Dream Chaser ETA review promotes positives despite anomaly

[yg1968]

One thing that wasn't mentionned is that SNC will either do an another unmanned or a piloted test flight next (likely next year).

Oh really?

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-eta-positives-despite-anomaly/

That original goal was to conduct one or two approach-and-landing free-flight tests with this ETA, before returning the vehicle to her home base in Colorado for outfitting ahead of the 2014 crewed version of the test flights.

SNC will evaluate if they will repair the ETA for another automated flight test, or if to ship her back to Colorado for outfitting.

“We will determine (that) if and when we receive enough data from this flight, because we were so successful we think we did receive all the data we need for testing,” Mr. Sirangelo continued. ”But we will determine if we do need that second flight, or if we want to bring the vehicle back for its next set of test flights early next year.”

Oups... I read it too quickly.

[agenttokyo]

Didn't see this post in prior or this thread.  Apologies if dup...

includes approach but cuts out just before "landing".

[JAC]

So much talk about the landing gear, but it is actually the door that doesn't open.

How much of the door is actually custom? After all, even on the test article, it should be designed to withstand re-entry heat. Something an F5 never need to do.
Part of that must be that it is completely closed. Superheated gases cannot enter, so it must be better sealed than a standard gear door.

Could this be the root cause? The door sealing?

[Rocket Science]

So much talk about the landing gear, but it is actually the door that doesn't open.

How much of the door is actually custom? After all, even on the test article, it should be designed to withstand re-entry heat. Something an F5 never need to do.
Part of that must be that it is completely closed. Superheated gases cannot enter, so it must be better sealed than a standard gear door.

Could this be the root cause? The door sealing?

These are custom fabricated gear doors to fit the contours of Dream Chaser. The TPS on her are simulated not actual. Some seal could cause a problem but should still be over-powered by the gear. It could even be the latches on the inner door hung or didn’t respond when commanded...

[Rocket Science]

Nice little piece on DC on the show Daily Planet... November 13th show at 6:30 min into video.

http://www.discovery.ca/dp/videos/

[JBF]

here is the direct link http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/#clip1043422

[Overflow]

Nice little piece on DC on the show Daily Planet... November 13th show at 6:30 min into video.

http://www.discovery.ca/dp/videos/

Thanks for posting this. I'm watching it now.

[Rocket Science]

Nice little piece on DC on the show Daily Planet... November 13th show at 6:30 min into video.

http://www.discovery.ca/dp/videos/

Thanks for posting this. I'm watching it now.

You're welcome, maybe Chris can get us all some of those "Dream Chaser Crew" t-shirts... 

[Overflow]

Nice little piece on DC on the show Daily Planet... November 13th show at 6:30 min into video.

http://www.discovery.ca/dp/videos/

Thanks for posting this. I'm watching it now.

You're welcome, maybe Chris can get us all some of those "Dream Chaser Crew" t-shirts... 

I would buy one!