Regenerative fuel cells don’t really outperform lithium batteries for the most part. Not for daily cycling, at least.
Quote from: Robotbeat on 04/11/2025 03:13 amRegenerative fuel cells don’t really outperform lithium batteries for the most part. Not for daily cycling, at least.What do you mean by perform here? Cause it would seem to me there are a lot of metrics to judge by.
Quote from: JEF_300 on 04/27/2025 05:40 amQuote from: Robotbeat on 04/11/2025 03:13 amRegenerative fuel cells don’t really outperform lithium batteries for the most part. Not for daily cycling, at least.What do you mean by perform here? Cause it would seem to me there are a lot of metrics to judge by.total system mass for earth or mars.For the moon, it can potentially go the other way, but it’s still close.
We have had another successful demonstration of our Resilient GPS (R-GPS) technology for the U.S. Space Force (USSF). In this third milestone, our team demonstrated an early integration of the R-GPS satellite technology through FlatSat flight software and hardware subsystem testing, in addition to successful communication with ground software. Press Release: https://sierraspace.com/press-releases/sierra-space-marks-third-testing-milestone-with-space-force-r-gps-satellite-program
Sierra Space announced today it has been awarded a contract by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to deliver key components for spacecraft docking on the International Space Station (ISS). This includes a Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM), connection hatch, lighting system, and pressure sensor technology to enable spacecraft to dock at the ISS. The components will ultimately be used by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for space station missions to the ISS.“By working with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to support JAXA’s future missions to the ISS, we’re underscoring our commitment to scientific advancement and the growth of the low-Earth orbit economy,” said Dr. Tom Marshburn, Chief Astronaut and VP of Human Factors Engineering at Sierra Space. “This contract reinforces Sierra Space’s reputation for delivering mission-critical, flight-proven systems that our partners can rely on. We’re committed to a diverse and reliable Space Tech product portfolio that helps shape the future of space infrastructure.”The PCBM is a critical component that enables secure and reliable docking of pressurized vehicles to the ISS. As one of the industry’s trusted suppliers of this flight-proven hardware, Sierra Space’s PCBM provides precise alignment and environmental sealing between the ISS and visiting spacecraft. The fully passive assembly, complementing the active system mounted on the ISS, features minimal moving parts, making it a highly dependable choice for international space missions. Sierra Space will also build the hatch system to round out the entry and exit connection.
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1945091119257170150Sierra Space Awarded Contract by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries [Jul 15]QuoteSierra Space announced today it has been awarded a contract by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to deliver key components for spacecraft docking on the International Space Station (ISS). This includes a Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM), connection hatch, lighting system, and pressure sensor technology to enable spacecraft to dock at the ISS. The components will ultimately be used by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for space station missions to the ISS.“By working with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to support JAXA’s future missions to the ISS, we’re underscoring our commitment to scientific advancement and the growth of the low-Earth orbit economy,” said Dr. Tom Marshburn, Chief Astronaut and VP of Human Factors Engineering at Sierra Space. “This contract reinforces Sierra Space’s reputation for delivering mission-critical, flight-proven systems that our partners can rely on. We’re committed to a diverse and reliable Space Tech product portfolio that helps shape the future of space infrastructure.”The PCBM is a critical component that enables secure and reliable docking of pressurized vehicles to the ISS. As one of the industry’s trusted suppliers of this flight-proven hardware, Sierra Space’s PCBM provides precise alignment and environmental sealing between the ISS and visiting spacecraft. The fully passive assembly, complementing the active system mounted on the ISS, features minimal moving parts, making it a highly dependable choice for international space missions. Sierra Space will also build the hatch system to round out the entry and exit connection.
