COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX:CDV), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that the CASSIOPE Satellite, developed by prime contractor MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) was successfully launched yesterday carrying two payloads, both of which COM DEV contributed to.
COM DEV contributed the Radio Receiver Instrument (RRI) to the science payload, called e-POP. It will probe the characteristics of the ionosphere and help scientists understand the cause and effects of potentially dangerous space weather such as the impact of solar storms on radio communications. The RRI was built in partnership with the University of Calgary. COM DEV also provided standard passive RF components and two novel high-speed Ka-band digital modulators to the Cascade payload. Cascade is a Ka-band high data rate, high capacity store and forward demonstration communications payload developed by MDA.
“We are pleased to have been able to contribute our expertise to both payloads aboard the CASSIOPE Satellite,” said Michael Pley, CEO of COM DEV International. “Our contribution to the Cascade payload highlights COM DEV’s capabilities at the Ka-band frequencies. The use of Ka-band technology is expected to continue to grow as the use of satellites to deliver high-speed broadband and multimedia information services keep expanding.”
The CASSIOPE Satellite, made in Canada by MDA, with support from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Technology Partnerships Canada, is comprised of three working elements that will use the first multi-purpose small satellite platform from the Canadian Small Satellite Bus program. CASSIOPE will operate in the LEO polar orbit.
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.
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 in 2012, 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.
