Eric M. Johnson

SEATTLE (Reuters) – Months after receiving a significant infusion of capital from Sierra Nevada Corp, Sierra Space has hired a Boeing (NYSE) Co veteran to oversee its finances. The company is currently developing its spacecraft and studying a public offer, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Robert Rodgers, the outgoing CFO of Sierra Space, pitched investors for approximately a year and managed due diligence efforts until it was able to announce its landmark capital round in November at $1.4 billion. According to Rodgers’ LinkedIn profile. Sierra claimed it was the 2nd-largest private capital injection ever made in aerospace and defense, and increased Sierra’s valuation to $4.5 Billion.

It will take 10 years to replace Rodgers. Boeing Co Troy Lahr was a veteran who left as the CFO for the company’s aerospace defense, security and space unit.

Boeing confirmed Lahr’s departure in the last weeks, but did not provide further information.

Sierra Space spokeswoman said that Lahr will soon join the company.

Sierra Space’s spokesperson stated that the company is building a top-notch management team including Troy. This will allow investors to see many opportunities, as well as drive innovation, and help us in our mission of exploring space and benefiting the Earth.

A spokesperson refused to comment further.

Rodgers did not immediately explain the reason behind his departure. Rodgers did not respond immediately to our request for comment.

According to industry sources, Sierra will be exploring public offerings in the coming two-three years. However, no decisions have been made.

This financial leadership shift comes as the Louisville, Colorado-based firm races to create a reusable plane called Dream Chaser for cargo resupply missions at the International Space Station. It will be available in the early 2023.

Sierra Space claims that Dream Chaser’s capability to land on an old runway is what gives it an advantage over other solutions for sensitive scientific research cargo. SpaceX, Elon Musk and SpaceX already transport people and cargo on their way to the ISS.

Sierra sees the future in which a fleet spaceplans, similar to the Space Shuttle but smaller than it, will transport cargo and people from various spaceports around the globe to a vibrant new space economy.

Last year, Sierra Space chief executive officer Tom Vice stated that “We are creating the next generation space transport systems and in-space infrastructures and destination which will allow humanity to create and sustain thriving civilisations beyond Earth.”

Sierra Space also has a partnership formed with Jeff Bezos, a billionaire entrepreneur to operate and develop a low-earth orbit commercial space station. Redwire Space and Boeing are the backers of this so-called orbital Reef project.