SPARKS, Nev., April 08, 2013 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is proud to announce that former NASA astronaut Lee Archambault has joined the Dream Chaser team as a chief systems engineer and test pilot. In his new position, Archambault will be responsible for planning and execution of multiple aspects of Dream Chaser’s flight test programs and the design of the crew interfaces in the Dream Chaser cockpit.
"As a crew member on two Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station (ISS), I was honored to be part of a great NASA team that has made the United States the leader of manned spaceflight,” said Archambault. “Now, as a member of SNC’s Dream Chaser team, I hope to contribute to the design, development, and test of the next U.S. built and launched crewed spacecraft, providing transportation to the ISS for our astronauts. I believe the Dream Chaser will be the safest, most reliable, and preferred method of travel to and from low Earth orbit for years to come."
Prior to joining SNC, Archambault served as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and instructor pilot during a decorated 28-year career with the U.S. Air Force and NASA. NASA selected Archambault as an astronaut in 1998 and he is a veteran of two Space Shuttle missions. He served as the pilot of STS-117 and as commander of STS-119, which delivered the S6 truss segment and continued construction of the ISS. In addition to his space flight experience, his NASA technical assignments included serving as the Astronaut Office Exploration Branch Chief Astronaut Support Person, and spacecraft communicator for several Space Shuttle missions. Archambault has logged a total of 27 days in space and over 5,000 hours in more than 30 different aircraft, including 22 combat missions in the F-117A Stealth Fighter during Operation DESERT STORM.
“We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Lee join our expanding SNC team,” said Mark Sirangelo, head of SNC’s Space Systems. “Lee’s long history working at NASA, in spaceflight and his expansive aircraft flight experience will add significantly to the Dream Chaser program. He has successfully demonstrated leadership throughout his career and will be continue to help our Nation’s space program by being instrumental in the future of Dream Chaser.”
About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area headquartered in Louisville, Colo., 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’s 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’s Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nev., 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 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.