Thursday, April 20, 2017Making Commercial Space Flight More AccessibleDraper Readies Dream Chaser for International Space StationCAMBRIDGE, MA – Flight software developed by Draper is helping to bring routine commercial space flight one step closer to reality. The software will be on Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser® spacecraft for resupplying the International Space Station (ISS). When the un-crewed spacecraft launches to the ISS, its mission will be to deliver six tons of food, supplies and fuel to the orbiting laboratory. As an un-crewed spacecraft, Dream Chaser presents a unique set of challenges in its design and navigation. SNC envisioned a spacecraft that could land on a runway, similar to the Space Shuttle, so that it could be reused and put back into space within 60 days. SNC also wanted Dream Chaser to be resilient so that it could meet its goal of flying a minimum of 15 times. For the Dream Chaser Cargo System, Draper addressed these challenges by applying its flight-proven capabilities that also enable cargo delivery to the ISS aboard Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft. The capabilities include mission automation and guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) software, as well as the human-rated fault-tolerant flight computer. Draper used these same capabilities during the Constellation Program (CxP), when NASA had the Moon as a stepping stone towards missions to Mars. Now the company has brought those capabilities to one of the few spacecraft designated by NASA for resupplying the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) contract awarded to SNC.Seamus Tuohy, director of space systems at Draper, believes Dream Chaser represents a new chapter in space travel. “The future of routine commercial space flight is quickly approaching, promising to make a trip into space as routine as air travel. Dream Chaser is an important step by showing how we can get to the Space Station and back quickly, easily and safely, and provide the vital cargo for making living and working in space possible for humans.”The next test for Dream Chaser—a free flight and landing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center—will help validate the systems specially designed by Draper. The test flight will help confirm elements of the flight software and the flight control computer. It will also validate the spacecraft’s handling and performance characteristics during landing. “Dream Chaser enhances the American capability to deliver and return ISS cargo, decreasing our reliance on foreign providers,” added Tuohy. “It also has the potential to increase use of hosted payloads and deployment of CubeSats by more industry and university partners.”
Gemini Software Heritage Shaping Human Spaceflight TodayAviation Week, May 03, 2017 – When a United Launch Alliance rocket boosts Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Dream Chaser commercial cargo vehicle toward the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of this decade, it will find its way there with technology that has roots in the orbital rendezvous technology the government funded in the Gemini program more than a half-century ago.The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, used government-funded guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) techniques dating from Gemini to build and program the guidance computer for the Apollo program, and it will use that same basic technology—upgraded dramatically over the years—for Sierra Nevada’s reusable robotic spaceplane...
Sierra Nevada CorpVerified account @SierraNevCorp 16m16 minutes agoAnother day of tow tests @NASAArmstrong for our Dream Chaser® spacecraft. We obviously brought the fuzzy dice along for the ride!
Dream Chaser® spacecraft at dawn.
Dream Chaser® sun bathing at @NASAArmstrong.
Sierra Nevada CorpVerified account @SierraNevCorp 49s50 seconds agoTest days start very early! While it isn’t fun waking up this early to go to work, I am rewarded with an amazing view at sunrise!
Sierra Nevada CorpVerified account @SierraNevCorp 37m37 minutes agoHi space enthusiasts! Engineer Eric Cain here. SNC gave me keys to the account today, so expect some cool behind-the-scenes access!
Sierra Nevada CorpVerified account @SierraNevCorp 9m9 minutes agoToday, we tow the Dream Chaser® spacecraft down the runway to ensure it steers straight on flight day. All that math is coming in handy!
I waited at the end of the runway to see Dream Chaser® spacecraft braking to a stop. I'm excited to see it stop in this spot on flight day!
We still have more testing to complete before the captive carry later this year.
The flight test is still scheduled for later this year.
The highest altitude will be approximately 10,200 ft above ground level.
Since @edwardsAFB is located about 2,300 ft above sea level, that would make it about 12,500 feet mean sea level.
Eric Berger Verified account @SciGuySpace 1m1 minute agoSierra Nevada makes it official: Will launch first two Dream Chaser missions to supply ISS on @ulalaunch's Atlas V rocket.
United Launch Alliance Signs Contract with Sierra Nevada Corporation to Launch Dream Chaser® Spacecraft to Deliver Cargo to International Space StationCentennial, Colo., (July 19, 2017) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announced that it selected United Launch Alliance’s (ULA’s) commercially developed Atlas V rocket to launch the first two missions of its Dream Chaser cargo system in support of NASA’s Cargo Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract.“ULA is pleased to partner with Sierra Nevada Corporation to launch its Dream Chaser cargo system to the International Space Station in less than three years,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Human and Commercial Systems. “We recognize the importance of on time and reliable transportation of crew and cargo to Station and are honored the Atlas V was selected to continue to launch cargo resupply missions for NASA.”The two awarded Atlas V missions will carry pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). The first mission is set to lift off in 2020 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in Florida. The second contracted mission is scheduled to lift off in 2021. Dream Chaser will launch atop an Atlas V 552, with a dual engine Centaur upper stage.“SNC recognizes the proven reliability of the Atlas V rocket and its availability and schedule performance makes it the right choice for the first two flights of the Dream Chaser,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC's Space Systems business area. “ULA is an important player in the market and we appreciate their history and continued contributions to space flights and are pleased to support the aerospace community in Colorado and Alabama,” added Sirangelo. The Atlas V has received NASA’s highest and most rigorous Category 3 Certification, which allows the Atlas V family of launch vehicles to fly NASA’s most complex and critical missions.The Dream Chaser spacecraft has been in development for more than 10 years, including six years as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and leverages more than 40 years of NASA spaceflight and space shuttle heritage. In 2016, Dream Chaser was selected by NASA under the CRS2 contract to transport pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the ISS with return and disposal services.
