First reusable spaceplane of new fleet revealed at Sierra Space factory
9th Nov 2023 | In News | By Michael Tyrrell
Commercial space company, Sierra Space, has revealed the first complete Dream Chaser spaceplane of its new fleet of reusable vehicles.
The first vehicle will now ship to NASA’s Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio for environmental testing in the coming weeks.
Sierra Space says the Dream Chaser is the world’s first commercial runway-capable spaceplane. Supported by a substantial contract from NASA to resupply the International Space Station, Dream Chaser aims to lead the way in democratising access to space, forging a path towards shared space exploration and international cooperation.
“Today we have arrived at a profound milestone in both our company’s journey and our industry’s future – one that has been years in the making and is shaped by audacious dreaming and tenacious doing,” said Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice. “I am reminded of a comment made by Steve Jobs that every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything. I think Dream Chaser is that product. This breakthrough shifts paradigms and redefines space travel. The Dream Chaser is not just a product; it’s a testament to human spirit, determination and the relentless pursuit of what lies beyond.”
Sierra Space team members gathered to celebrate this milestone moment on 30th October at the company’s Louisville production facility.
The versatile Dream Chaser spaceplane fleet is designed to facilitate the transportation of cargo and, in the future, crew to low-Earth orbit (LEO). This multi-mission platform offers customisation options to cater to the needs of both domestic and international customers, further enhancing its role in global space operations.
Under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract, Dream Chaser has been selected to provide essential cargo delivery, return, and disposal services for the International Space Station.
Harnessing cutting-edge technology, Dream Chaser showcases its mettle by safely withstanding temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees during re-entry, all while being cool to the touch mere minutes after landing. The incorporation of the most advanced autonomous flight system, ensuring a minimum 15-mission lifespan, marks a monumental leap forward in space transportation.
Safety remains at the core of the Dream Chaser’s mission. Advanced safety mechanisms fortify the spaceplane, guaranteeing the integrity of the cargo – including sensitive scientific payloads – and the well-being of all those aboard the International Space Station who will interact with the new vehicle.
The inaugural Dream Chaser spaceplane, “Tenacity,” is poised to embark on its initial seven cargo missions to and from the International Space Station, carrying essential supplies such as food, water and scientific experiments. One of Dream Chaser’s groundbreaking features is its capability to safely return critical cargo to Earth at fewer than 1.5g’s, ensuring the preservation of invaluable payloads.
Dream Chaser has high reusability and adaptability, making it an optimal choice for a wide range of applications while ensuring rapid turnaround times to meet various LEO requirements.
The launch for this journey is schedule to occur from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.Sierra Space’s launch provider, United Launch Alliance (ULA), will carry Dream Chaser into orbit on the second Vulcan Centaur rocket. Tenacity’s maiden resupply mission will culminate with the vehicle’s return, landing at the historic NASA Space Shuttle Landing Facility.
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