Sierra Space and Kanematsu Corporation Creating Japanese Partnerships to Advance International Commercialization of Low-Earth Orbit

LOUISVILLE, CO., September 8, 2021 – Sierra Space and Kanematsu Corporation (Kanematsu) are opening up global access to low-Earth orbit (LEO), allowing for new business opportunities in space.  The Sierra Space Station is a LEO platform that utilizes the Dream Chaser® spaceplane and multiple LIFETM habitats to create a vibrant new space ecosystem where people are living and working in space and new industries are allowed to thrive and grow, while also helping humanity on Earth. Kanematsu is an international company at the forefront of aerospace in Japan. 

Sierra Space’s trading partner in Japan, Kanematsu facilitates business with both the public and private sectors in Japan.  Kanematsu brings its experience in Japanese aerospace to the new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the companies.

This partnership opens up Sierra Space’s ability to reach a more global market for its space programs.

Kanematsu has previously supported Sierra Space on multiple Japanese cooperative programs and the expanded agreement focuses on the development of Commercial LEO Space Station partnerships in the Japanese space market.

“LEO commercialization needs to be a global effort and Kanematsu is a key partner for Sierra Space.  As an innovative leader at the intersection of aerospace, electronics, materials, technology, and manufacturing, Kanematsu shares Sierra Space’s vision for the new space economy,” said Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space. “We are very pleased to enter into a new, expanded agreement with Kanematsu to foster international relationships and further deploy Sierra Space technology as well as leverage the impressive capabilities of Japanese industry for our commercial space station. Kanematsu brings a wealth of experience in the marketplace and we are proud to have them represent the commercial business of Sierra Space in Japan.”

Ryoichi Kidokoro, Senior Executive Officer, Motor Vehicle & Aerospace Division at Kanematsu said, “We are very excited to have a strong relationship with Sierra Space, the world leader of commercial space industry especially on the free-flying commercial space station and Dream Chaser.  Our commitment to contribute to the Japanese space industry as well as our heritage and experience in the space business of more than 20 years in Japan, will bring additional value to the Japanese customers and enables both Sierra Space and Kanematsu to become successful in the Japanese market.  There are huge opportunities and potential collaborations in the free-flying commercial space station in Japan, with both heritage space and non-space companies.”

Sierra Space recently announced plans for the first free-flying commercial space station in low-Earth orbit that includes multiple LIFE habitats and docking ports for Dream Chaser and other visiting vehicles and modules. The space station is modular, flexible and provides a large environment for living and working and open to industries like pharmaceuticals, space tourism and agriculture.

Sierra Space “Shining City in Space” using the first free-flying commercial space station video: https://vimeo.com/590058825

About Sierra Space

Sierra Space Corporation is a new independent commercial space company, created from the space capabilities of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). Leveraging breakthrough technologies including the Dream Chaser® spaceplane and expandable LIFE™ habitat, Sierra Space builds and delivers the future of space transportation, destinations and infrastructure for LEO commercialization. Its turnkey, space-as-a-service solutions are modular, scalable and reusable, opening space to new participants globally. With 30+ years of proven spaceflight heritage, Sierra Space has provided more than 4,000 systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participated in more than 500 missions to space, including to Mars. Sierra Space is a subsidiary of global aerospace and national security leader Sierra Nevada Corporation.

About Kanematsu Corporation

Kanematsu Corporation, a major Japanese trading company having 130 years of history, is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. By multiplying our business networks in Japan and overseas with our vast experience in general trading, information-gathering, market cultivation, business incubation and project-forming & management, risk management and logistics, Kanematsu is committed to creating new businesses with Sierra Space as a Value Creator. Kanematsu is involved in a wide range of businesses through its four segments: Motor Vehicles & Aerospace, Electronics & Devices, Steel, Materials & Plant and Foods, Meat & Grain. In aerospace area, we are proactively expanding our businesses areas, such as commercial & government space programs, defense programs, eVTOL, UAV, helicopter, fixed wing, engine and so on. For more information on Kanematsu’s businesses and services, visit our website at https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)

Owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC is a trusted leader in engineering answers to the world’s toughest challenges, through customer-focused technologies and best-of-breed integrations in aerospace and defense and national security space. For nearly 60 years, SNC technology has delivered state-of-the-art civil, military and commercial solutions. SNC has received numerous awards and distinctions innovation, customer satisfaction and leadership including being named a US Best Managed Company for two consecutive years. In spring 2021, SNC announced the transition of its Space Systems business area to an independent commercial space company, Sierra Space.