Sierra Nevada News & Press Releases

 

Sparks, NV – July 20, 2011 Sierra Nevada Space Systems, is proud to announce the opening of an office in Houston, Texas, increasing its Space Systems presence to five locations in four states. In June 2011, SNC signed a Space Act Agreement with Johnson Space Center continuing its partnership with NASA and furthering the development of its space transportation vehicle, the Dream Chaser. With the signing of the Space Act Agreement and opening of the new office SNC is creating a dynamic partnership with NASA, the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Houston Bay Area. Regarding the expansion into Houston Mark Sirangelo head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems stated, “We are investing in Houston. Working together with NASA, our Dream Chaser Orbital Vehicle program will keep human space transportation alive in Texas and create jobs and development here.”

As the space shuttle program finishes its mission it is crucial that the skill set of these highly talented NASA people and contractors be maintained. SNC plans to tap into the vast talent pool that is in Houston and utilize these people as a critical component of its future. As part of the Commercial Crew Development Program (CCDev2) SNC plans to hold a job fair in Houston as well as obtain services directly through JSC.
“These highly experienced NASA people will provide a vital link for us into NASA and its heritage while allowing us to expand rapidly as our program enters into test flight and throughout flight operations” Sirangelo stated. “The Dream Chaser was originally born at NASA and with the help of NASA and Houston we will, in the near future, see the Dream Chaser carry on the mission of the Shuttle program by being an American space vehicle taking American astronauts to the International Space Station and returning them and their critical cargo home safely to a runway landing in the US.”

About The Dream Chaser
The Dream Chaser is a lifting body spacecraft based on former NASA design, the HL-20 crew vehicle, and carries with it a strong development heritage. It will launch on an existing launch vehicle and will have on-board propulsion utilizing SNC’s proprietary hybrid rocket motor technology. The Dream Chaser, which is now under full production, is a piloted or autonomous spacecraft which provides safe, reliable, and cost effective transport of up to seven crew members or a combination of people and cargo to low earth orbit and returning them safely to the Earth without excessive deceleration or landing forces. Risk to deconditioned crew and delicate science experiment return samples is minimized through a low G landing on a runway. The combination of NASA heritage and proven technology will enable SNC’s unique space transportation system to effectively and reliably carry crew and cargo to orbital destinations.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
SNC is ranked in the top 10 among America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant growth and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Founded in 1963, SNC’s seven unique business areas employ over 2100 people in 30 different locations in 15 states – all of whom are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

SNC is the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over its approximately 50 years of history, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com.

SNC SPACE SYSTEMS MEDIA CONTACT:: cassie.kloberdanz@sncorp.com or 720-407-3264