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Sierra Space

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Overview

Sierra Space, a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), is a leading commercial space company with nearly 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry. The company has participated in over 500 space missions and provided more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems, and components worldwide. Key Technologies and Projects:

  1. Dream Chaser® Spaceplane: A reusable automated cargo lifting-body spaceplane designed for low Earth orbit (LEO) transportation, expected to be operational by 2025.
  2. Orbital Reef: In collaboration with Blue Origin, Boeing, Redwire Space, and Genesis Engineering, Sierra Space is developing the first commercial space station, planned to be habitable by at least 10 people by 2027.
  3. LIFE (Large Inflatable Flexible Environment) Habitat: An inflatable and expandable space station module for short- and long-duration space travel, to be used in the Orbital Reef project and for commercial research. National Security and Defense: Sierra Space is involved in the Resilient GPS (R-GPS) program, awarded by the U.S. Space Force, to enhance GPS resiliency against hostile threats. Commercial Focus and Services: The company offers a range of services and technologies, including:
  • Space transportation
  • In-space infrastructure
  • Expandable space facilities
  • Microgravity research and development
  • In-space manufacturing
  • Advanced signal processing Partnerships and Collaborations: Sierra Space collaborates with NASA, Blue Origin, Boeing, Redwire Space, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to advance commercial space capabilities. Organizational Structure: The company is organized into three verticals that provide integrated packages to customers, covering systems and subsystems such as solar energy, mechanical and motion control, environmental control, life support, propulsion, and thermal control. Leadership: Sierra Space is led by CEO Tom Vice, President Janet Kavandi, and COO Jeff Babione. Sierra Space's mission is to make space more affordable, accessible, and beneficial for humanity through advanced technologies and strategic collaborations.

Leadership Team

Sierra Space's leadership team comprises experienced executives who drive the company's innovation and growth in the commercial space sector:

  1. Tom Vice - CEO
    • Former Chairman, CEO, and President of Aerion Corporation
    • Ex-President of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector
  2. Dr. Janet Kavandi - President
    • Oversees space programs, including the Dream Chaser® spaceplane
    • Former Director of NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center
  3. Jeff Babione - Chief Operating Officer (COO)
    • Manages operational aspects of the company
  4. Troy Lahr - Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
    • Leads financial strategy and performance
    • Previously CFO at Boeing Defense, Space & Security
  5. Rusty Thomas - Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and SVP & GM, Space Applications
    • Responsible for technological advancements and space applications
  6. Amy Horan - SVP, Chief People Officer
    • Focuses on talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, and culture
    • Brings global leadership experience from various industries Senior Vice Presidents:
  • Kelly Garehime - SVP & General Counsel
  • Celena Matlock - SVP, ESG & Internal Audit
  • Angie Wise - SVP, Safety & Mission Assurance
  • Matthew Clarke - SVP, Marketing & Communication Key Executive: Steve Lindsey - Chief Strategy Officer
  • Oversees technology R&D, business development, and market strategy
  • Former U.S. Air Force pilot and NASA shuttle astronaut This diverse leadership team combines aerospace expertise, business acumen, and innovative thinking to drive Sierra Space's strategic direction and operational excellence in the commercial space sector.

History

Sierra Space, established in April 2021 as an independent commercial space company, was spun off from Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). Despite its relatively recent formation, the company builds on decades of aerospace experience from its parent company. Key Projects and Focus Areas:

