[SatNews] MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions, announced its U.S. operation has signed an option under an existing agreement to provide an advanced technology solution to Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) for its Star-2 satellites. The original contract was signed in September 2009. With the exercise of this option, it brings the total contract value to $4.7 million (USD). Delivery of this current option will be in 2011 and includes other options for an additional $5.7 million (USD) that could extend through 2012. Orbital's Star satellites are supplied to operators providing fixed, mobile, and direct broadcast communication services throughout the world. MDA's solution will provide the bus structure, which is built in the U.S.