U.S. Air Force extends Sierra Space contract for upper stage rocket engine

U.S. Air Force extends Sierra Space contract for upper stage rocket engine

Sierra Space is positioning the VR35K-A for the launch market but also for in-space propulsion applications The post U.S. Air Force extends Sierra Space contract for upper stage rocket engine appeared first on SpaceNews.

H2-View News: Sierra Space completes hydrogen-powered engine testing for US space missions

Research Laboratory (AFRL) was aimed at continuing to mature upper stage engines to fulfil future National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. NSSL missions are intended to assure the US Department of Defence (DOD) access to space. The US Air Force has been in the process of selecting its next generation NSSL vehicles since 2018. VR35K-A

Sierra Space completes hydrogen-powered engine testing for US space missions

Research Laboratory (AFRL) was aimed at continuing to mature upper stage engines to fulfil future National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. NSSL missions are intended to assure the US Department of Defence (DOD) access to space. The US Air Force has been in the process of selecting its next generation NSSL vehicles since 2018. VR35K-A uses a fuel-rich staged combustion cycle, turbopump architecture and Sierra Space’s patented VORTEX combus…

Sierra Space Completes Test Campaign on Next Generation Vortex 35,000 lbf Fuel-Rich LOX LH2 Engine

Secures Follow-On $16 Million Contract with U.S. Air Force LOUISVILLE, Colo. – February 12, 2025 – Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company and defense tech prime that is Building a Platform in Space to Benefit Life on Earth®, announced today the successful completion of the test campaign for its fully integrated VR35K-A upper stage engine, under contract with Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL), Rocket Propulsion Division, Edwards, A…