facility of its kind is commercially available in Canada.

Owned and operated by the Canadian Government since the 1970s, DFL has been a strategic national asset and integral part of Canada's national and industrial end-to-end space capability for decades, supporting the development of space technology and critical missions for both the government and private sector. The facility has played a pivotal role in establishing Canada’s world-leading national and industrial space capabilities including critical components of the James Webb Space Telescope, all Canadarm space robotics, the RADARSAT family of Earth observation satellites, and multiple generations of essential communications satellites that support every aspect of the daily lives of Canadians.

MDA’s stewardship of the facility underscores its commitment to advancing the nation’s space ambitions while ensuring Canadian companies have the resources they need to succeed in a growing and commercializing global space industry.

“The David Florida Laboratory is an irreplaceable national asset and the operational transfer to industry at a time of rapid commercialization of the global and domestic space industry is a natural evolution,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “We are honoured to take on this responsibility to ensure DFL remains open to all industry for the long term, preserving Canada’s sovereign space capabilities and helping to foster innovation and growth across the Canadian space sector.”

The David Florida Laboratory will continue to support a range of assembly, integration and test (AI&T) requirements including Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), thermal vacuum, antenna and vibration test services. MDA Space is committed to providing fair and equitable access to all industry partners to test and validate their advanced technologies on a competitive fee-for-services basis.

Details of integration and testing services offered at DFL are available on the MDA Space LaunchPad portal or by contacting DFL@mda.space.