Sierra Space has launched its defense business focused on supporting national security programs through its satellite and spacecraft systems technology.
The company said Wednesday Erik Daehler, vice president of defense, satellites and spacecraft systems at Sierra Space, will oversee Sierra Space Defense.
Daehler said the mission-focused organization is dedicated to supporting national security clients and revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base.
“The creation of Sierra Space Defense enables stronger partnerships – such as our steadfast partnership with SNC – to tackle the hardest mission problems like Golden Dome. Our new Sierra Space Defense organization is a testament to our dedication to innovation at speed and excellence in satellite and spacecraft systems production, which will shape the future of defense technology,” Daehler stated.
Erik Daehler’s Career Highlights
Daehler has 24 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry with a background in business development, program management and product innovation.
Before Sierra Space, he was senior director of the protected communications mission area at Lockheed Martin’s military space organization.
He previously served as director of product innovation at Boeing, where he led the development of new satellite systems for the company’s space business.
The Colorado College physics graduate has a master’s degree in space systems engineering from the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands.
Sierra Space Defense’s Product Portfolio
Since 2023, Sierra Space has booked $1.5 billion in defense and national security contracts to build 30 satellites, including 18 missile warning and defense satellites for the Space Development Agency.
The defense business will focus on developing satellites and spacecraft systems within its portfolio, including Sierra Space Eclipse satellites for on-orbit servicing missions and Sierra Space Ghost, a space delivery system designed to return objects from space directly to precise Earth locations.
Sierra Space Defense’s portfolio also includes Sierra Space Spectre, a satellite designed to support precision rendezvous proximity operations, and Sierra Black OS, an artificial intelligence-powered operating system designed to operate across air, space and ground systems.
‘Victory Works’ Facility to Focus on Defense Tech
Sierra Space also announced plans to build a defense technology-focused manufacturing facility, called “Victory Works,” in Centennial, Colorado.
The facility will focus on producing the company’s Sierra Space Eclipse satellite bus line and bring the company’s total infrastructure to more than 1 million square feet across seven states.
