Sparks, Nev., June 19, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, announces that it has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC) as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC. ORBITEC is a leading subsystems integrator and high technology development company based in Madison, Wisconsin. ORBITEC's strong liquid rocket propulsion, life science and support, and fire suppression technology portfolio will enhance both SNC Space Systems' Propulsion and Spacecraft Systems' product lines.
SNC has been working with ORBITEC for over three years. ORBITEC is the lead for the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) and Thermal Control Systems (TCS) for SNC, providing reliable living conditions including temperature and humidity control to support the astronauts during their journeys on SNC's Dream Chaser® spacecraft. Recently, SNC selected ORBITEC to provide the RCS engines for Dream Chaser using green, nontoxic propellants. The flexibility of fuel and oxidizer options along with the ability to quickly scale engine size makes ORBITEC's Vortex technology the growing industry preferred choice for Reaction Control Systems (RCS), Upper Stage engines and potentially boost class engines.
"SNC has a relationship with ORBITEC that has proven to be extremely collaborative with our endeavors under the NASA Commercial Crew Transportation Capability Contract agreement and on the Dream Chaser program," said SNC President Eren Ozmen. "Their team's commitment to the safety and quality of human life in space to reliably expand mankind's exploration of space is in perfect alignment with SNC's Space Systems mission and our quest to return human space travel to America."
The acquisition will integrate all of ORBITEC's technologies into SNC's Space Systems, based in Louisville, Colorado. ORBITEC will continue expanding operations in Madison.
"ORBITEC's impressive performance as our partner on the Dream Chaser program for ECLSS demonstrates their strong capability to deliver human spaceflight qualified hardware," said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC's Space Systems. "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, demonstrating the growth of edible plants in space, is paving the path for future revolutionary closure of future life support systems that engage biological systems to help recycle water, regenerate breathable air, and augment the food supply for long duration space habitation in and far beyond low Earth orbit. The acquisition of ORBITEC enhances SNC's commitment to human spaceflight systems. "Merging with SNC integrates compatible cultures for rapid and efficient deployment of space technologies and products, and enables ORBITEC to accelerate commercialization of its high performance and cost effective products to market", said Tom Crabb, president of Orbitec. Mr. Crabb will continue to lead the operations in Madison, Wisconsin
ORBITEC is also revolutionizing terrestrial fire suppression systems, with their Ultra High Pressure Fire Suppression systems that can extinguish fire in one third the time with half the water of traditional fire suppression systems.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. Government, commercial customers as well as for the international market. SNC's Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components. During its history, SNC's Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients. For more information about SNC's Space Systems visit www.sncspace.com.
Media Contact: SNCDreamChaser@sncorp.com or Krystal Scordo at 720-407-3192
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, 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 has a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 30 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 also on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications 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 and follow us at Facebook.com/SierraNevCorp.