Sparks, Nev., July 24, 2014 – Tuskegee University (TU) and Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems announce they have signed a Letter of Cooperation to initiate collaborative efforts related to SNC’s Dream Chaser® Orbital Transportation System. The purpose of this relationship is to jointly promote aerospace engineering education, research, and development, scientific exploration and recruitment and training of a diverse workforce.

Tuskegee University is now a university partner with SNC on the Dream Chaser program.  SNC will support research projects for Tuskegee University faculty and students to advance the technical design of SNC’s Dream Chaser. These projects are expected to create internships and future job opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines for Tuskegee University students. The University already has one of only two centers funded by NASA to develop a technology for growing food in space during human space missions.

SNC will begin lectures at Tuskegee University on the future of our nation’s space program to provide insight into the industry’s most exciting developments.  Tuskegee University faculty will join SNC’s Space Systems Dream Chaser Program Advisory Board to provide critical feedback on SNC’s plans for human space flight activities. SNC will support the academic activities of Tuskegee University at large, in addition to the Department of the Aerospace Science Engineering, through membership on the Industrial Advisory Board of the Department.

Tuskegee University, founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, has a rich legacy of blazing new frontiers. The legendary roles played by such giants as George Washington Carver and the famed Tuskegee Airmen are a glowing part of U.S. history. Tuskegee University, located in Tuskegee, Alabama, is a top ten producer of African-American engineers, and the top producer of material science and engineering Ph.Ds in the nation. Tuskegee is also the only independent, historically black university with several engineering programs that are nationally accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), including the only accredited Aerospace Engineering program at a Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU). 

Dr. Brian L. Johnson, presented by Tuskegee University on June 13, 2014 as the seventh president, commented, “I have begun my time as president by asking all involved with the university to trust the Tuskegee tradition and trust the Tuskegee trajectory. This new relationship with SNC highlights the long celebrated history of Tuskegee in aerospace while also opening up future possibilities for our students to experience the trajectory of America’s new path to space.”

SNC is a leading innovator in developing space systems solutions. Its flagship program, the Dream Chaser, is the next generation space transportation system. This reusable spacecraft will provide critical transportation support for astronauts and cargo to and from low-Earth orbit.

Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems added, “We are thrilled to begin our relationship with such a prestigious and important aerospace university.  Dr. Johnson, through his new, energetic and dynamic leadership, has outlined a plan to create a student-centered environment for the 21st century, which will foster a culture of advancement and development.  We believe that by working together to develop our nation’s future in space we can help make Dr. Johnson’s vision a reality and provide a path for the university’s amazing students to continue Tuskegee’s substantial impact on aerospace.”

Photo Cutline: Dr. Johnson, President, Tuskegee University and Mark Sirangelo, Corp. Vice President, sign Letter of Cooperation at Joint Press Conference at Tuskegee University.

About Tuskegee University
Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University is home to approximately 3,000 students from the U.S. and 30 foreign countries. The institution is accredited by the Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and all of its professional programs are accredited by their respective agencies.

Media Contact: kmcgough@mytu.tuskegee.edu or Kawana N. McGough at 334-724-4649.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems 
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. Government, commercial customers as well as for the international market.  SNC’s Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components.  During its history, SNC’s Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients. For more information about SNC’s Space Systems visit www.sncspace.com and follow us at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems.

Media Contact: SNCDreamChaser@sncorp.com or Krystal Scordo at 720-407-3192.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President Eren Ozmen, SNC has a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 31 locations in 17 states. SNC’s six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen’s leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth also on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visitwww.sncorp.com and follow us at Facebook/Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Media Contact: SNCDreamChaser@sncorp.com or Michelle Erlach at 775-849-6027.