MDA Space Ltd. (NYSE: MDA) opened a new 185,000-square-foot satellite manufacturing facility in Montreal on May 8, doubling the company's manufacturing floor space. The facility was completed in under two years and is designed to produce up to 400 satellites annually.

The new facility specializes in manufacturing MDA's AURORA satellite product line and incorporates automation technology, augmented reality systems, and proprietary testing equipment. The company stated that satellite production has begun at the facility.

The expansion enables MDA Space to simultaneously assemble, integrate and test multiple satellites. The facility includes features designed to meet LEED certification standards, including a green roof, rainwater collection system and solar panels that will generate 78,000 kWh of energy annually.

"This new high-volume manufacturing facility is a key part of our strategy to establish MDA Space as a leading prime contractor for satellite constellations," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space.

Luigi Pozzebon, Vice-President of Satellite Systems at MDA Space, noted the company has been designing satellite technology for more than 60 years. The facility represents MDA Space's expansion into high-volume satellite constellation manufacturing.

The opening was attended by Canadian government officials, including Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and Quebec Minister of Economy Bernard Drainville, who highlighted the facility's role in Canada's space sector capabilities.

MDA Space, based in Canada, provides technology and services to the global space industry, with more than 4,000 employees worldwide. The company has been involved in over 450 space missions and participated in developing Canada's first satellite in the 1960s.