COM DEV International Ltd., a manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, successfully launched its equipment on Star One C3 and Eutelsat (News - Alert) 21B satellites. COMDEV’s equipment included its multiplexers, filters and switches on board.

"Star One C3 not only covers South America , but it spans Brazilian waters, offering better communication possibilities for the oil and gas industry, while Eutelsat 21B is the first of 7 satellites to be launched by mid-2015 to increase Eutelsat's communication flexibility and capacity," said Mike Williams, president of COM DEV International (News - Alert) Products, said in a statement.

Orbital Sciences (News - Alert) built Star One C3 for Brazilian operator Star One and carries 16 Ku-Band and 28 C-Band transponders. The satellite is noted to provide communication services and TV broadcast for Brazil and South America. Thales (News - Alert) Alenia built Eutelsat 21B, which replaces the existing satellite Eutelsat 21A and increases Eutelsat's resources at its orbit. It will provide telecommunications and data services for Europe, North and West Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

"Both of these satellites represent a continuation of a trend for increased capacity in emerging markets as well as replacement of existing satellites," Williams added.

The satellites were launched from French Guiana on November 10 on an Ariane 5 rocket. Both have a life expectancy of at least 15 years.

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.

COM DEV was recently awarded an Authorization to Proceed contract to begin work on a project to deliver Ku-band and Ka-band multiplexers, switches and microwave components.

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