Millennium Space System’s Altair spacecraft. Photo: Millennium Space

[Via Satellite 08-04-2014] Millennium Space Systems has initiated the first round of its competitive “Bootstrap” partnership program. Companies selected through the program will partner with Millennium Space on the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) production run of six Altair satellites. The company currently has six Altair E1 satellites under production to expedite the process.

Millennium Space said partners will have their low-cost missions launched in less than a year. Additionally, Bootstrap partners are offered turnkey payloads, manufacturing space, ground segments and other forms of assistance. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs launch space businesses.

“Commercial and government space leaders are strongly advocating for privatized space services, and Bootstrap allows constellations to be delivered rapidly and affordably. We will deliver constellations in orbit for between $1 million and $5 million per satellite in under a year,” said Vince Deno, president, Millennium Space.