  1. Dream Chaser Spaceplane
    • Reusable spaceplane selected by NASA for Commercial Resupply Service 2 (CRS2) contract
    • Capable of carrying pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the International Space Station
    • First Dream Chaser, DC-101 Tenacity, completed assembly in November 2023
    • Inaugural launch scheduled for 2025
  2. Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) Habitat
    • Inflatable space station module for use in Low Earth Orbit or on the Moon
    • Successfully completed full-scale burst tests in January 2024, exceeding safety margins
    • Key component of the Orbital Reef space station project Significant Partnerships and Collaborations:
  • Blue Origin: Co-development of Orbital Reef, the world's first commercial space station (expected operational by 2027)
  • ILC Dover: Development of inflatable space station modules and spacesuits
  • United States Air Force: $22.6 million contract for upper stage engine development (Vortex VR35K-A)
  • BioServe Space Technologies, Redwire, Astral Materials, Space Forge Inc., IHI Aerospace, and Kanematsu Corporation: Various projects in microgravity research and advanced space technologies Recent Milestones and Achievements:
  • $740 million contract from the Space Development Agency for missile warning and tracking satellites (2024)
  • Unveiling of the Sierra Space Ghost spacecraft and Axelerator™ innovation incubator (2024)
  • Ongoing development and testing of the LIFE habitat and Dream Chaser spaceplane Future Outlook: Sierra Space is poised for significant advancements in 2025 and beyond, focusing on:
  • Launch and operations of the Dream Chaser spaceplane
  • Further development and deployment of the LIFE habitat
  • Expansion of partnerships in microgravity manufacturing and space technologies
  • Continued innovation in commercial space solutions and services The company's rapid progress and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in the growing commercial space industry, with a focus on making space more accessible and beneficial for various sectors and applications.

Products & Solutions

Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company, offers a diverse range of products and solutions for space technology and exploration:

Space Transportation

  • Dream Chaser® Spaceplane: A winged vehicle designed for resupply missions to the International Space Station, capable of landing on commercial runways.

Space Stations and Destinations

  • Inflatable and Expandable Space Station Technology: Innovative solutions for expanding habitats and research environments in space.

Propulsion Systems

  • Rocket Propulsion Technologies: Design, manufacture, and testing of thrust chamber assemblies with various propellant combinations, including patented technologies and state-of-the-art testing services.

Precision Mechanisms and Subsystems

  • Precision Motion Control: Expertise in low-shock separation and passive thermal control technologies.
  • Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM): Used for spacecraft berthing with the International Space Station.
  • Thermal Control Systems: Including thermal louvers and heat switches for interplanetary spacecraft and Mars exploration rovers.

Pointing Systems and Navigation

  • Single- and Dual-Axis Pointing Systems: For spaceflight tracking, navigation, and positioning functions.

Solar Power Systems

  • Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Solar Arrays: Innovative technique increasing power density and reducing costs.

Satellites

  • SN Series Satellites: Various classes designed for LEO/GEO/MEO missions with modular payloads.
  • Eclipse Line: Versatile medium and large-class buses for earth observation, servicing, and communications.

On-Orbit Servicing

  • Remote Servicing Capabilities: Demonstrated through the Orbital Express program for on-orbit refueling and component replacement.

Microgravity and Bio-Agricultural Solutions

  • Microgravity Bio-Agricultural Products: Focused on increasing plant productivity in space environments. Sierra Space's comprehensive portfolio supports a wide range of space-related activities, from commercial and defense applications to scientific research and exploration.

Industry Peers

Sierra Space operates within the competitive and dynamic commercial space industry, alongside several key peers and competitors:

Major Competitors

  1. SpaceX: Known for reusable rocket technology and ambitious Mars mission plans.
  2. Blue Origin: Focuses on reusable rockets, space tourism, and lunar exploration; co-lead investor in Orbital Reef commercial space station with Sierra Space.
  3. Boeing: Long-standing aerospace company with a strong presence in space exploration and satellite systems.
  4. Lockheed Martin: Expertise in advanced space technologies and long history of space missions.
  5. Northrop Grumman: Major aerospace and defense company specializing in satellite systems and space exploration.

Other Notable Competitors

  • Firefly Aerospace: Specializes in launch services and spacecraft development.
  • Intuitive Machines: Provides lunar transportation and logistics services.
  • Voyager Space: Focuses on space infrastructure and technological solutions.
  • Starlab: Developing a fully functional space-based laboratory.
  • Gravitilab: Offers microgravity testing and space access services.

Additional Industry Peers

  • Quantum Space: Provides connected spacecraft and data platforms for payload delivery to GEO and cislunar space.
  • Celestis: Known for memorial spaceflights and specialized space services. These companies drive innovation and competition in the commercial space sector, pushing the boundaries of space exploration, technology, and commercialization. The industry continues to evolve rapidly, with new entrants and established players constantly developing novel solutions and services for the growing space economy.

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