OS/COMET is an advanced software tool set featuring commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) capabilities and superior levels of flexibility. It allows the user to automate ground systems to any desired level throughout the life of the program.

"Telesat is very pleased to be controlling MSAT1 and MSAT 2 satellites with our new OS/COMET-based control system, which is significantly more advanced and dependable than its predecessor," said Frank Smith, director of Satellite Control Software for Telesat.

"Harris Technical Services Corporation (HTSC) delivered the system on a compressed schedule, well before Telesat was scheduled to take over MSAT operations. This early delivery provided our staff with sufficient time to become familiar with the new system and made for a smooth transition."

The MSAT1 and MSAT2 satellites - based on the Boeing HS-601 satellite - cover the North American continent, including adjacent oceans, and provide fixed and mobile wireless voice, fax, and data services. The satellites are owned by Mobile Satellite Venture and operated by Telesat Canada.

"Our ability to deliver and go operational with the MSAT control system in only 11 months illustrates how easily OS/COMET can be configured and deployed to meet any customer's concept of operations," said Scott Criley, OS/COMET product manager for HTSC.

"OS/COMET's flexibility has allowed the system to be configured to meet our existing and emerging operating concepts with few compromises," added Smith.

"We are particularly pleased that we've been able to easily interface all of our existing software applications with the new system through OS/COMET's well-documented API set."

"Given the success of HTSC's first system and the strong working relationship that has been built, I believe that Telesat and HTSC will enjoy a very long and mutually beneficial partnership."

Designed for government and commercial applications, OS/COMET is used to support both single-satellite missions and the largest and most complex satellite networks deployed today, including Iridium, GPS and fleets of spacecraft such as the 16 satellites operated by the U.S. Navy Space Operations Command (NAVSOC).

OS/COMET also features a suite of "bolt-on" products that provide enhanced capabilities such as operations automation, ground equipment control, automated fault resolution, archiving/retrieval, spacecraft simulation, and TT&C functionality via a PC client.

As part of the control center upgrade, HTSC also integrated OS/COMET with Telesat's world-class flight dynamics system, creating a comprehensive satellite command and control system.

HTSC will also be delivering the command and control system for the new Telesat ANIK F1R satellite in late 2004.

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