March 5 (Reuters) – Sierra Space said on Thursday it has raised $550 million in a Series C funding round that values it at $8 billion, as investor appetite for national security assets grows amid geopolitical tensions and strong interest in commercial space infrastructure.
Space companies with government contracts and proven production capacity are seeing more capital flow, amid a broader push toward space-based data centers and orbital infrastructure. Investors are also closely watching SpaceX’s expected initial public offering, which could reshape the competitive landscape in the sector.
Sierra Space said the funding round was led by LuminArx Capital Management, with participation from existing backers including General Atlantic, Coatue, Moore Strategic Ventures and Andalusian Private Capital.
The Louisville, Colorado-based company has sought to position itself as a key supplier of satellites, space transportation systems and defense technologies to U.S. national security customers. It had raised $290 million in a Series B round in 2023 which valued the company at $5.3 billion.
The space company said the fresh capital would support expanded production capacity and development of solutions for defense and intelligence missions.
“As we scale, our priority remains strengthening national security capabilities while delivering the discipline, reliability, and performance our government and commercial partners depend on,” CEO Dan Jablonsky exclusively told Reuters.
Space-based assets are playing an increasingly central role in intelligence gathering, secure communications and other critical defense missions as governments seek greater resilience and real-time data.
Sierra Space has won cornerstone contracts including a $450 million award to build more than four satellites for a national security customer and a Space Development Agency contract with a potential value of up to $740 million.
Beyond satellites, the company is developing the reusable Dream Chaser spaceplane, designed to ferry cargo, and eventually crew, to low Earth orbit. It completed key manufacturing milestones in 2025, with a demonstration flight planned for late 2026.
(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
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