CAMBRIDGE, ON, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that two satellites have been successfully launched with COM DEV-built equipment on board. The Echostar XVII and MSG-3 satellites were launched from French Guiana on July 5 on an Ariane 5 rocket, which carried its 9,640 kg payload to geostationary orbit nearly 36,000 km above the Earth in just 34 minutes.
"This launch illustrates the breadth of COM DEV's capabilities," said Michael Pley, CEO of COM DEV. "Our UK-based division supplied electronics and imaging equipment for a European meteorological satellite, while our international products group provided passive microwave components for a US commercial communications satellite. It's this range of capabilities that has enabled COM DEV to fly equipment on more spacecraft than any other company in the world."
EchoStar XVII is a high-throughput Ka-band satellite that will provide broadband internet services to consumers, businesses and government customers across North America. With a total capacity exceeding 100 Gbps, the satellite will enable customers to experience faster speeds and the industry's greatest download capacity. Built by Space Systems/Loral, EchoStar XVII weighed 6,100 kg at launch and will have a solar array wingspan of nearly 40 metres.
MSG-3 (Meteosat Second Generation) will provide meteorologists and weather forecasters with a powerful tool for the detection and prediction of weather-related events. Part of a European family of four geostationary meteorological detection and observation satellites, it will provide highly detailed imagery of Europe, the North Atlantic and Africa. MSG-3 was built by an industry consortium led by Thales Alenia Space, and will be operated by EUMETSAT (the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites).
About COM DEV
COM DEV International Ltd. (www.comdevintl.com) is a leading global provider of space hardware and services. With facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, COM DEV manufactures advanced subsystems and microsatellites that are sold to major satellite prime contractors, government agencies and satellite operators, for use in communications, space science, remote sensing and defense applications. COM DEV's majority-owned subsidiary, exactEarth Ltd., provides satellite data services.
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in any forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that, among other things, in view of the rapid changes in communications markets and technologies, and other risks including the cost and market acceptance of the Company's new products, the level of individual customer procurements and competitive product offerings and pricing, and general economic circumstances, the Company's business prospects may be materially different from forward-looking statements made by the Company.
The triangular logo and the word COM DEV are each registered trademarks and the property of COM DEV Ltd. All rights reserved.
Video with caption: "COM DEV On Board: Echostar XVII and MSG-3 are launched from French Guiana on July 5, 2012 ". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVKafQ4cxZE&feature=related
Gary Calhoun
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (519) 622-2300 ext. 2826
[email protected]
Jeff Codispodi
The Equicom Group
Tel: (416) 815-0700 ext. 261
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