Author Topic: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)  (Read 740785 times)

Offline adrianwyard

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1140
  • Liked: 322
  • Likes Given: 367
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #400 on: 03/26/2014 02:01 pm »
An update on LM work in Michoud, includes video. Highlights: Work starts in Michoud, then moves to Fort Worth facility. Three vehicles in test program.

http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/lockheed-martin-aims-to-carry-nasa-astronauts-in-new-minishuttle/25157728

And more TV news coverage (mostly interviews).
« Last Edit: 03/26/2014 02:11 pm by adrianwyard »

Offline Prober

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10348
  • Save the spin....I'm keeping you honest!
  • Nevada
  • Liked: 721
  • Likes Given: 729
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #401 on: 03/26/2014 06:06 pm »
An update on LM work in Michoud, includes video. Highlights: Work starts in Michoud, then moves to Fort Worth facility. Three vehicles in test program.

http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/lockheed-martin-aims-to-carry-nasa-astronauts-in-new-minishuttle/25157728



good material, make sure to watch the video in the first link ;)
« Last Edit: 03/27/2014 01:13 pm by Prober »
2017 - Everything Old is New Again.
"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant..." --Isoroku Yamamoto

Offline newpylong

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1499
  • Liked: 200
  • Likes Given: 343
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #402 on: 03/26/2014 06:17 pm »
Nice find. Very cool

Offline yg1968

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17267
  • Liked: 7123
  • Likes Given: 3065

Offline tyrion_lannister

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
  • New Orleans
  • Liked: 9
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #404 on: 03/28/2014 04:41 pm »
How many DC's is LM building? Will they store the tooling when there done with this "block" at Michaud?

We are building one Orbital Test Vehicle that will launch on an Atlas V in 2016 (press releases are out on this already).  Phase 2 would have us building 3 more,  but I think downselect is slated for August/September timeframe. 

LM owns a small amount of tooling used on the program, all tools built specifically for this program are delivered in place, meaning they will stay where they were used unless SNC asks for them. 

Offline BrightLight

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1381
  • Northern New Mexico
  • Liked: 312
  • Likes Given: 924
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #405 on: 03/28/2014 05:36 pm »
How many DC's is LM building? Will they store the tooling when there done with this "block" at Michaud?

We are building one Orbital Test Vehicle that will launch on an Atlas V in 2016 (press releases are out on this already).  Phase 2 would have us building 3 more,  but I think downselect is slated for August/September timeframe. 

LM owns a small amount of tooling used on the program, all tools built specifically for this program are delivered in place, meaning they will stay where they were used unless SNC asks for them.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, I take it from the sytax of your sentence that you work for LM? at Michaud? and also very exciting to have you on this site - thanks for posting (any chance of some build pics????)

Offline tyrion_lannister

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
  • New Orleans
  • Liked: 9
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #406 on: 03/28/2014 05:58 pm »
How many DC's is LM building? Will they store the tooling when there done with this "block" at Michaud?

We are building one Orbital Test Vehicle that will launch on an Atlas V in 2016 (press releases are out on this already).  Phase 2 would have us building 3 more,  but I think downselect is slated for August/September timeframe. 

LM owns a small amount of tooling used on the program, all tools built specifically for this program are delivered in place, meaning they will stay where they were used unless SNC asks for them.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, I take it from the sytax of your sentence that you work for LM? at Michaud? and also very exciting to have you on this site - thanks for posting (any chance of some build pics????)

Correct on both counts. 

Not much picture-worthy at the moment (cabin internal structural support parts in work), but the large layup tools should start making their way to Ft. Worth in the next few months. 

Offline BrightLight

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1381
  • Northern New Mexico
  • Liked: 312
  • Likes Given: 924
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #407 on: 03/28/2014 06:01 pm »
How many DC's is LM building? Will they store the tooling when there done with this "block" at Michaud?

We are building one Orbital Test Vehicle that will launch on an Atlas V in 2016 (press releases are out on this already).  Phase 2 would have us building 3 more,  but I think downselect is slated for August/September timeframe. 

LM owns a small amount of tooling used on the program, all tools built specifically for this program are delivered in place, meaning they will stay where they were used unless SNC asks for them.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, I take it from the sytax of your sentence that you work for LM? at Michaud? and also very exciting to have you on this site - thanks for posting (any chance of some build pics????)

Correct on both counts. 

Not much picture-worthy at the moment (cabin internal structural support parts in work), but the large layup tools should start making their way to Ft. Worth in the next few months.
There is the great mystery of the cockpit - best images are from the HL-20, anything that comes up and you can share would be appriciated - also the L2 portion of the site is not open to the general public and requires a subscription.

