COM DEV International (News - Alert) Ltd announced that on November 28, the ChinaSat 12 communication satellite, which features COM DEV-built switches on board, was successfully launched. COMDEV is a specialist global provider of space hardware and services.

In a statement, Mike Williams, president of COM DEV International Products, said that, "ChinaSat 12 adds much needed capacity in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa. China Satcom has four more satellites planned to launch in the next two years, demonstrating the continuing high demand for communications capabilities in the region."

Beijing-based satellite operator China Satcom’s CHINASAT 12 is expected to reach customers in Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, as well as the Indian Ocean and China Sea regions from its orbital position above the Indian Ocean. Built with 24 C-band and 23 Ku-band transponders, CHINASAT 12 has been developed by Thales (News - Alert) Alenia Space, manufacturers of communications satellites, platforms, and payloads. CHINASAT 12 will provide television broadcasting and data transmission, as well as digital broadband multimedia and media streaming services within China and the neighbouring regions.

The launching site of the satellite was the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan China. CHINASAT 12 was carried on a Long March 3B3 5 rocket and is expected to have a life expectancy of around 15 years. 

COM DEV International Ltd provides major satellite builders with advanced products and subsystems which are used in communications, space science, and remote sensing and defense applications. The company, which has facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, currently has a staff of more than over 1,100 employees. COM DEV’s technology offering is used on more than 700 spacecrafts. In fact, 80 percent of all commercial communications satellites launched feature technology from COM DEV. The company’s portfolio of products includes space-qualified passive microwave equipment, specialized electronics, and optical subsystems.

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