US-based Millennium Space Systems has selected Swedish Space’s (SSC) ground operations services to launch its Altair spacecraft.

According to the deal, SSC will provide its SSC Infinity ?ground operations services and operational expertise to maintain the launch programme’s budget and schedule prior to deployment.

Designed for low Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) and deep space missions, Altair will use SSC Infinity ground network services for launch and early orbit procedures.

"Millennium Space Systems will be able to reduce costs and risks associated with satellite launch, orbital insertion, system and constellation checkout.”

The spacecraft will also receive routine support from ground stations in the US, Australia and Chile during its mission.

SSC satellite management services division president Leif Osterbo said: “Recent growth in new, smallsat and constellation-based space applications throughout the world has driven the need for a new approach to ground segment operations.

“SSC Infinity is that new approach. Millennium Space Systems will be able to reduce costs and risks associated with satellite launch, orbital insertion, system and constellation checkout.”

To be launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon rocket as part of an International Space Station (ISS) commercial resupply mission in the next three months, Altair will provide customisation and rapid constellation production for Millennium’s customers.

Upon its arrival on the ISS, Altair will be launched into its orbit through NanoRacks deployment system.

Last month, SSC subsidiary ECAPS entered into a deal with Orbital ATK to fully develop, demonstrate and market a high-performance green propulsion (HPGP) system.

The HPGP system will be designed for both attitude control and main propulsion purposes.?