Paragon Named by Sierra Nevada Corp Supplier for Dream ChaserPress Release From: Paragon Space Development CorporationPosted: Wednesday, July 19, 2017Paragon was recently selected by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to provide flight hardware for its Dream Chaser spacecraft. In 2016, NASA selected SNC’s Dream Chaser to transport pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS) with return and disposal services.Paragon will provide the Thermal Control Radiators for the vehicle’s cargo module. The solution will leverage Paragon’s patented Extruded Radiator (xRAD™) technology, a state-of-the-art, cost-effective radiator solution which eliminates the structural and thermal inefficiencies associated with bonded radiators structures. The xRAD™ technology also increases vehicle integration flexibility and reduces development time, manufacturing risks, and manufacturing costs. Delivery of flight radiators is to commence in early 2019 with deliveries through 2022. As a part of the disposable cargo module, the radiators will burn up during reentry at the end of each mission. “Paragon’s offering was a result of years of Paragon’s directed internal R&D funding that brought the technique and practical application out of the laboratory and onto the factory floor to benefit our customers that are needing better-value radiator solutions,” said Grant Anderson, President & CEO of Paragon. “This multi-unit and multi-mission order will be just the beginning of a decades-long relationship to provide high quality and competitively priced radiator hardware to Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser family of vehicles.” Earlier this year, SNC successfully passed the third integration milestone for the Dream Chaser under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS2) program, confirming that the company’s Dream Chaser vehicle can meet NASA requirements for transporting cargo to and from the space station. The reliability of the Dream Chaser design was also thoroughly reviewed as part of NASA’s Phase I Safety Review Process, which successfully demonstrated safety and mission assurance criteria. The reviews covered all stages of mission operations including ground, launch, flight, and landing.“SNC is pleased to be working with Paragon on the Dream Chaser program,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “Their radiator technology is a key component in SNC’s ability to deliver a safe, affordable, flexible and reliable system.”For other news on Paragon, please visit www.paragonsdc.com. For more information on the Dream Chaser program, please visit: www.sncorp.comMedia Contact: Tracey Jaloma520-382-4814 [email protected]
QuoteParagon Named by Sierra Nevada Corp Supplier for Dream ChaserPress Release From: Paragon Space Development CorporationPosted: Wednesday, July 19, 2017Paragon was recently selected by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to provide flight hardware for its Dream Chaser spacecraft. In 2016, NASA selected SNC’s Dream Chaser to transport pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS) with return and disposal services.Paragon will provide the Thermal Control Radiators for the vehicle’s cargo module. The solution will leverage Paragon’s patented Extruded Radiator (xRAD™) technology, a state-of-the-art, cost-effective radiator solution which eliminates the structural and thermal inefficiencies associated with bonded radiators structures. The xRAD™ technology also increases vehicle integration flexibility and reduces development time, manufacturing risks, and manufacturing costs. Delivery of flight radiators is to commence in early 2019 with deliveries through 2022. As a part of the disposable cargo module, the radiators will burn up during reentry at the end of each mission. “Paragon’s offering was a result of years of Paragon’s directed internal R&D funding that brought the technique and practical application out of the laboratory and onto the factory floor to benefit our customers that are needing better-value radiator solutions,” said Grant Anderson, President & CEO of Paragon. “This multi-unit and multi-mission order will be just the beginning of a decades-long relationship to provide high quality and competitively priced radiator hardware to Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser family of vehicles.” Earlier this year, SNC successfully passed the third integration milestone for the Dream Chaser under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS2) program, confirming that the company’s Dream Chaser vehicle can meet NASA requirements for transporting cargo to and from the space station. The reliability of the Dream Chaser design was also thoroughly reviewed as part of NASA’s Phase I Safety Review Process, which successfully demonstrated safety and mission assurance criteria. The reviews covered all stages of mission operations including ground, launch, flight, and landing.“SNC is pleased to be working with Paragon on the Dream Chaser program,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “Their radiator technology is a key component in SNC’s ability to deliver a safe, affordable, flexible and reliable system.”For other news on Paragon, please visit www.paragonsdc.com. For more information on the Dream Chaser program, please visit: www.sncorp.comMedia Contact: Tracey Jaloma520-382-4814 [email protected]http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51219
Steven Lindsey, SNC: planning Dream Chaser glide test this fall. Scheduling challenge is helicopter availability during fire season. #ISSRDC
Lindsey: got unanimous approval from 84 UN nations in June to proceed with planned Dream Chaser free flight mission in 2021-22. #ISSRDC
Sierra Nevada Corp Verified account @SierraNevCorpReplying to @DutchSpaceThis tow test had a top speed of 60mph. The 20/40/60 mph ranges have all been tested at this point.