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Revolutionizing Earth Delivery: Sierra Space Ghost
Back in the 1980s, FedEx coined a memorable tagline: “When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.” However, in critical situations such as ground conflicts and disaster scenarios, overnight delivery falls short. Recognizing the exigency for an ultra-fast delivery service, Colorado-based Sierra Space is currently pioneering a system to dispatch supplies to almost any location on Earth in just 90 minutes.
Sierra Space is actively engaged in several cutting-edge projects, including the Dream Chaser spaceplane and a planned commercial space station. Recently, the company unveiled yet another ambitious endeavor – a revolutionary logistics spacecraft called Ghost. This groundbreaking platform boasts a sophisticated thermal protection system tailored for the safe return of small payloads from space. Designed to offer on-demand courier services, Ghost caters to diverse clients, ranging from national security operations to disaster relief efforts.
The Vision Behind Ghost
“We envision having an inventory of Sierra Space Ghost vehicles strategically positioned and readily accessible for deployment within 90 minutes to critical locations anywhere on Earth,” stated Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space. The system is designed to deliver supplies to “frontline personnel” within 100 yards of the specified target area. This initiative aligns with Sierra Space’s recent establishment of the Orbital Missions and Services organization, focusing on innovative national security solutions. The company has already secured $1.3 billion in prime contracts for satellite constellations under this program.
Testing and Functionality
Ghost underwent a series of three rigorous drop tests at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility. These tests validated the vehicle’s capability, including a terminal drop from 2,000 feet, a controlled parachute descent from 4,000 feet, and the separation of shield and payload components to ensure safe payload return. Once operational, a pre-loaded Ghost spacecraft will orbit until commanded to reenter, carrying essential cargo such as survival kits, inflatable boats, rations, and more. Upon activation, the spacecraft will re-orient, commence re-entry, and utilize a thermal protection shield to endure extreme temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit before a parafoil guides the payload to the designated landing area.
Each satellite is anticipated to have a lifespan of five years, after which they will be retired and deorbited. This innovative approach, alongside rapid-response technology enabling quick rocket launches within 24 hours notice, has the potential to revolutionize global delivery capabilities and enhance our ability to provide critical supplies promptly to those in need.
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