Sierra Space Signs
In-Space Manufacturing Agreement with Redwire
May 19, 2021
Sierra Space announced the
signing of a joint agreement with Redwire aimed
at leveraging Sierra Space capabilities for a
range of in-space services and manufacturing.
The memorandum of understanding ("MOU") in the
emerging In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) industry
is among new commercial agreements for Sierra
Space across multiple industries – including
space-enabled manufacturing, biopharma research,
on-orbit satellite servicing assembly and
manufacturing, and microgravity research. SNC
announced earlier this month the transition of
its space business to Sierra Space, a new
commercial space company.
By moving manufacturing and
production into a microgravity environment, ISM
offers efficiencies and capabilities not
possible with terrestrial-based manufacturing
methods. New Sierra Space partnerships hint at
the exciting commercial potential of ISM, which
can be leveraged to transform industries both on
Earth and in space.
“The market demand for a
‘space-as-a-service’ business model, offering
space transportation, destinations and
infrastructure, is truly exciting. We provide
the versatility and affordability that allow ISM
companies to scale operations in the new space
economy,” said Eren Ozmen, President and owner
of SNC. “The Sierra Space LIFE™ habitat provides
an integrated, flexible and expandable workspace
for the many industries – including
manufacturing – that can benefit from zero
gravity.”
ISM companies can utilize a
LIFE habitat module, which at 27-feet in
diameter is equivalent to three-stories of
workspace in space, to host their research,
development and manufacturing operations.
Alternatively, they can dock their own modules
to a multi-habitat configuration of a Sierra
Space commercial space station and utilize only
its services, such as power, communications,
environmental control and transportation.
“The companies and
countries that master microgravity R&D and
manufacturing will be the economic leaders of
tomorrow,” said Mike Gold, who, last month, left
his position at NASA as Associate Administrator
for Policy and Partnerships to join Redwire as
the company’s Executive Vice President of Civil
Space Business Development and External Affairs.
“By utilizing expandable habitat technology
Sierra Space is offering a robust capability
that will bolster and accelerate the substantial
technological benefits of in-space manufacturing
that Redwire Space is leading.”
Sierra Space recently
announced plans for the first free-flying
commercial space station in low-Earth orbit that
includes multiple LIFE habitats and docking
ports for Dream Chaser® spaceplanes and other
visiting vehicles and modules. The space station
is modular, flexible and provides a large
environment for living and working and open to
industries like pharmaceuticals, space tourism
and agriculture.
