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COM DEV equipment launched on ASTRA 2F commercial communications satellite
[October 03, 2012]

COM DEV equipment launched on ASTRA 2F commercial communications satellite


(Canada Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) CAMBRIDGE, ON, Oct. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - COM DEV International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), a leading manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, today announced that the SES ASTRA 2F satellite was successfully launched on September 28 with COM DEV-built multiplexers, filters and switches on board.



Built for SES by Astrium, ASTRA 2F carries Ku- and Ka-band payloads for the delivery of high-performance Direct-to-Home (DTH) and next generation broadband services. The satellite, along with two others planned by SES, provides replacement and growth capacity for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  The Ka-band payload will allow SES Broadband Services to support download speeds of up to 20 Mbps.

Click here to view a launch video and related information "The ASTRA 2F launch epitomizes many of the trends we are seeing in the satcom market," said Mike Williams, President of COM DEV International Products.  "It includes replacement capacity, which is always an important driver of demand for commercial satellites, plus additional capacity in Ka-band to deliver new services.  The coverage area will include emerging markets where much of the growth in demand for bandwidth is originating.  The combination of these trends has led to a very robust commercial satellite market." ASTRA 2F was launched from French Guiana on September 28 on an Ariane 5 rocket, along with another telecommunications satellite.  The combined payload was 9,401 kg, and both satellites were injected into orbit nearly 36,000 km above the Earth within 30 minutes.  ASTRA 2F will be brought into commercial service in the next few weeks following the completion of the extensive in-orbit testing program, and has a design life of 15 years.


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.

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