Quote from: StraumliBlight on 07/15/2025 07:21 pmhttps://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1945091119257170150Sierra Space Awarded Contract by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries [Jul 15]QuoteSierra Space announced today it has been awarded a contract by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to deliver key components for spacecraft docking on the International Space Station (ISS). This includes a Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM), connection hatch, lighting system, and pressure sensor technology to enable spacecraft to dock at the ISS. The components will ultimately be used by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for space station missions to the ISS.“By working with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to support JAXA’s future missions to the ISS, we’re underscoring our commitment to scientific advancement and the growth of the low-Earth orbit economy,” said Dr. Tom Marshburn, Chief Astronaut and VP of Human Factors Engineering at Sierra Space. “This contract reinforces Sierra Space’s reputation for delivering mission-critical, flight-proven systems that our partners can rely on. We’re committed to a diverse and reliable Space Tech product portfolio that helps shape the future of space infrastructure.”The PCBM is a critical component that enables secure and reliable docking of pressurized vehicles to the ISS. As one of the industry’s trusted suppliers of this flight-proven hardware, Sierra Space’s PCBM provides precise alignment and environmental sealing between the ISS and visiting spacecraft. The fully passive assembly, complementing the active system mounted on the ISS, features minimal moving parts, making it a highly dependable choice for international space missions. Sierra Space will also build the hatch system to round out the entry and exit connection.Is this for HTV-X? Isn't that already built?https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=37623.msg2691271#msg2691271Will SNC supply parts for future HTV-X vehicles? That would mean jaxa is changing suppliers for this component?
The Power Station is our new production facility for manufacturing defense-hardened Surface Mount Technology (SMT) solar arrays with industry-leading power density, resiliency, and short production lead times. Utilizing SMT solar cells attached to Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), assembled with commercial pick-and-place technology, these high-efficiency multi-junction MWT “micro-cells” enable automated production, higher power densities, and faster lead times. This innovation supports both small- and large-scale deployable missions while offering superior performance compared to traditional solar panels.Full video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=iAeQMyivLnw
Sierra Space@SierraSpaceCoWe have successful completed Critical Design Review for the @SemperCitiusSDA’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer, affirming technical readiness to begin production of advanced missile tracking satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Resilient GPS (R-GPS), an experimental plan to add a proliferated layer of small navigation satellites on top of the core GPS constellation, has been terminated, according to reporting by SpaceNews. Early design work from multiple contractors will be used to inform future architecture decisions, but no on-orbit demonstrations are moving forward.According to SpaceNews, an SSC spokesperson said the initial phase of R-GPS has been completed and will be used to inform future decisions about the GPS architecture. Funding for the next phase did not make it into the fiscal year 2026 budget due to higher priorities within the Department of the Air Force. [...]Those Phase 0 awards went to Astranis, Axient, L3Harris and Sierra Space, who were tasked to produce design concepts and early prototypes for R-GPS satellites.
We have competed the first of nine satellite structures, Plane 1 of the 18 total satellites for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 2 Tracking Layer (T2TRK) program. Achieved three months ahead of schedule, this milestone showcases our ability to meet key program milestones with efficiency and precision, for delivery and launch readiness.Press Release: https://sierraspace.com/press-releases/sierra-space-completes-first-nine-satellite-structures-for-the-space-development-agencys-tranche-2-tracking-layer-three-months-ahead-of-schedule/
Sierra Space has successfully completed thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) testing on a deployable radiator panel prototype at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, marking a milestone in advancing the company’s spacecraft thermal control capabilities.The test evaluated the radiator’s performance under the extreme thermal and vacuum conditions of space and represented another successful collaboration under CCSC-2 (Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities 2), Sierra Space’s unfunded Space Act Agreement (uSAA) with NASA.Through this ongoing collaboration, Sierra Space continues to mature in-space technologies that will support future commercial, government, and exploration missions.[...]TVAC Testing: Purpose, Process, and OutcomesThermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing replicates the harsh environmental extremes of space, combining near-vacuum pressure with cycles of high and low temperatures. This process validates a system’s performance, durability, and ability to maintain functionality under repeated exposure to these conditions.For Sierra Space, TVAC testing of the deployable radiator prototype provided critical data and insights, including: • Validation of mathematical models predicting radiator performance through correlation with real-world measurements. • Verification of leak integrity across fluid channels. • Evaluation of flow distribution and overall heat rejection efficiency. • Observation of component behavior during repeated thermal cycling. • Risk reduction in manufacturing processes and materials. • Operational insights gained from test setup and execution.The prototype performed as expected under simulated orbital conditions, confirming the radiator’s design and functionality while reducing potential risks for future deployment.
Jan 30, 2026We deliver innovative, open architecture technology solutions that empower and protect our customers. We're thrilled to continue our dedication to the mission of our customers and nation.
