Sierra Nevada News & Press Releases

Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser Space System Also Completes Critical Testing at NASA Langley Facility

Louisville, Colo. – June 12, 2012 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems proudly announces the commemoration of the fifth year of its very successful relationship with NASA Langley Research Center as partners in the design and development of the Dream Chaser^® Space System (DCSS). SNC and NASA Langley joined forces to update NASA's HL-20 lifting body vehicle design into SNC's Dream Chaser orbital crew vehicle, which is being developed as part of NASA’s venture into commercially provided crew transport.

"NASA Langley has been an engaged and supportive partner since the beginning of our Dream Chaser Program. The Dream Chaser was born at NASA through the great work of the Langley Center. We would not be where we are without the talented NASA people, past and present, who have enabled our Dream Chaser vehicle to start its operational flight testing," said Mark Sirangelo,  Corporate Vice President and head of Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems. Sirangelo recently visited NASA Langley in Hampton, Va., as part of this commemoration and for a joint corporate/government executive session on the Program.

As evidence of the ongoing partnership, SNC announces the completion of a successful wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley's Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. An SNC-NASA Langley team joined together with engineers at United Launch Alliance, makers of Dream Chaser's launch vehicle the Atlas V, to perform buffet tests on the launch vehicle/orbital crew vehicle stack.  The test series evaluated the pressure fluctuations the launch vehicle stack may experience during its ascent to low Earth orbit. The test series was completed on schedule and has provided the joint team with useful results.

"Langley has been a critical member of the Dream Chaser team for five years, but their contribution dates back to the beginning of the HL-20 Program. Today, NASA Langley provides critical Dream Chaser support for aerodynamics, aerothermal analysis, and guidance, navigation and control.  SNC is grateful to have Langley helping us design and deliver our orbital crew transportation system," said John Curry, Director of Dream Chaser Systems Engineering, Integration, Test, and Operations.  John joined SNC after 24 years at NASA where he served as a Flight Director for the Space Shuttle and Space Station Programs, and managed integration and testing for NASA’s Orion and Constellation Programs.

SNC also acknowledges the significant contribution that NASA Langley's original HL-20 team made to the successful Dream Chaser Flight Vehicle Captive Carry test completed on May 29.  This test marked the first full-scale flight of the HL-20-derived vehicle, as well as the beginning of the Dream Chaser's flight test program. The flight met all the pre-established flight test goals and is a significant step towards preparing the vehicle for an autonomous Approach and Landing Test (ALT) scheduled for later this summer.

For information about Sierra Nevada Corporation, please visit: http://www.SNCSpace.com

About Sierra Nevada Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President Eren Ozmen, SNC employs over 2,100 people in 31 locations in 16 states.  SNC’s six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen’s leadership, 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.

MEDIA CONTACT: generalinfo@sncorp.com or 775-331-0222

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the US Government, commercial customers as well as for the international market.  SNC Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage in space and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components.  During its history, SNC Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients.

MEDIA CONTACT: media.ssg@sncorp.com or 720-407-3192