BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) has awarded a contract to Integral Systems, Inc.'s (Nasdaq:ISYS) subsidiary, RT Logic (www.rtlogic.com) for the development of a software-defined modem (SDM) for the new feeder link terminals (FLT) to be deployed at Iridium ground stations.
"The new modem will be a critical component in our ground network modernization program, which will be based on a state-of-the-art teleport network architecture," said John Roddy, executive vice president of ground operations and product development, Iridium. "We selected RT Logic to supply this critical component because of its extensive technical expertise as a supplier of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) SDMs for low-earth orbiting satellite applications."
"The new teleport network architecture with FLTs at multiple locations will strengthen Iridium's network reliability even further beyond today's high levels, provide new layers of built-in redundancy for our existing satellite constellation, and be an integral part of the teleport network architecture that will be the backbone of Iridium NEXT, our next-generation satellite network," Roddy added.
Under the development contract, RT Logic will supply two prototype modems for on-orbit test and verification. Iridium expects to complete the development and certification effort by the end of 2010. The SDM will be based on RT Logic's existing T400XR(R) COTS product.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium Communications Inc. (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies. The Company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., U.S.A. and trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).
About Integral Systems
Integral Systems, Inc., of Columbia, Md., applies more than 25 years experience to provide integrated technology solutions for SATCOM-interfaced networks. Customers have relied on the Integral Systems family of companies (Integral Systems, Inc.; Integral Systems Europe; Lumistar, Inc.; Newpoint Technologies, Inc.; RT Logic; and SAT Corporation) to deliver on time and on budget for more than 250 satellite missions. Our dedication to customer service has solidified long-term relationships with the U.S. Air Force, NASA, NOAA, and nearly every satellite operator in the world. Integral Systems is listed in Forbes' Top 200 Small Companies in America for 2008. For more information, visit www.integ.com.