[Satellite TODAY 10-31-11] Com Dev has been awarded contracts by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop concept studies in areas related to future space science and exploration ventures, the company announced Oct. 28.

   Under the contracts, valued at $250,000 each, Com Dev will develop preliminary designs for two mission concepts as part of the CSA’s strategy to invest in emerging government technologies.

   Com Dev and its industry partners will work with a large team of astronomers on a design for a Canadian-led small space telescope mission. The proposed telescope aims to offer wider panoramic views and comparable sharpness to survey the deep reaches of the universe.

   Com Dev also will develop an innovative mission concept that uses state-of-the-art Canadian robotics, Lidar visualization systems, and guidance, navigation and control technologies to tackle space debris that poses risks to satellites.