CAMBRIDGE, ON, April 25, 2012 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that the Yahsat Y1B satellite has been successfully launched into orbit with COM DEV-built microwave components and switches on board.
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company ("Yahsat"), based in Abu Dhabi, is the satellite operator. Recognizing that communications is a vital factor for economic and social growth in today's world, Yahsat's mission is to connect communities around the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia with reliable, affordable broadband services. The company has established partnerships with local communications providers in 28 countries across the region to help deliver the service.
The Y1B payload uses Ka-band multi spot-beam technology, achieving cost-effective bandwidth supply through 61 narrow spot beams.
"The Y1B satellite is a great example of two trends that have been contributing to growth in the commercial communications satellite market," said Michael Pley, CEO of COM DEV. "One is the use of Ka-band technology to provide affordable broadband services to remote and underserved areas. The other is the surge in demand from emerging markets."
Built by Thales Alenia Space, the Y1B was launched April 24th on an ILS Proton Breeze M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It weighs more than 6,000 kg, features a spacecraft power of 14kW and has a 15-year design lifetime.
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: "Video: COM DEV On Board: YahSat 1B is launched from Kazakhstan on April 24, 2012". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrfEvdXWbCM
For further information:
Gary Calhoun
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (519) 622-2300 ext. 2826
[email protected]
Jeff Codispodi
The Equicom Group
Tel: (416) 815-0700 ext. 261
[email protected]
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