Richmond-based space technology firm MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) said it is forced to cut staffing levels after financial uncertainty arose surrounding the future of the federal Radarsat Constellation Mission.
The company made the announcement that it is "accelerating its steps to restructure its workforce" after a preliminary assessment of the latest federal budget, released Thursday, suggested the money needed to continue the mission "as currently envisioned" was not available.
It's not yet clear just how many jobs are on the line.
MDA said it expects to meet with government officials over the coming weeks to seek clarification on the mission's future.
The company that built the Canadarm was awarded the contract by the Canadian Space Agency to carry out the conceptual design work for the Radarsat Constellation Mission in 2006.
An MDA media release described the mission at the time as a "major enhancement" to Canada's existing Radarsat program. The three-satellite system is designed to monitor and offer continual surveillance of Canada's coast line, northern territories, Arctic waterways, maritime areas of strategic importance and defence interests around the world."
Mission development began in 2005, with satellite launches planned for 2014 and 2015, according to the CSA website.
Radarsat spacecraft are being used to monitor an abandoned Japanese fishing boat floating off British Columbia's north coast. The 150-foot ship is believed to have been swept out to sea in last year's devastating tsunami.
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