SNC Subsidiary, SpaceDev Inc. and the University of Colorado at Boulder announce the launch of eSpace: The Center for Space Entrepreneurship

BOULDER, CO – Jan 21st, 2009 – SNC Subsidiary SpaceDev Inc., a leading entrepreneurial space company located in Louisville, Colorado and the University of Colorado at Boulder, a national leader in aerospace engineering, have partnered to create eSpace: The Center for Space Entrepreneurship, (www.espacecenter.org ).  eSpace is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating new entrepreneurial space companies, commercializing aerospace technologies created within these companies and developing the aerospace workforce to support them.

“We believe entrepreneurial space companies are innovation engines that are transforming how we get to, utilize, and explore space,” said Scott Tibbitts, executive director for eSpace. Tibbitts, an entrepreneur himself, founded Starsys Research, which three years ago was acquired by SpaceDev; now a fully owned subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation (www.sncorp.com ). “By providing access to the academic resources of the university, grants to promising space entrepreneurs, and access to both the manufacturing infrastructure of SpaceDev and a network of experienced aerospace entrepreneurs, we expect to create a fertile environment for ensuring the best possible chance of success for start-up space companies,” said Tibbitts.

eSpace is unique in its approach to supporting the creation of these companies by lowering the barriers for entry to an absolute minimum, according to Tibbitts. More than $1 million has been provided to support the launch of the center. Its primary funding is provided by a grant from the Metro Denver WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) initiative with additional funding provided by the Colorado Office of Economic Development, the University of Colorado, SpaceDev, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

SpaceDev, located only 10 minutes from the University of Colorado at Boulder, will provide the physical space for the start-up companies, allowing them to benefit from the process control systems, quality systems, clean rooms and test equipment already on its site. In addition, co-location with SpaceDev enables new entrepreneurs to “rub shoulders” with one of the nation’s premier entrepreneurial space companies. In its first year, eSpace will provide five $20,000 grants to promising entrepreneurs to help support new entrepreneurial space companies.

For more information on The Center for Space Entrepreneurship, please visit www.espacecenter.org

SpaceDev, Inc. - www.SpaceDev.com.
University of Colorado Aerospace Engineering Sciences - http://www.colorado.edu/aerospace
Sierra Nevada Corporation - www.sncorp.com
Metro Denter WIRED Initiative - www.metrodenver.org/wired

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is known for its rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft and communications systems for both the private and public sectors.  Founded in 1963, SNC’s seven unique business areas employ more than 1600 people in 35 different locations in 20 states – all of whom are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

Over its 45 year history, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success.  SNC has grown into one of the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractors in the United States while maintaining its reputation for innovation and agility.  The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of telemedicine, nanotechnology, energy and net-centric operations.

MEDIA CONTACT: generalinfo@sncorp.com or 775-331-0222