Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire subsystem integration and rocket propulsion specialist Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC) for an undisclosed sum.
The two companies have been working together…
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire subsystem integration and rocket propulsion specialist Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC) for an undisclosed sum.
The two companies have been working together for three years. ORBITEC is the prime contractor for the environmental control and life support systems and thermal control systems on SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft. The subsystems will provide reliable living conditions including temperature and humidity control to support astronauts during their missions on the spacecraft.
In addition, SNC recently selected ORBITEC to provide the reaction control system engines for Dream Chaser using “green”, nontoxic propellants.
SNC said that the acquisition would enhance both its propulsion and spacecraft systems’ product lines. The company’s corporate vice president of space systems, Mark Sirangelo, commented: “ORBITEC’s impressive performance as our partner on the Dream Chaser program for ECLSS demonstrates their strong capability to deliver human spaceflight qualified hardware.
“The addition of ORBITEC’s high performance Vortex liquid rocket engines to SNC’s flight-proven hybrid rocket motor products allows SNC to provide a complete range of propulsion solutions for our customers.”
ORBITEC’s technologies and products also include green propellants for next generation spacecraft, advanced plant systems that can ultimately integrate future life support systems, and other science packages and capabilities for spaceflight.
The NASA-lead VEGGIE system launched in May to the International Space Station is designed to demonstrate the growth of edible plants in space. It aims to be the first step in creating life support systems that engage biological systems to help recycle water, regenerate breathable air, and augment the food supply for long duration space habitation.
