...$15.8-million contract to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) for the design of a sophisticated mapping system known as the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter. OSIRIS-REx will be the first U.S. mission to return a sample from an asteroid to Earth. The successful completion of the Laser Altimeter will further enhance Canada’s competitiveness in space robotics, a key sector of our economy.

“Our government has always been a strong supporter of the Canadian space sector, and this groundbreaking project will position the industry to take full advantage of future space and non-space opportunities,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada has a proud legacy in space, and our government is ensuring that the sector can continue to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians.”

These are achievements every Canadian can be proud of, and they are proof that Canadian ingenuity and leadership in advanced space technology are alive and well. OSIRIS-REx will be launched in September 2016 and will reach asteroid 1999 RQ36 in 2018.