COM DEV International Ltd., a manufacturer of space hardware subsystems, announced that it has been selected as prime contractor in an open bid process to provide a communication payload test system for Orbital Sciences Corp.. The system will perform automated RF testing on communication satellite payloads, a function that is critical to the success of every mission.

COM DEV’s system includes intellectual property licensed from Agilent Technologies Inc., which no longer offers this test solution. COM DEV will extend the system’s functionality by adding a Ka-band extension to improve the frequency range.

“This contract is an important milestone for our test engineering business,” said John Keating, CEO of COM DEV. “As one of the world’s largest providers of communication satellite hardware, we have a unique insight into the challenges faced by space prime contractors like Orbital. We continually invest in the development of innovative testing methods for our own operations, and we are committed to harnessing this expertise to become a leading provider of test solutions for our customers.”

COM DEV has selected DelSontro Enterprises LLC to provide technical consulting services associated with the system software integration and final system validation. DelSontro, a recognized expert in improving efficiency and effectiveness in the manufacturing and testing of complex technologies, has more than a decade of experience in working with this particular product and design.