Sierra Nevada Corporation
https://www.sncorp.com/
- Life Sciences
- Technology Development
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through advanced engineering technologies in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and National Security and Defense. Honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, SNC’s Space Systems business area designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft and satellite solutions, space habitats and environmental systems, propulsion systems, precision space mechanisms and subsystems, and SNC’s celebrated Dream Chaser® spacecraft. With 30 years of space heritage working with the U.S. government, commercial customers, and the international market, SNC has participated in more than 450 successful space missions and delivered 4,000+ systems, subsystems and components around the world.
Propulsion & Environmental Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) provides propulsion and human environmental solutions for launch, transport, low-earth orbit, and extended planetary and long duration applications in space.
Propulsion Systems
We can rapidly apply the patented, low cost and high performance VORTEX™ engines to smaller Reaction Control System(RCS) solutions as well as upper stage engine needs. With a wide range of propellant combinations, we can offer versatility to suit the specific application. SNC has successfully developed products from RCS systems and large abort engines to successful flight-like system tests. Our rocket engine test facilities enable rapid design and test development to accelerate working solutions in a very short timeline.
Core Products & Subsystems
- In-space propulsion (0.1 to 1,000 lbf thrust)
- Upper stage engines (to 100,000 lbf thrust)
- Boost stage engines (in development)
- Advanced propellants & thrusters
- O2 & H2 production from water
- O2 & H2O production from planetary resources
Environmental Systems
SNC can provide full life support system solutions or focused subsystem solutions related to water management and recovery, air system monitoring/control and revitalization, thermal management, lighting and payload accommodations. We have a wide range of solutions appropriate for short duration transit to long duration planetary habitation. Our unique capabilities stem from decades of research in environmental control in partnership with NASA and include successful operational systems such as VEGGIE and Advanced Plant Habitat systems on the International Space Station, which are currently helping scientists and engineers understand how to utilize plants as an integral solution space for long-duration travel.
Environmental Control & Life Support Systems
- Air revitalization & CO2 removal, quality monitoring & control
- Atmospheric temperature, humidity & pressure control
- Water reclamation & processing, quality monitoring & control
- Food production
- Waste processing & management
- Environmental LED lighting
Bio Production Systems
- Controlled Bio Production systems
- Specialty culture & root support systems
- Efficient food production systems
- Full sun & specialty LED lighting systems
- Spider silk & protein molecule production
- Rodent & biological science systems
VEGGIE
SNC continues to push the boundaries for sustainable long-term missions by advancing plant growth in space. The vegetable production system (VEGGIE) was developed for NASA and is currently growing food on the International Space Station. This provides astronauts the opportunity to periodically enjoy various kinds of fresh lettuce and vegetables while also giving scientists key data about growing plants in space.
Advanced Plant Habitat
SNC is also involved in the cutting-edge, automated “space garden,” Advanced Plant Habitat (APH), currently on the International Space Station. Jointly designed by SNC and NASA engineers, APH has 180 sensors monitoring temperature, humidity, light levels, CO2 levels and many more – critical to bioscience research.
Astro Garden™
We are working on a larger and more advanced plant growth system with our Astro Garden. We are developing a way to grow a larger volume of food while saving as much space, weight and power as possible.