COM DEV Optical Payload Launched on the Sapphire Satellite
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Feb. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that the Sapphire satellite developed by prime contractor MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) was successfully launched today with a COM DEV designed and built optical payload instrument on-board.
COM DEV provided the Sapphire optical payload which consists of the Optical Imaging Subsystem (OIS) and the Data Handling and Control Subsystem (DHCS). The OIS is a visible-band telescope housed with a low noise preamplifier and a focal plane that will acquire a series of images for each target object in space. The DCHS contains primary and redundant electronics which can correct the images that have been captured and compress the image data before it is transmitted to a ground station for additional processing.
Sapphire is the Canadian Department of National Defence's first dedicated operational military satellite. This space-based electro-optical sensor will track man-made space objects in Earth orbit as part of Canada's continued support of Space Situational Awareness. Data from the Sapphire satellite will contribute to the U.S. Space Surveillance Network, enhancing the ability of both countries to detect and avoid the collision of critical space platforms with other satellites or pieces of debris.
"We are pleased to have made a major contribution to a satellite that is a first for the Canadian Department of National Defence", said Michael Pley, CEO of COM DEV International. "We are privileged to have had the opportunity to apply our world class optical systems expertise to this important operational mission."
About COM DEV
COM DEV International Ltd. (www.comdevintl.com) is a leading global provider of space hardware and services. The company has a staff of 1,300, annual revenues of $208 million, and facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. COM DEV designs manufactures, and integrates advanced products, 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. The company has won contracts to supply its equipment on over 900 spacecraft. COM DEV's majority-owned subsidiary, exactEarth Ltd., provides satellite data services for global maritime surveillance.
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.
SOURCE: Com Dev International Ltd.
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TMX Equicom
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