exactEarth Sells Satellite-Based AIS Data To Canadian Government
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - exactEarth Ltd., the data services subsidiary of COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), today announced that it has signed a $1.4 million contract with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide space-based Automatic Identification System (S-AIS) data. exactEarth will supply the CSA with both historical data collected previously by its AIS nanosatellite (NTS) as well as with datasets to be captured at times and locations specified by the CSA through March 31, 2010. Launched in April, 2008, originally for technology validation purposes, NTS continues to orbit the Earth and gather valuable data on global maritime traffic.
The newly collected data for this Canadian government contract represents the first use of exactEarth's new Data Processing Centre in Toronto. The multi-million dollar, high-reliability facility has been under development for several months and is now operational. exactEarth began delivering data under this contract on February 12, 2010.
The Canadian Space Agency has a keen interest in satellite-based AIS data, which has potential uses ranging from surveillance to safety at sea to environmental protection. This data will be used by several government departments to supplement their other sources of maritime information and help them develop and evaluate operational plans for the use of S-AIS data on an ongoing basis.
"We are pleased with the strong support and interest shown by the Canadian government," said Peter Mabson, President of exactEarth. "When our exactAIS(TM) service becomes operational later this year, it will be based on a constellation of larger 100 kg-class microsatellites. Our early successes with NTS have also demonstrated that even 10 kg-class nanosatellites can serve as operational assets that offer utility for certain applications."
About exactEarth Ltd.
exactEarth Ltd. (www.exactEarth.com) is a data services company that leverages advanced microsatellite technology and globally deployed ground systems to deliver monitoring solutions characterized by high performance, reliability, security, and simplicity. exactEarth's initial service, exactAIS(TM), is a global vessel tracking and monitoring system based on world leading space-based advanced AIS detection technology. Based in Cambridge, ON, Canada, exactEarth is a subsidiary of COM DEV International Ltd., a leading global designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems.
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. COM DEV International ("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 exactEarth logos and the words exactEarth and exactAIS are trademarks and the property of exactEarth Ltd. The triangular logo and the word COM DEV are each registered trademarks and the property of COM DEV Ltd. All rights reserved.
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For further information: Peter Mabson, President, exactEarth Ltd., Tel: (519) 622-2300 ext. 4800, [email protected]; Jeff Codispodi, The Equicom Group, Tel: (416) 815-0700 ext. 261, [email protected]
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