Overview

• The initial US$1.3 billion deal covers design, manufacturing and testing of more than 100 software-defined satellites, with options to expand to 200 units at a total value of US$2.5 billion.
• The Aurora constellation will adhere to 3GPP non-terrestrial network and Open RAN standards to deliver messaging, voice, broadband data and video directly to unmodified 5G devices.
• MDA Space has begun a 185,000-square-foot expansion of its Montreal production plant to support high-volume assembly, integration and testing of the LEO satellites.
• EchoStar’s exclusive AWS-4/S-band spectrum licenses and leadership in NTN standardization underpin its ability to serve 350 million Americans and over 7 billion people globally.
• Satellite deliveries are slated to start in 2028, with full commercial launch of the direct-to-device network expected in 2029, bolstering U.S. leadership in non-terrestrial 5G connectivity.