SpaceDev History: We were founded in 1997 with the vision of being the leader in commercial space for the New Millennium. We believe that space will only “happen” as additional practical ways are found to make a new and wider variety of space activities profitable. We believe that the more we orient ourselves toward smaller, innovative, affordable commercial space products, the better we can deliver a higher value to our customers.
Our long-term plan is to build a profitable, private space program through the conception, design, development, integration and operation of innovative new space technology systems, products and services.
SpaceDev California is focused on developing responsive and low-cost small spacecraft - microsats, nanosats and maneuvering and orbital transfer vehicles (MoTV) - and safe, sub-orbital and orbital hybrid propulsion systems. We merged with Starsys Research Corporation on January 31, 2006 to enhance our customer base, products offerings and production capability. When SpaceDev merged with Starsys Research we brought together the very best of vision and experience.
Starsys Research was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1987 to bring a promising thermal actuator technology to the Space industry as an alternative to conventional explosive actuators. From this initial core technology; High Output Paraffin (HOP) thermal actuators, Starsys Research developed into a world-leading supplier of mechanical systems for spacecraft including electromechanical actuators, deployable structures and mechanical components.
In 2003 Starsys opened a Durham, North Carolina office to take advantage of a uniquely talented workforce in the area. The Durham operation has been expanded and is now SpaceDev, North Carolina, specializing in the design and production of electromechanical motors and actuators.
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On December 16, 2008, we became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). With this acquisition, SNC has formed an integrated space technologies area called SNC Space Systems (SS) with SpaceDev, MicroSat Systems (another subsidiary of SNC), and the other SNC space operations and capabilities. This new business area will provide advanced satellite systems, propulsion systems, space vehicle systems and a wide array of subsystems and components to defense, civil government, and corporate customers. Our Mission: To further the exploration and utilization of Space in ways previously unimagined by bringing the very best to bear to the challenge: the best technologies, the best commercial practices, the best innovations, and most importantly, the best people.
Our Vision:
To develop as a diversified and integrated resource for the Space Industry that provides extraordinary value as an integrator and premier supplier and partner to the Prime Contractor. To maintain a position of sensible growth and sustained profitability to create strong returns for our shareholders, develop our people, innovate through our research, all within a fun working environment. To attract, retain and develop teams that are unsurpassed in our industry. To forward the perspective that perfection is a continuing journey, and that part of life is to dream of what can be done and to make it happen.
Back to the top Our Operating Principles: - Make it personal – it is why we are all here
- Maintain openness - tear down walls in our thinking
- Have integrity - do the right thing - speak the truth
- Understand our limitations - it is better to do a few things with excellence than many things adequately
- Create cooperation and a pride of ownership at all levels
- Deliver product that works, create a golden reputation and go the extra mile
- Further our industry – create teaming and working relationships at all levels
- Create excellent communication through constant listening
- Create fun whenever possible and have Passion for what we do
- Seek to be the Employer of Choice, Supplier of Choice and Investment of Choice
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SpaceDev’s clients have included: - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
- DARPA
- Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)
- Andrews Space & Technology
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
- The Boeing Company
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- Lockheed Martin
- Scaled Composites
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- California Space Authority (CSA)
- Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation
- Raytheon
- Northrop Grumman
- Lockheed Martin
- ITT
- Harris Corporation
- ATK
- Loral Space and Communication
- General Dynamics
- MacDonald Dettwiler
- Honeywell
- Orbital Science Corporation
- Hamilton Sundstrand
- Goddard Space Flight Center
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