Technological prowess for space exploration missions
Present in the Vintage Altaroc Odyssey 2021, Sierra Space is a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation, an aerospace and defense company founded by Eren Ozmen and Fatih Ozmen in 1963. Almost four years after its creation, it is already valued at over five billion dollars. Its rapid growth is due to the development of innovative technologies and participation in space exploration projects.
Known for the manufacture of space vehicles, including the famous Dream Chaser, the company also designs exploration systems. It has entered into various partnerships with organizations such as NASA for the deployment of unmanned flights. It has joined forces with other companies in the sector, such as Blue Origin and SpaceX, to build the Orbital Reef space station.
Revolutionary spacecraft propulsion technologies
To date, the Dream Chaser has been designed exclusively for payload transport. However, Sierra Space is already working on a version for manned space flight. This involves developing even more efficient and economical means of propulsion. The company has just announced the successful completion of a series of tests on its Vortex engine. Sierra Space collaborated with Florida Turbine Technologies, a subsidiary of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. to carry out the tests, which were supervised by the Rocket Propulsion Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), based in Edwards, California.
Called VR35K-A, this high-performance engine runs on liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). More powerful by design, it produces more thrust while guaranteeing optimum fuel efficiency. Designed for the upper stage, this latest-generation vortex engine ensures high performance and enhanced reliability. It will play a key role in increasing payload transport capacity to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond.
VR35K-A, a significant advance with key attributes for enhanced stability
Sierra Space is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology. The patented technology behind the VR35K-A offers stable Vortex engine operation and efficient combustion. The positive results of the rigorous test campaign carried out at Sierra Space's Badger Propulsion Test Facility in North Freedom confirm this.
The VR35K-A benefits from an innovative design. Its operation, including starting and stopping, is simplified by the single-shaft turbopump assembly. As for mixture ratio control, the mechanical coupling ensures a highly precise balance between fuel and oxidizer. This technology can also be applied to thrusters.
