COM DEV launches maritime data services subsidiary

COM DEV International Ltd has launched a new subsidiary to offer automatic identification system (AIS) data services to the global maritime community. exactEarth Ltd will launch an initial constellation of three microsatellites within the year to provide the service, which will give countries unprecedented visibility into the activities of its shipping vessels. The technology underpinning exactEarth has been under development for five years at a cost of more than $30 million. COM DEV also has a contract with the Canadian government to build a demonstration microsatellite for maritime monitoring and messaging. It incorporates a second-generation AIS payload and low data rate payload for maritime applications and will be launched in 2011….