CAMBRIDGE, ON, May 17, 2012 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that two communications satellites have been successfully launched with COM DEV-built switches and other passive microwave components on board. JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 were launched on May 15 from French Guiana on a single Ariane 5 rocket.
Both satellites will serve the growing Asian market. JCSAT-13 will replace an existing satellite providing television broadcast coverage to Japan, Indonesia, the Middle and Near East, Southwest Asia and Oceania. VINASAT-2 is the second satellite ever launched for Viet Nam, and will provide new capacity for television, radio and telecommunications services for that country. Both satellites were designed and built by Lockheed Martin.
"We expect the Asian market to be a source of significant long-term growth in demand for satellites," said Michael Pley, CEO of COM DEV. "Asia and the other emerging markets represent 80% of the world's population but only one-third of the satellite capacity currently launched each year."
The launch encompassed a number of significant milestones. The two spacecraft were the 100th and 101st Lockheed Martin-built GEO (geosynchronous Earth orbit) commercial communications satellites ever launched. Arianespace surpassed 300 primary satellites launched from its French Guiana operations, and recorded the 48th consecutive success for an Ariane 5 launch vehicle. After launching more than 40 satellites for Lockheed Martin, this was Arianespace's first dual launch of satellites built by the manufacturer. The combined weight of the two satellites was over 7,500 kilograms.
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: "COM DEV On Board: JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 are launched from French Guiana on May 15, 2012 ". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQymJc-eX24&feature=related
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]
Share this article