EchoStar tapped MDA Space to build the world’s first Open RAN broadband NTN LEO constellation, committing $5 billion to a 200-satellite system that could eventually scale to thousands. The constellation will deliver global talk, text, and broadband services directly to standard 5G NTN handheld devices without hardware modifications. Commercial service is slated to begin in 2029, with the first 100+ MDA AURORA software-defined satellites under a $1.3 billion contract.
EchoStar said the new system will cover all 350 million Americans, including Alaska and Hawaii, and extend services to more than 7 billion people worldwide. The constellation leverages EchoStar’s global 2GHz spectrum assets, including U.S. AWS-4 licenses, European and Canadian holdings, and recent NGSO launches. Since 2012, EchoStar has invested more than $18 billion in non-terrestrial networks, including spectrum acquisitions, GEO satellites, 3GPP standardization efforts, and deployment of its cloud-native standalone 5G Open RAN network.
MDA Space will design, manufacture, and test the satellites at its Canadian facility. The system will use up to 25×20 MHz of 2GHz spectrum and comply fully with 3GPP NTN standards, enabling voice, messaging, broadband, and video services from launch. The satellites will also support connectivity for sensors and mobile vehicles. EchoStar is already delivering D2D messaging services in Europe and plans to extend them to North America in 2026.
• EchoStar invests $5B for 200-satellite wideband LEO system, scalable to thousands
• MDA Space awarded $1.3B contract for first tranche of 100+ AURORA satellites
• Commercial launch expected in 2029 after deliveries begin in 2028
• Constellation leverages AWS-4/S-band 2GHz spectrum with global licenses
• Services include talk, text, broadband, video, IoT, and D2D for 3GPP NTN devices
“EchoStar’s Hughes communications division has over 60 years of leadership in the satellite and space technology business,” said Hamid Akhavan, president & CEO of EchoStar. “Our expertise, spectrum assets, and service capabilities, combined with MDA’s satellite innovation, will foster U.S. leadership in the growing space economy.”
🌐 Why it Matters: Direct-to-device satellite broadband is a critical frontier for global connectivity and competitive positioning in NTN networks. EchoStar’s LEO commitment deepens U.S. leadership in spectrum-backed satellite broadband at a time when multiple operators, including SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk, are racing to deliver D2D services.
MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA) is a Canadian space technology company headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, with major facilities in Montreal and Vancouver. The company develops and manufactures advanced space robotics, satellite systems, Earth observation technologies, and components for next-generation space infrastructure. Its heritage includes the iconic Canadarm and Canadarm2 used on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. MDA’s current portfolio spans satellite constellations, space-based radar, robotic arms for lunar missions, and communications payloads. The company is led by CEO Mike Greenley, who previously held senior roles at CAE and General Dynamics. MDA Space re-listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2021 after being acquired from Maxar Technologies by a consortium led by Northern Private Capital. Key milestones include supplying robotics for NASA’s Artemis program (Canadarm3 for the Lunar Gateway), building Earth observation satellites such as RADARSAT, and serving as prime contractor for Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO constellation. With a growing order backlog and partnerships across government, defense, and commercial space markets, MDA Space plays a central role in Canada’s space strategy and in enabling global satellite connectivity.
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