Sierra Space, a leading aerospace company, has recently announced the successful completion of a series of environmental tests for its Dream Chaser cargo spaceplane at a NASA facility in Ohio. This significant achievement marks a major milestone in the development of the Dream Chaser and signals its readiness for launch later this year. The news was shared by the company on their website and was also reported by SpaceNews, a trusted source for space industry news.
The Dream Chaser cargo spaceplane is a reusable, multi-mission spacecraft designed to transport cargo and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). It is a crucial component of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) program, which aims to secure reliable and affordable transportation of supplies and experiments to the ISS. Sierra Space has been working diligently on the development of the Dream Chaser since being awarded the CRS-2 contract in 2016.
The successful completion of environmental tests at the NASA Plum Brook Station in Ohio is a significant step towards the launch of the Dream Chaser. These tests, which began in December 2020, were conducted to evaluate the spacecraft’s performance under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference. The results of these tests have been positive, confirming the Dream Chaser’s ability to withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Mark Sirangelo, the Executive Vice President of Sierra Space, expressed his excitement and pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “The successful completion of environmental testing is a major achievement for our team and brings us one step closer to delivering the Dream Chaser to NASA for its mission to the ISS.” He also commended the collaboration and support of NASA and the Plum Brook Station team in carrying out these tests.
With the environmental tests now complete, Sierra Space is preparing to ship the Dream Chaser to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its upcoming launch. The Dream Chaser will be transported by a cargo plane and is expected to arrive in Florida in the coming weeks. Once it reaches the Kennedy Space Center, the spacecraft will undergo final checks and preparations before being integrated with the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket for its mission to the ISS.
The Dream Chaser has already proven its capabilities through a successful flight test in 2017, where it autonomously glided and landed on a runway, just like a traditional aircraft. Its unique design, resembling a mini space shuttle, allows it to land on commercial runways, making it a cost-effective and efficient option for cargo transportation. It also has the capability to carry up to 5,500 kilograms of cargo to the ISS and return with up to 1,750 kilograms of cargo to Earth, making it an essential asset for the space industry.
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser is not only a significant development for the company but also for the entire space industry. Its successful completion of environmental tests and upcoming launch demonstrate the progress being made in commercial space transportation and the potential for future space exploration. The Dream Chaser also represents a significant step towards achieving NASA’s goal of sustainable and affordable access to space.
In conclusion, Sierra Space’s announcement of the successful completion of environmental tests for its Dream Chaser cargo spaceplane is a testament to the company’s dedication and expertise in the field of aerospace. With the spacecraft now ready to be shipped to Florida for its upcoming launch, the team at Sierra Space is eager to see the Dream Chaser in action and fulfill its mission to the ISS. This achievement is a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the future of space exploration. The Dream Chaser is truly a dream come true for Sierra Space and the entire space industry.
