SPARKS, Nev., August 26, 2015 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems congratulates the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on the successful HTV-5 spacecraft cargo delivery to the International Space Station (ISS). The unmanned HTV-5 spacecraft, dubbed “Kounotori,” is the fifth H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) used to deliver supplies to the ISS. SNC is proud to have supplied Fast Acting Shockless Separation Nut (FASSN) devices which are critical to the smooth and reliable release of Exposed Cargo Pallet payloads from the Unpressurized Logistic Carrier portion of the spacecraft.
SNC has provided cargo hold-down and release systems to IHI Aerospace, the primary integrator of the HTV Exposed Cargo Pallet system, for more than 10 years. SNC’s FASSN devices use a shape memory alloy trigger instead of pyrotechnics, which gently releases spacecraft pallets in milliseconds – maintaining the integrity of sensitive cargo without creating any debris as a result of the low-shock separation. SNC’s FASSN devices are scaleable, reusable and require little to no refurbishment, making them essential to maintaining low-cost launch operations.
“The ISS is a strong global representation of successful partnerships between multiple international agencies,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president, SNC’s Space Systems. “In order to maintain long-term sustainability of ISS operations and crew, we need multiple launch providers to reliably provide transportation services. SNC has been a proud partner to JAXA for several years and we’d like to congratulate their entire HTV team on another successful cargo resupply delivery.”
For over 25 years, SNC’s Space Systems Space Technologies product line has been designing and manufacturing precision space mechanisms and complex spacecraft subsystems for a wide variety of space applications. As a result of our history of success—launching thousands of devices on hundreds of missions—and our expanding portfolio of products, SNC’s Space Technologies has become a supplier of choice within the aerospace industry.
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 and follow us at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems and Twitter @SNCspacesystems.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is among the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.” Over the last 30 years, under the leadership of President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC has become one of America’s fastest-growing private companies and the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. With a workforce of over 3,000 personnel, SNC now has 33 locations in 18 states and business divisions in England, Germany and Turkey. SNC has a reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft and communications systems.
SNC has six unique business areas that are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to its dynamic customer base. SNC has a proven track record of success spanning more than five decades. It is focused on providing its customers with the very best in diversified technologies and continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions including the emerging markets of telemedicine, Cyber, net-centric operations and commercial airlines.
For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com and follow us at Facebook/Sierra Nevada Corporation. Sierra Nevada Corporation and SNC are trademarks of Sierra Nevada Corporation.
Media Contact: CommunicationsFromSNC@sncorp.com or Betsy McDonald at 775-849-6435.