Commercial space company Sierra Space (Louisville, Colo., U.S.) and Spirit AeroSystems Inc. (Wichita, Kan., U.S.) have announced the formation of a long-term strategic partnership intended to accelerate access to an affordable commercial space economy of the future through the development of low-Earth orbit (LEO) space transportation and infrastructure. This follows the $1.4 billion in capital secured by Sierra Space in November 2021.

Spirit Defense & Space will assist in the development and production of the Sierra Space Shooting Star Transport Vehicles — including the Space Shooting Star cargo module system to advance a family of cargo and service modules for on-orbit services — under a letter of intent signed between the two companies. The agreement also provides for the two companies to work together to develop innovative technologies and processes to accelerate Sierra Space’s expanding Dream Chaser family of scalable spaceplanes to the market. Specific materials use was not mentioned in this announcement, but it seems likely composites will play some part.

“Through this long-term partnership, Sierra Space is delighted to begin work with Tom’s team at Spirit AeroSystems, widely recognized as leaders in the aerospace industry and aligned with our vision of an accessible and vibrant space economy,” Sierra Space CEO, Tom Vice, says. “Working with Spirit Defense & Space, we will broaden access to tomorrow’s space economy, lowering the cost of entry and increasing the speed to market of Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser franchise. Shooting Star is another innovative technological solution, and with Spirit as a key partner, we are broadening accessibility to our offering and increasing efficiencies to accelerate more widespread adoption.”

Aiming to revolutionize commercial space missions to new destinations, this new partnership will leverage the combined strengths of Sierra Space and Spirit Defense & Space to design, fabricate, assemble, integrate and test affordable cargo modules for upcoming NASA missions and expand the versatility of variant designs in support of future Sierra Space cargo and service missions.

Initially, the partnership intends to establish production efficiency and integrated assembly solutions for Sierra Space’s Shooting Star cargo module, supporting resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract.

Sierra Space’s Shooting Star is a 15-foot transport vehicle that attaches to the rear of the Dream Chaser spaceplane. The module will carry up to 10,000 pounds of pressurized and unpressurized cargo, including critical science and provisions. Solar panels deliver six kilowatts of electrical power to the spacecraft, while six mounted thrusters provide maneuverability.

“We look forward to joining Sierra Space on its mission to create exciting breakthroughs that enable existing businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and governments to empower humanity to enhance life on Earth,” Tom Gentile, president and CEO, Spirit AeroSystems, adds. “We are grateful to Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, who assisted with connecting our two companies to make this partnership possible.”