Offline adrianwyard

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1140
  • Liked: 322
  • Likes Given: 367
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #408 on: 03/31/2014 08:59 pm »
NASA Commercial Crew Partners Complete Space System Milestones - March 31, 2014
http://www.nasa.gov/content/nasa-commercial-crew-partners-complete-space-system-milestones-0/#.UznTfNy5o-J

Includes mention of RCS testing (a first I believe) as well as continued main engine testing in CA.

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #409 on: 04/07/2014 06:01 pm »
MEDIA ADVISORY
April 7, 2014

Houston Airport System and Sierra Nevada Corporation
to Host Media Panel at Rice University – Space Institute

WHAT:
Houston Airport System (HAS) and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) will host a joint news conference to provide an update on plans to support the Houston Space Port. Media will have the opportunity to speak with HAS officials and SNC’s Dream Chaser® senior leadership, and learn about the potential benefits of any future partnership between HAS and SNC. The Dream Chaser spacecraft has the capability of landing on commercial runways virtually anywhere in the world.

WHEN:
Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 2 p.m. CDT

WHERE:
Rice University – Space Institute, Weiss School of Natural Sciences
Weiss School of Natural Sciences, 6100 Main St., Houston, Texas 77005

WHO:

    Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems
    Mario Diaz, Aviation director for Houston Airport System
    Arturo Machuca, manager business development of Houston Airport System
    Dr. David Alexander, director of the Rice Space Institute

WHY:
HAS and SNC are forming a committee to explore the possibilities associated with the Houston/Ellington Space Port. As plans for the Houston Space Port continue to take shape, identifying required facilities or capabilities to service commercial space vehicles is essential. This location is well placed to service the Houston business, science and research community, including continuing support for the International Space Station and new commercial space enterprise.

Media is invited to join leadership from both HAS and SNC to learn more about the future of commercial spaceflight and Houston’s evolving role.

MEDIA RSVP VIA EMAIL:
All media planning to attend should contact David Falloure with Griffin Communications Group at [email protected] no later than 4 p.m. CDT Tuesday, April 8, 2014.
Support NSF via L2 -- Help improve NSF -- Site Rules/Feedback/Updates
**Not a L2 member? Whitelist this forum in your adblocker to support the site and ensure full functionality.**

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #410 on: 04/10/2014 10:03 pm »
And the above, among other things, is about opportunities to land at Ellington Field. Allow me to write up an article.
Support NSF via L2 -- Help improve NSF -- Site Rules/Feedback/Updates
**Not a L2 member? Whitelist this forum in your adblocker to support the site and ensure full functionality.**

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #411 on: 04/11/2014 01:27 am »
Tried making an article out of this, but I couldn't make it work, so let's just post the resources.

Strange release. The big angle is the Ellington Field option, but there's a whole load of marketing talk in this.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT:
David Falloure
(O) 281-335-0200
(C) 713-392-3565
[email protected]

Sierra Nevada Corporation and Houston Airport System
Sign Letter of Intent to Explore Dream Chaser® Teaming Opportunities
at the Houston Space Port

Sparks, Nev., April 10, 2014 – In a joint news conference held today at the Rice University Space Institute, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and the Houston Airport System (HAS) announced plans to explore potential applications and multiple economic development opportunities presented by the combination of a Houston-based space port and SNC’s Dream Chaser® - a spacecraft that can land at the space port directly from low-Earth orbit.

SNC and HAS signed a letter of intent to work together to explore the possibilities associated with the proposed Houston Space Port including a wide range of educational, technological, scientific and business capacities. As part of the cooperative initiative, the organizations will study the physical, operational and regulatory requirements for SNC’s commercial space vehicle, Dream Chaser, to utilize the space port as one of its potential landing sites. This effort will contribute to defining a long range strategy for the diversification and development of a vibrant commercial space industry in Texas, serving the needs of government, science, and commercial applications.

“Houston has been a cornerstone of America’s space program and remains vital for its future.  Dream Chaser’s ability to land on a commercial runway such as Ellington offers, for the first time, a realistic path for America’s space program to return and be seen locally by the thousands of people who make space happen every day in Houston and give tribute to the generations that have made us the leaders in exploration,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “As importantly, we can reach out to the young people of the region who will take us to the future and get them to experience in person the passion of our nation’s space program so that they might be inspired as we were.  With the unique combination of NASA, the local aerospace industry, many of whom are already partnered on our program and academic institutions such as Rice University, combined with the potential of a future space port, Houston’s future in space commerce is a go.”

“Houston has unique advantages over other emerging spaceport locations with significant access to an existing, robust aerospace community,” said City of Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz. “This letter of intent will allow us to effectively assess and define the new markets and applications that could emerge from having a Houston-based portal to space, which in turn will drive enterprise, economic growth and prosperity in this area.”

