January 6, 2009

MDA to provide critical solution for International Space Station

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced today that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has increased its funding to expand the scope of the existing contract with MDA to provide support for the Mobile Servicing System, including building a spare Latching End Effector for the Canadarm2. The Servicing System is an essential component of the International Space Station (ISS). The contract amendment is valued at $15.7 million (CAD).

Launched in 2001, the Canadarm2 continues to play a vital role in the assembly and maintenance of the ISS. Canadarm2's large mass handling capability allows it to: move and install station modules, support astronauts during spacewalks, and service instruments and other payloads attached to the space station. The Latching End Effector is the Canadarm2's 'hand', used to grasp and maintain a firm grip on payloads.

Stephen Oldham, one of MDA's vice presidents in the Information Systems group said, 'This spare unit ensures Canadarm2 availability for critical operations through the life of the International Space Station.'

In the fall of 2009, the Canadarm2 will play a key role in docking Japan's unmanned H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) with the ISS. In addition, it will be crucial in manipulating future COTS Vehicles, American cargo movers, with the station.

MDA provides advanced information solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of business and government organizations worldwide.

Focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

MDA employs more than 3,300 people in locations across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol. TSX: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. with respect to future events and financial performance. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and MDA's actual results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations. Additional information on these and other potential factors that could affect MDA's financial results are detailed in documents filed from time to time with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.