Sierra Space Successfully Beta Tested Ghost, Their New Logistics Spacecraft

Sierra Space has recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful beta testing of their newely-developed return logistics spacecraft, Sierra Space Ghost. This innovative spacecraft marks a significant advancement for Sierra Space, propelling them into a new market, the space logistics.

*A shot from Sierra Space Ghost first drop test in Florida, USA. Credits: Sierra Space*

The Sierra Space Ghost Beta decelerator, developed as part of the company’s Sierra Space Axelerator incubator, features cutting-edge thermal protection systems tailored for the safe return of small payloads from space.

The recent completion of the first drop test in Florida provided crucial insights into the flight characteristics of the system, furthering the understanding of recovery operations on the ground.

A rapid test campaign

“As we continue to innovate at speed, this test enables us to build, test, learn, and accelerate the development of a revolutionary new operational asset for national security,” said in a statement Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sierra Space Ghost is its capability to deliver critical supplies to any location on Earth “within 90 minutes” according to the company . This unparalleled speed and precision have the potential to redefine the way essential defense supplies are delivered across the globe, offering a significant advantage in times of conflict.

*Combined view of four frame from Sierra Space Ghost drop test. Credits: Sierra Space*

The recent testing campaign, conducted at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility, demonstrated stable flight for the hardware at subsonic speeds. The company now plans to scale up to hypersonic speeds in upcoming tests, further validating the capabilities of Ghost.

Sierra Space’s Axelerator incubator, designed to fast-track the development of revolutionary defense technologies, has played a crucial role in this achievement. The beta testing program will continue to refine operations in real-time, addressing various aspects such as infrastructure, architecture, communications systems, and data recording.

A promising spacecraft, by a promising space company

The Ghost spacecraft boasts an on-orbit time of five years and is equipped with pre-determined supplies, including survival kits, inflatable boats, rations, and weaponry.

Upon call-up, the system re-orients and begins the re-entry/targeting cycle, utilizing a de-orbit motor to slow down to 7,000 meters per second.

An illustration of Sierra Space Ghost mission profile. Credits: Sierra Space

The spacecraft then re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, withstanding temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to its thermal protection shield. Once through the atmosphere, the shield is discarded, leaving only the requested payload and a parafoil, which guides the payload to the required area within 100 meters.

This announcement comes in busy times for Sierra Space.

The company is in the final steps of pre-launch test campaign for their reusable spaceplane, the Dream Chaser, slated to launch onboard the second flight of ULA’s Vulcan Rocket.

Moreover, just three days ago on April 5th, the company announced a new satellite bus lineup, called Eclipse. Offering scalable solutions, Sierra Space aims to address various needs within the space industry, from earth observation and communications to logistics and exploration.

In addition to that, the company is also developing inflatable and expandable space station technology. It is surely an interesting time for them.