CAMBRIDGE, ON, March 28, 2012 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that the Intelsat 22 satellite was successfully launched into orbit with COM DEV-built equipment onboard.
As announced earlier this week by Intelsat S.A. and International Launch Services (ILS), an ILS Proton M vehicle successfully launched the Intelsat 22 satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Liftoff occurred on March 26 at 8:10 a.m. EDT (18:10 in Baikonur). After a 15 hour and 30 minute mission, at 11:40 p.m. EDT, the Breeze M successfully released the Intelsat 22 satellite, weighing 6199 kg, into supersynchronous transfer orbit (SSTO) at a 65,000 km apogee.
Built by Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems, the satellite will provide C- and Ku-band capacity for media, government and network services customers in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In addition, Intelsat 22 will host a specialized UHF communications payload for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Once operational in May, it will replace Intelsat 709 at 72° East and is expected to have a useful life of approximately 18 years.
Two COM DEV divisions played a role on Intelsat 22. COM DEV International Products designed and built the multiplexer assemblies and switches which form the heart of the primary communications payload on the satellite. COM DEV USA provided key equipment for the hosted payload portion of the spacecraft.
"We are pleased to be able to contribute to the success of Intelsat 22," said Michael Pley, CEO of COM DEV. "Hosted payloads provide an opportunity for governments to cost effectively enhance their space-based capabilities. COM DEV is a world leader in passive microwave devices, as evidenced by our remarkable track record of having placed equipment onboard over 80% of all commercial communications satellites ever launched, and we are thrilled that our equipment is on board one of the first ever hosted payloads of this nature."
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: Launch of Intelsat 22 on 374th Proton". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgUytJW4UlQ&feature=related
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
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