SUMMARY
- Sierra Space nears a $300 million fundraising milestone.
- Dream Chaser spaceplane poised for an imminent launch.
- Private space station concept, LIFE habitat, set for 2026 demo.
Sierra Space, a branch of the Sierra Nevada Corporation, is on the brink of securing a whopping $300 million, according to CNBC sources. This upcoming financial injection sets the company's worth at an impressive $5 billion, as insiders hint that an official announcement could be just around the corner.
Leading the charge on Sierra Space's funding round are Japanese investors including MUFG, Kanematsu, and Tokio Marine. They're not alone, as previous backers are also throwing their weight (and cash) behind the space firm. With Citigroup giving expert financial advice, it seems the stars are aligning for Sierra Space.
Rewind to two years ago: Sierra Space attracted a hefty $1.4 billion from big names like General Atlantic, BlackRock, and Moore Strategic Ventures, valuing the firm at $4.5 billion. As for the recent fundraising, Sierra Space is keeping its cards close to its chest, not offering CNBC any comment.
At the heart of Sierra Space's vision is the Dream Chaser spaceplane. This innovative vehicle, reminiscent of a mini NASA Space Shuttle, is designed to carry both cargo and crew to orbit and return to Earth like a plane. While its inaugural flight faced delays due to hitches in ULA’s Vulcan rocket development, it's gearing up for a launch on ULA’s second Vulcan mission later this year.
Beyond the Dream Chaser, Sierra Space has its eyes set on the stars with plans for a private space station. By 2026, they aim to send a demonstration of their LIFE habitat—a precursor to a full-scale private space haven.
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