Leading Satellite Equipment Supplier, COM DEV, Selected to Supply TT&C Units to SSTL for FORMOSAT-7 Weather Forecasting Programme

AYLESBURY, England, October 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

COM DEV Europe, a leading provider of spacecraft equipment with participation in over 86 previous space missions, today announced that it was selected to provide the Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) Transponder equipment to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) for the first six spacecraft in the FORMOSAT-7 global weather forecasting programme. This press release follows an earlier release (25^th February 2013) which had identified the Authorisation to Proceed but at that time could not identify the customer. The total contract, worth more than CDN $4m, will be fulfilled at its facility in UK over a two-year period and involves the initial build of 14 units with options for an additional 12 units to be ordered in 2013 or 2014.

TT&C transponders are the vital communications link between the spacecraft and ground stations and are therefore critical to the day-to-day operation and success of any mission. COM DEV Europe has an impeccable reliability record of delivering space equipment for well over 27 years working with all the world's prime satellite manufacturers. It undertakes leading edge R&D activities to update its product portfolio and specialises in the development and supply of spacecraft communication equipment including Inter-Satellite Links, Transponders/Transceivers and DownLink Communication equipment. Using heritage parts data and advanced design techniques, a product has been proven that combines the high performance of modern devices with proven reliability at an affordable cost. The transponder gained flight heritage in 2012 with the launch of the exactView-1 mission and further flight heritage will be obtained with the launch of the M3M spacecraft expected in late 2013.

The COM DEV Europe transponder combines a very light, compact and efficient design employing the latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) power amplifier technology and cutting edge digital signal processing techniques. The design uses commercially available components (ESA class-3) and is free from ITAR restrictions. It is also based on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology to allow a flexible approach for different mission types and phases.

The development and qualification of the equipment was part-funded through the European Space Agency ARTES programme, with support from the UK's Technology Strategy Board.  The support that is given to UK companies enables them to invest in leading-edge product developments with large potential export benefits.

COM DEV Europe's President, Rob Spurrett, said, "We have developed an excellent working relationship with SSTL during the initial phases of the programme and looking forward to continuing this to the successful delivery of the programme. The fact that SSTL have selected our unit for this high profile international mission makes me extremely proud, and we believe endorses the technologically advanced nature of the product and its value for money for the wider space market."

About COM DEV Europe

COM DEV Europe (CDE) is subsidiary of COM DEV International, a leading global designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. Founded in 1985 and based in Aylesbury, United Kingdom, CDE supplies complex equipment, technology solutions and subsystems for space applications with equipment supplied on over 85 space programmes. Its customer base includes all the major space satellite providers as well as government institutions.

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 view expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency. The triangular logo and the word COM DEV are each registered trademarks and the property of COM DEV Ltd. All rights reserved.

For further information:
Rob Goldsmith
Business Development Director
COM DEV Europe
Tel: +44(0)1296-616420
rob.goldsmith@comdev.co.uk

Gary Calhoun
Chief Financial Officer
COM DEV International
Tel: +1-519-622-2300
ext. 2826
gary.calhoun@comdev.ca

Craig MacPhail
TMX Equicom
Tel: +1-416-815-0700
ext. 290
cmacphail@tmxequicom.com