Author Topic: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)  (Read 740672 times)

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #680 on: 04/22/2017 07:59 pm »
Quote
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Making Commercial Space Flight More Accessible

Draper Readies Dream Chaser for International Space Station

CAMBRIDGE, 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.”

http://www.draper.com/news/making-commercial-space-flight-more-accessible
« Last Edit: 04/22/2017 08:00 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Offline yg1968

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« Last Edit: 04/23/2017 09:20 pm by yg1968 »

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #682 on: 05/06/2017 09:51 am »
Quote
Gemini Software Heritage Shaping Human Spaceflight Today

Aviation 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...

http://www.aviationweek.com/commercializing-space/gemini-software-heritage-shaping-human-spaceflight-today (subscription required for full article)

Offline Jester

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #683 on: 05/09/2017 04:02 pm »
« Last Edit: 05/09/2017 04:02 pm by Jester »

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #684 on: 05/22/2017 04:03 pm »
Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 16m16 minutes ago

Another day of tow tests @NASAArmstrong for our Dream Chaser® spacecraft. We obviously brought the fuzzy dice along for the ride!

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/866681514918125571

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #685 on: 05/25/2017 07:35 pm »
 

Dream Chaser® Spacecraft Passes Major Milestone
Completes Successful Integration Review for Space Station Resupply Mission

SPARKS, Nev. (May 25, 2017) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) successfully passed the third integration milestone for the Dream Chaser program under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS2) program, bringing it a major step closer to providing resupply services to the International Space Station (ISS).

CRS2 Integration Review #3 (IR3) confirmed SNC’s Dream Chaser Cargo System design meets NASA’s key requirements and maximizes probability of mission success during future flights.  The spacecraft is scheduled for at least six missions between 2019 and 2024. 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.

“Passing the third CRS2 integration milestone is a really big deal for the program and its future,” said Steve Lindsey, vice president of Space Exploration Systems for SNC’s Space Systems business area. “We are proud of this accomplishment and  are well on our way towards completing the next critical milestone and the remaining developmental phases.  It’s a great feeling to be executing all our milestones on schedule and to be moving forward to our operational flight.”

The spacecraft’s unique cargo design transports more cargo mass (5,500 kilograms) to the ISS each mission.  In addition, a significant amount of cargo, almost 2,000 kilograms is directly returned from the ISS to a gentle runway landing at a pinpoint location. Dream Chaser’s all non-toxic systems design allows personnel to simply walk up to the vehicle after landing, providing immediate access to time-critical science as soon as the wheels stop. .

The complex and thorough review process found no significant design, build or system issues and underscored the Dream Chaser’s readiness for flight.

The major elements of Milestone 3 included:     

    Successful completion of the NASA Phase 1 Safety Review
    32 Hazard Reports and 16 Safety Data Packages approved by NASA
    Dream Chaser Architectural Design’s met all CRS2 requirements (hardware, software, flight dynamics, thermal control, etc.)
    More than 100 detailed design documents were delivered to NASA along with 30+ design reviews
    During the three-day IR3 review, more than 1,000 charts were briefed to the approximate 45 member NASA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) team, which demonstrated that Dream Chaser is at Preliminary Design Review level of maturity
    Launch vehicle operations, outside subcontracts and agreements
    Range safety plan, as well as FAA, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) licensing
    5 Safety Review Phase 1 meetings were conducted prior to the IR3 review and involved the delivery of 46 individual Safety Data Packages developed under our S&MA team.


In addition to completing this milestone, the Dream Chaser atmospheric test vehicle is in preparations for flight testing that will help verify these designs. The spacecraft is currently testing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, having just successfully completed Phase One ground testing leading up to its second free flight test later this year.
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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #686 on: 05/25/2017 08:08 pm »

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #687 on: 06/02/2017 10:41 pm »
Quote
Dream Chaser® sun bathing at @NASAArmstrong.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/870768252712046593

Offline Rocket Science

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« Last Edit: 06/30/2017 02:54 pm by Rocket Science »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #689 on: 07/17/2017 03:04 pm »
Something happening today?

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 49s50 seconds ago

Test 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!

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886964092405252096

Edit to add: it would seem so

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 37m37 minutes ago

Hi space enthusiasts! Engineer Eric Cain here. SNC gave me keys to the account today, so expect some cool behind-the-scenes access!
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886957469414699008
« Last Edit: 07/17/2017 03:12 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Offline Jester

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #690 on: 07/17/2017 04:52 pm »
Tow test !

 
Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 9m9 minutes ago

Today, we tow the Dream Chaser® spacecraft down the runway to ensure it steers straight on flight day.  All that math is coming in handy!
« Last Edit: 07/17/2017 04:53 pm by Jester »

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #691 on: 07/17/2017 08:33 pm »
Quote
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!

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887045087473127426

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #692 on: 07/17/2017 08:36 pm »
Quote
We still have more testing to complete before the captive carry later this year.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046592968228864

Quote
The flight test is still scheduled for later this year.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046773696548865

Quote
The highest altitude will be approximately 10,200 ft above ground level.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046913060634624

Quote
Since @edwardsAFB is located about 2,300 ft above sea level, that would make it about 12,500 feet mean sea level.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046950205435904

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #693 on: 07/19/2017 02:08 pm »
Quote
Eric Berger ‏Verified account @SciGuySpace 1m1 minute ago

Sierra Nevada makes it official: Will launch first two Dream Chaser missions to supply ISS on @ulalaunch's Atlas V rocket.

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/887674930854342657

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #694 on: 07/19/2017 02:11 pm »
ULA press release:

Quote
United Launch Alliance Signs Contract with Sierra Nevada Corporation to Launch Dream Chaser® Spacecraft to Deliver Cargo to International Space Station

Centennial, 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.

http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-signs-contract-with-sierra-nevada-crs2.aspx

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #695 on: 07/19/2017 02:46 pm »
Quote
Paragon Named by Sierra Nevada Corp Supplier for Dream Chaser

Press Release From: Paragon Space Development Corporation
Posted: Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Paragon 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.com

Media Contact: Tracey Jaloma

520-382-4814 [email protected]

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51219

Offline BrightLight

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #696 on: 07/20/2017 01:16 am »
Quote
Paragon Named by Sierra Nevada Corp Supplier for Dream Chaser

Press Release From: Paragon Space Development Corporation
Posted: Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Paragon 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.com

Media Contact: Tracey Jaloma

520-382-4814 [email protected]

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51219

Attached are two images from Paragon [ http://www.paragonsdc.com/thermal-control/ ] of the extruded radiators, note that the Stag150 is cylindrical.

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #697 on: 07/20/2017 03:40 pm »
Quote
Steven Lindsey, SNC: planning Dream Chaser glide test this fall. Scheduling challenge is helicopter availability during fire season. #ISSRDC

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/888043420777717760

Quote
Lindsey: got unanimous approval from 84 UN nations in June to proceed with planned Dream Chaser free flight mission in 2021-22. #ISSRDC

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/888044188591206400

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #698 on: 07/26/2017 12:15 am »
In response to a query about last week's tow test:

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏ Verified account @SierraNevCorp
Replying to @DutchSpace

This tow test had a top speed of 60mph. The 20/40/60 mph ranges have all been tested at this point.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/889990584525606913

Offline BrightLight

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Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #699 on: 08/01/2017 03:00 pm »
From HEO July meeting, https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ccp_nac_july24_2017.pdf
Commercial Crew Update:

"Extended CCiCap Space Act Agreement to Aug 2022 and add 8 new unfunded milestones in support of continued
crewed capability development"

didn't list these milestones?

 

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