Sparks, Nev., January 13, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) congratulates Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) on the successful and historic launch and berth of its Cygnus advanced maneuvering spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) for Orbital’s first NASA Cargo Resupply Mission known as CRS-1.
SNC is an integral part of the Orbital Cygnus team to provide the Cygnus Passive Common Berthing Mechanisms (PCBMs) in partnership with Thales Alenia Space of Turin, Italy for integration into the Pressurized Cargo Modules (PCMs) that Thales Alenia is supplying to Orbital.
The PCBM is the berthing mechanism that, when attached to the ISS pressurized element, provides a sealed passageway for movement of cargo between the Cygnus spacecraft and the ISS. SNC successfully built and delivered the PCBMs in its Louisville, Colo., facility for all of the Cygnus missions currently under contract with NASA. The CRS-1 mission is the first of eight missions scheduled to use SNC’s PCBMs.
“The relationship between SNC, Thales Alenia, Orbital and NASA represents the best of commercial, government and international partnerships” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “Orbital has again demonstrated its advanced capabilities in delivering quality, reliable and efficient space programs. SNC is proud to be a part of this international commercial space alliance and we look forward to future successful missions of the Cygnus spacecraft.”
In addition to the contract with Thales Alenia, SNC was recently awarded a contract to supply NASA with the same complex PCBM’s which will be the interface for the berthing of the Bigelow Expanded Activity Module (BEAM) to the ISS. BEAM is scheduled to launch in 2015.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based 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. For more information about SNC’s Space Systems visit www.sncspace.com.
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 .