SNC and teammate GNSS have successfully flown the Star Tower 200 Aerostat System

Sparks, Nevada – Feb. 5th, 2009 – In response to the US Government’s need for increased border security and various Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance solutions, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and its teammate Global Near Space Services (GNSS), primary Star Tower system developer, have successfully flown the Star Tower 200 Aerostat System.

The system is the first in the GNSS product line of high-performance aerostats. The Star Tower is a turnkey, self-contained aerostat system using a revolutionary envelope shape that enables operations in winds up to 70 knots, greatly increasing mission availability. All Star Tower aerostat systems are highly mobile and can transit in ISO containers and are helo-lift capable. The Star Tower family of aerostats can operate from sea level to 8,000 feet above sea level and lift payload weights of 500 lbs up to 4,000 feet above ground level. Star Tower aerostats are ideal for remote, rugged operations. Further, the modular design permits SNC and GNSS to fully optimize the aerostat system for customer requirements and deliver maximum operational capability for the lowest cost.

About Global Near Space Services
Global Near Space Services (GNSS) is a privately held corporation headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, whose flagship products focus on Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) unmanned aerospace systems. GNSS operates in conjunction with its parent company, Near Space Systems, in development of these LTA platforms with missions to provide wide-area communications, broadband, and sensing devices to meet the high demands of military and commercial customers for network connectivity and ready access to vital information.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is known for its rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft and communications systems for both the private and public sectors.  Founded in 1963, SNC’s seven unique business areas employ more than 1600 people in 31 different locations in 20 states – all of whom are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

Over its 46 year 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.  SNC has grown into one of the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractors in the United States while maintaining its reputation for innovation and agility.  The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of telemedicine, nanotechnology, energy and net-centric operations.

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