Commercial space company Sierra Space and aerospace manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. recently entered into a partnership that will advance development of a commercial space economy.
According to a press release, the two companies have signed a Letter of Intent outlining their partnership to develop the affordable Shooting Star Transport Vehicles of the future. The companies will also collaborate to develop the technologies necessary to bring Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplanes to market.
“We are very excited about the opportunity this partnership with Sierra Space represents. Spirit AeroSystems brings unparalleled value in terms of design for manufacturability and industrialization to help scale production rates on the Dream Chaser and its derivatives,” Spirit AeroSystems President and CEO Tom Gentile said, according to the press release. “We look forward to joining Sierra Space on its mission to create exciting breakthroughs that enable existing businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and governments to empower humanity to enhance life on Earth.”
Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice said Sierra Space is "delighted" to begin work with Tom’s team at Spirit AeroSystems.
“Working with Spirit Defense and Space, we will broaden access to tomorrow’s space economy; lowering the cost of entry and increasing the speed to market of Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser franchise. Together we will accelerate the commercialization of space,” Vice said.
The partnership will leverage the two companies' capabilities to develop cargo modules for upcoming NASA missions and improve the versatility of designs for future Sierra Space cargo and service missions.