The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) announced today that the company has been awarded $1.2 million by the CSA for Phase A for a key scientific instrument of the NASA Phoenix Mission, set to go to Mars in 2007. “Most benefits from science missions to Mars occur right here on Earth,” said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CSA. “Such highly specialized technological challenges enhance our industry’s innovative capacities. Furthermore, the funds are spent right here in Canada, allowing for new job opportunities and technology transfers to other sectors of the industry”.