Sierra Space Selects Japanese Passive Docking System for its Commercial Space Station Design
Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company and emerging defense tech prime building a platform in space to benefit and protect life on Earth, announced its collaboration with Japan-based partners on a cutting-edge passive docking system, or PDS, that will be integrated into the company’s new commercial space station platform. The system is being developed jointly by IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd., a principal contributor to Japan’s space engineering expertise, and Kanematsu Corporation, a global trading powerhouse.
The new PDS system – an integral element facilitating secure and efficient spacecraft docking including with Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser® spaceplane – will be developed in accordance with the International Docking System Standard (IDSS). IHI Aerospace’s solution is designed to offer simplicity, versatility and utmost reliability in space docking operations.
“Our mission at Sierra Space is to create a platform in space to benefit life on Earth. In realizing that vision, safety is paramount in everything we do in commercial space station design and development,” said Steve Berroth, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EarthSpace™ Systems at Sierra Space. “IHI Aerospace shares this dedication, and we are confident that their passive docking system represents the safest, most reliable technology to be adopted into our platform.”
Having successfully completed the preliminary design review, the companies are poised to progress towards the critical design phase. Since 2021, IHI Aerospace has collaborated with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on an IDSS-compliant active docking system. The convergence of active and passive docking technologies is anticipated to play a pivotal role not only in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) endeavors but also in supporting space exploration initiatives such as the Artemis program.
Kazumasa Goto, Board Director at IHI Aerospace said, “We are very pleased that our passive docking system, which is being developed based on the mechanical system technology and heritage we have cultivated on the International Space Station and H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI,” has been adopted by Sierra Space for their space station platform. We believe this will also contribute to the future of benefit to humankind on the earth through our technology as a part of future commercial space stations.”
Ryoichi Kidokoro, Senior Executive Officer of Kanematsu and COO of the Motor Vehicles & Aerospace Division added, ”We are delighted that the passive docking system manufactured by IHI Aerospace has been selected by Sierra Space, one of the leading space companies in the United States. Through this collaboration, we would like to accelerate to support on the export of Japanese manufacturers. We will continue our efforts to gain international recognition and trust for the superiority and high quality of space technology that Japanese companies have established so far, leading to the expansion of commercial space activities and the establishment of international cooperative relationships.”