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[Satellite TODAY 03-15-13] Swiss Space Systems has announced its plans to provide low-cost satellite launches at a quarter of the current market rates. The company said it targets to charge 10 million Swiss francs (8.1 million euros, $10.5 million) for a launch, using unmanned suborbital spaceplanes that could carry satellites weighing up to 250 kilos (550 pounds).
   “Our aim is to democratize access to space by enabling emerging markets, countries, universities and research institutes to do what has not been possible for them up to know: deploy their own satellites,” Swiss Space Systems said in a statement.
   According to the company, led by Swiss Astronaut Claude Nicollier, it has already secured technological cooperation deals with the likes of the European Space Agency, Dassault Aviation, the Von Karman Institute and Sonaca. 
   Swiss Space Systems counts with 225 million Swiss francs for the project. It aims to open the spaceport by 2015 at the Payerne airfield in western Switzerland, and begin test launches by 2017.
 

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