The satellites save weight and cost by avoiding the redundant systems and strengthening needed to survive the rigors of launch, Wingo said. Off-the-shelf technology and software also hold down costs.

According to the companys plan, astronauts will spend about 20 minutes assembling the almost 42-pound satellite. It will be launched by a spring-powered mechanism through an air lock. The satellite measures a mere 2 feet by 2 feet by 1 foot.

The satellite payloads can be tailored to what the customer or researcher wants.

Wingo said he is working on a barter deal with NASA to use the shuttle and ISS for six satellites. "Well give three of the six to NASA and retain the others for our use," he said.

An official at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. declined to comment on a possible deal by saying the information was proprietary.

Wingo said he welcomes the space agencys efforts concerning business, especially aboard the ISS. "The ISS is the best thing that ever happened to lower costs, he said. "This is our last big beachhead in the sky."

He said talks with space agency have been encouraging, but still has concerns about making a deal. "This requires using the ISS and its not possible without it," he said.

As a backup to the shuttle, Wingo has signed a memorandum of understanding with Pioneer Rocketplane of Solvang, California.

While a student at University of Alabama at Huntsville, Wingo participated in the development of SEDSAT-1, a student-built satellite launched in October 1998. The 75-pound, one-cubic-foot satellite carries a communications and scientific payload.

That gave Wingo the idea for building satellites and he assembled a group of investors in 1998. Then, satellite communication company Iridium LLCs financial woes shot through the space and satellite industry.

He likens it to a large meteor strike.

"Just like the dinosaurs, it took out our plan," he said of Iridiums effect on investors. "It really killed some deals wed been working on."

To keep the company solvent, SkyCorp works on more terrestrial applications such as telemetry applications and internet kiosks while a prototype satellite nears completion.

Wingo plans to begin producing the satellites in early 2000 with a possible launch aboard a shuttle in 2002.

SkyCorp is currently courting Teledesic, the satellite company bankrolled by Microsofts Bill Gates and cellular phone mogul Craig McCaw.

Teledesic plans to launch 288 communication satellites into low Earth orbit by 2004, but is considering partnerships and different strategies to speed the process.

"I think we could save Teledesic money and pay a significant portion of my costs," Wingo said.

Wingo said SkyCorp could lower Teledesics estimated $9 billion in costs to launch a satellite constellation to $2 billion.

Taking a tack from the computer industry, Wingo said hed like to eventually develop an open standard for satellite electronics to keep a competitive advantage for the United States.

"Before the PC, computer standards were fragmented and everybody went their own way," he said. "If we set an open standard, well be able to lower costs before a foreign government eats our lunch."