Sierra Nevada Space Systems Adds Key Former NASA Leaders to Its Dream Chaser Orbital Space Vehicle Team

LOUISVILLE, Colo., July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) Space Systems has announced the augmentation of its Dream Chaser Orbital Space Transportation Vehicle team through the addition of several former NASA veteran human spaceflight experts.

Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems said, "SNC is seeking to develop a strong partnership with NASA. Our Dream Chaser vehicle was born at NASA before we took on its development. By adding these highly experienced former NASA people to the SNC Dream Chaser program we can blend the best of both the NASA heritage method of vehicle development alongside the best of industry practices. The depth of human spaceflight expertise from these former NASA leaders is already directly contributing to SNC's rapid success in developing the Dream Chaser spacecraft for transport of crews to the International Space Station."

The newest member of the Dream Chaser management team is astronaut Steven Lindsey, who will be joining the team in July as Director of Flight Operations. Steve is the former Chief of NASA's Astronaut Office, which he ran for four years and is a veteran of four Space Shuttle missions, most recently commanding Space Shuttle mission STS-133. Steve will be responsible for activities related to flight testing, flight operations, and crew training.

Other former NASA personnel that joined recently or are already on the Dream Chaser team include:

Former astronaut Jim Voss, a veteran astronaut who flew on five Space Shuttle missions and the Russian Soyuz, and served as a crew member on the International Space Station during Expedition 2.  Jim is Vice President of Space Exploration Systems and program executive for the Dream Chaser Program.

Dr. Merri Sanchez, Senior Director of Space Exploration Systems

John Curry, Director of Systems Integration, Test, and Operations

John Turner, Safety and Mission Assurance Manager

Jeffrey Davis, Avionics Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead

Molly Meyer-Allyn, Environmental Control and Life Support/Thermal Control IPT Lead

Kevin Clinton, Launch Vehicle Integration IPT Lead

Stokes McMillan, Simulation Manager

Full press release here: http://www.sncorp.com/news/press/pr11/snc_dream_nasa_team.shtml

About Sierra Nevada Corporation:

SNC is ranked in the top ten America's fastest-growing private companies based on its reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and renewable energy. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com.

SOURCE Sierra Nevada Corporation