Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today congratulated Sierra Nevada Corporation and its Dream Chaser Program on being selected by NASA for a third round of funding as part of the Commercial Crew Program. United Launch Alliance of Centennial and AdamWorks of Centennial were part of the winning bid. The team expects the contract to lead to the return of U.S. orbital space flight.

“This is great news for Sierra Nevada, Colorado and the future of space exploration.  Sierra Nevada and its team represents the best of Colorado’s leading aerospace industry—demonstrating not only our state’s capacity for innovation but also serving as part of the foundation for strong and vibrant 21^st Century economy in this country.

"This will also be a catalyst for Colorado kids' interest in studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), so that they can be part of this next generation of space travel."

The contract, which begins immediately, includes several follow-on milestones that, if awarded, would allow Sierra Nevada and its partners to take the Dream Chaser Program to a crewed orbital space demonstration flight.

Sierra Nevada specializes in satellite technology, energy, nanotechnology and commercial space flight. The company works closely with the U.S. government to provide the military with specialized aircraft.

Mike Sirangelo, executive vice president and chairman of Sierra Nevada, served as a co-chair of Bennet’s “Coloradans for an Innovation Economy” working group. Michael Gass, CEO of United Launch Alliance, and Kim Madigan, CEO of AdamWorks, were also members of the working group, which delivered a report to Bennet, Senator Mark Udall and Governor John Hickenlooper on innovation and job creation that was then forwarded to President Obama. The report includes policy recommendations and action items on creating an environment where innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators can thrive.