MDA Space has been selected by Mitsubishi Electric to supply the digital payload, antennas and subsystems for Japan’s next-generation geostationary defense communications satellite replacing Kirameki-2. UK facility will develop anti-jamming multi-beam payload with digital beamforming and Montréal plant builds and tests antennas, with contract added to MDA’s Q2 2026 backlog.
MDA Space has been chosen by Mitsubishi Electric to design and manufacture the core digital payload, antennas and various subsystems for Japan’s next-generation geostationary defense communications satellite program, which will replace the Kirameki-2 (DSN-2) satellite in geostationary orbit under the Japan Ministry of Defense.
MDA’s UK facility will develop the advanced anti-jamming, resilient multi-beam payload with digital beamforming capable of in-orbit reconfiguration. Meanwhile, the Montréal plant will fabricate and test the advanced antenna solutions and analog repeater before shipping to Japan for final assembly and integration by Mitsubishi Electric.
The contract will be added to MDA Space’s fiscal 2026 Q2 backlog, reinforcing its leadership in defense communications. The award also underscores growing trade relationships between the UK, Canada and Japan and supports sovereign mission demands for secure, flexible satellite capabilities.
