The deal will see Sierra Space deliver a Passive Common Berthing Mechanism (PCBM), connection hatch, lighting system and pressure sensor technology. These systems will ultimately be used by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to support spacecraft docking operations with the International Space Station (ISS).
“The opportunity to work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in support of JAXA’s future ISS missions highlights our commitment to advancing science and the low-Earth orbit economy,” said Dr Tom Marshburn, Sierra Space’s chief astronaut and vice president of human factors engineering.
The PCBM plays a central role in space station operations, enabling secure and reliable docking of pressurised vehicles. The passive unit, which complements the active berthing system installed on the ISS itself, ensures precise alignment and environmental sealing between visiting spacecraft and the station. With few moving parts, it has become a dependable standard for international missions.
Dr Marshburn added, “This contract further reinforces Sierra Space’s reputation for providing mission-critical, flight-proven systems that partners can depend on.”
Sierra Space will also provide the associated hatch system, which forms the connection point for crew and cargo transfers.
The contract builds on Sierra Space’s track record in supplying docking and spaceflight hardware and further strengthens its position in the growing space infrastructure sector. Beyond docking systems, the company is also developing environmental subsystems, rocket engines, propulsion systems and other space technologies aimed at supporting commercial and government operations in low-Earth orbit.
Sierra Space is a leading commercial space and defence technology company with more than 30 years’ experience and over 500 missions of spaceflight heritage. The company is developing Dream Chaser, the world’s only commercial spaceplane, and expandable space station technology to redefine space transportation and destinations.