COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV – News), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that a nanosatellite carrying an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver built by COM DEV has successfully been deployed by the Antrix PSLV-C9 launch conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India on April 28, 2008. This activity is part of COM DEV’s technology validation process intended to verify the performance of key elements of its advanced space-based AIS systems solution.
COM DEV commissioned the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies Space Flight Laboratory (UTIAS/SFL) to build the experimental spacecraft and integrate the COM DEV payload. UTIAS/SFL will also be responsible for the operation of the nanosatellite. The mission will collect data that will validate key technology and performance characteristics of the AIS system, enabling design improvements to be incorporated into the final product. The mission will also provide information related to maritime vessel densities and distribution, which will be used to optimize any future constellation system design.
“The successful launch of this nanosatellite is another key step in COM DEV’s commitment to leadership in space-based AIS monitoring,” said John Keating, CEO of COM DEV International. “This project was carried out in seven months from kick-off to launch and clearly demonstrates COM DEV’s responsive capability to market opportunities as well as that of UTIAS/SFL.”
COM DEV remains on track to provide an advanced space-based AIS capability that exceeds the performance of any other commercial system. This capability will enhance maritime safety and security on a global scale. The AIS data transmitted by over 68,000 ships worldwide is now collected primarily from other ships and land-based receivers with a limited range of approximately 50 nautical miles. COM DEV has developed satellite payload technology to solve the traditional challenges associated with space-based collection of AIS data, and is committed to commercializing it following a series of tests.
About COM DEV
COM DEV International Ltd. (www.comdevintl.com) is a leading global designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. With facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, COM DEV manufactures advanced products and subsystems that are sold to major satellite prime contractors for use in communications, space science, remote sensing and military satellites.
COM DEV and COM DEV Space are registered trademarks of COM DEV International Ltd. 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.
For further information
Gary Calhoun, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (519) 622-2300 ext. 2826, Fax: (519) 622-2158, gary.calhoun@comdev.ca
Jeff Codispodi, The Equicom Group, Tel: (416) 815-0700 ext. 261, Fax: (416) 815-0080, jcodispodi@equicomgroup.com
