// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Space Transportation
The systems and methods used to move people and cargo to and from space, including rockets, spacecraft, and future reusable launch vehicles.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Space transportation encompasses the technologies and services for launching payloads and personnel into space, transferring them between orbits, and returning them to Earth, utilizing launch vehicles (rockets), spacecraft, and future in-space propulsion systems to facilitate access to and mobility within the space environment.
BACKGROUND
Sierra Space Corporation is a privately held aerospace and space technologies company headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, with additional facilities in Colorado, Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina and a testing site at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The company makes spaceflight hardware for various applications across the industry. It is currently developing the Dream Chaser spaceplane. The spaceplane was selected by NASA to provide services to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Resupply Service 2 contract. The company is also in collaboration with Blue Origin to develop components of the Orbital Reef space station.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Launch services
- space logistics
- orbital transport
- spaceflight
USAGE NOTE
The space transportation sector is rapidly innovating with the development of reusable rockets.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Space Transportation.
Develops and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft. Known for its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy reusable launch vehicles, and the Starship system designed for deep-space human and cargo transportation.
Developing a variety of space transportation systems, including the New Glenn heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle, BE-4 rocket engines, and lunar landers for human return to the Moon.
A joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, providing reliable and cost-effective launch services for the U.S. government and commercial customers using Atlas V, Delta IV, and the new Vulcan Centaur rockets.
A joint venture between Airbus and Safran, acting as the prime contractor for Europe's Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launch vehicles, providing reliable and competitive access to space.
Specializes in small satellite launch services with its Electron rocket and is developing the Neutron medium-lift launch vehicle, alongside its Photon satellite platform for in-space transportation.
As a U.S. government agency, NASA leads the development of advanced space transportation technologies, including the Space Launch System (SLS) for deep-space exploration and supporting commercial crew and cargo programs.
Pioneering 3D-printed rockets, developing Terran R, a fully reusable, two-stage orbital launch vehicle designed for high-capacity launches, leveraging additive manufacturing for speed and flexibility.
Developing the Dream Chaser spaceplane for cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station, representing a reusable, winged orbital transportation system capable of runway landings.