Sierra Space, a company focused on spaceplane and commercial space station projects, has raised $290 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its valuation to $5.3 billion. This investment, co-led by three Japanese investors, including MUFG, Kanematsu Corporation, and Tokio Marine & Nichido, marks a significant milestone for Sierra Space, which has now raised a total of $1.7 billion. The involvement of Japanese investors demonstrates their intention to play a prominent role in the low Earth orbit (LEO) economy, particularly after the retirement of the International Space Station in 2030. Sierra Space is collaborating with Blue Origin, Boeing, and others to develop a commercial space station called “Orbital Reef,” featuring Sierra’s inflatable habitat, LIFE (Large Integrated Flexible Environment), as one of its core components.
Sierra Space recently concluded a series of successful “burst tests” on a subscale version of the LIFE habitat, aiming to conduct similar tests on a full-scale habitat in the future. The company plans to launch a “pathfinder” demonstration mission in 2026. Additionally, Sierra is developing the Dream Chaser, a reusable vehicle designed to transport cargo and crew to and from its space station. The Dream Chaser’s inaugural flight is scheduled to take place next year aboard United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur. Sierra’s CEO, Tom Vice, expressed the company’s focus on the development and operations of the first commercial space station, further growth in national security offerings, and the expansion of its space systems components business.
Sierra Space’s successful funding round and growing partnerships position the company as a key player in the commercial space industry. With significant investments and advancements in their spaceplane and space station projects, Sierra Space aims to contribute to the future of space exploration and infrastructure, particularly with the forthcoming retirement of the International Space Station. The collaboration with Japanese investors further underscores the global interest and potential in the LEO economy, providing opportunities for continued innovation and growth in the space sector.
