United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, is reportedly considering a sale to Sierra Space for an estimated $2-$3 billion. This potential deal would mark a significant shift for ULA, moving from a joint venture to a smaller, privately held company. The news comes as ULA faces increased competition from SpaceX, which has a significantly higher launch rate.
Sierra Space successfully conducted a pressure test on its LIFE (Large Integrated Flexible Environment) inflatable habitat, pushing it to its breaking point. The test, which saw the habitat explode under pressure, provided valuable data for engineers and proved the design’s capability to support astronauts in space.
Sierra Space Corporation, Japan Airlines, Kanematsu Corporation, and Oita Prefecture have welcomed MUFG Bank and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance to their collaborative effort to develop the use of the Dream Chaser space plane. The partnership aims to establish Oita Airport as the Asian hub for the Dream Chaser, exploring opportunities for space plane landings, navigating legal frameworks, and creating an economic zone around the spaceport.