SNC is working with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to develop a safe, innovative, modern, flexible and highly-capable crew transportation system for the 21st Century. Dream Chaser provides the only reusable, human-rated lifting-body spacecraft with a commercial runway landing capability, anywhere in the world, and is on the forefront of the commercial human spaceflight industry, offering safe, reliable and cost-effective crew and critical cargo transportation to low-Earth orbit. Dream Chaser is a multi-mission capable spacecraft which has the ability to work as an independent science platform, or as a logistics vehicle to retrieve, move, assemble or deploy items in space.                                                           

# # #

Photo Cutline: Conceptualized image of SNC’s Dream Chaser® spacecraft landing on the runway at Houston’s Ellington Field. SNC and the Houston Airport System plan to explore potential applications and multiple economic development opportunities presented by the combination of a Houston-based space port and SNC’s Dream Chaser - a spacecraft that can land at the space port directly from low-Earth orbit. Photo Credit: Sierra Nevada Corporation

Note: Press release, imagery and/or video available at www.sncspace.com/mediakit


About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colo., designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. Government, commercial customers as well as for the international market.  SNC’s Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components.  During its history, SNC’s Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients. For more information about SNC’s Space Systems visit www.sncspace.com and follow us on Facebook at Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems.

Media Contact: [email protected] or Krystal Scordo at 720-407-3192.


About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nev., is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President Eren Ozmen, SNC has a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 30 locations in 16 states. SNC’s six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen’s leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth also on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com and follow us on Facebook at Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Media Contact: [email protected] or Julie Ardito at 775-849-6968.


About Houston Airport System:

The Houston Airport System consists of three individual airport facilities, which collectively represent a $27.5 billion economic impact to the Houston region.  Through commercial air service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), air passengers in the nation’s fourth-largest city have nonstop flight access to approximately 170 airport located around the world.  Handling more than 50 million passengers on an annual basis, HAS stands as one of the busiest airport systems operating anywhere in the world and connect the City of Houston on a global scale.

Ellington Airport, located within 15 minutes of downtown Houston, is a joint-use facility handling both general aviation operations and flights involving the United States military, the Department of Homeland Security and NASA.  Ellington Airport already supports more than 10,000 Houston-area jobs and carries an annual economic impact of $641 million.  That impact is set to become even stronger in the future, as the Houston Airport System moves forward in its drive to establish Ellington Airport as the ninth licensed spaceport in the United States.  With ample acreage available for business development, a strong cluster of aerospace companies already in the area and a robust transportation network, Ellington Airport has all the requirements necessary to establish a dynamic commercial spaceport.

Media Contact: [email protected] or David Hebert, Director of Public Relations & Communications (Houston Airport System)
(O) 281-233-1764
(C) 281-433-6946
Support NSF via L2 -- Help improve NSF -- Site Rules/Feedback/Updates
**Not a L2 member? Whitelist this forum in your adblocker to support the site and ensure full functionality.**

Offline Rocket Science

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10586
  • NASA Educator Astronaut Candidate Applicant 2002
  • Liked: 4548
  • Likes Given: 13523
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #412 on: 04/11/2014 01:45 am »
Great pic, would have been nice to see a left main gear for luck... :)
« Last Edit: 04/11/2014 01:50 am by Rocket Science »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline Lurker Steve

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1420
  • Liked: 35
  • Likes Given: 9
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #413 on: 04/11/2014 03:02 am »
And the above, among other things, is about opportunities to land at Ellington Field. Allow me to write up an article.
Are they trying to impress some folks at NASA headquarters with the prospect of bring the astronauts directly home ?

Offline Helodriver

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1076
  • Liked: 5971
  • Likes Given: 700
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #414 on: 04/11/2014 07:27 am »
Interesting development, but it seems the disadvantages of building spacecraft and payload support infrastructure as well as a transportation system to return the vehicle to Florida would outweigh the benefits of showing support to the good spaceflight and NASA loving people of Houston. Flying approaches of an unpowered space glider over the densely populated suburbs of Houston will also raise a few eyebrows at the FAA licensing division. It appears to be a marketing/political support garnering piece to me as well.

Offline Rocket Science

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10586
  • NASA Educator Astronaut Candidate Applicant 2002
  • Liked: 4548
  • Likes Given: 13523
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #415 on: 04/11/2014 01:07 pm »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline Prober

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10348
  • Save the spin....I'm keeping you honest!
  • Nevada
  • Liked: 721
  • Likes Given: 729
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #416 on: 04/11/2014 03:36 pm »
And the above, among other things, is about opportunities to land at Ellington Field. Allow me to write up an article.
Are they trying to impress some folks at NASA headquarters with the prospect of bring the astronauts directly home ?

It looks on the face of it to be a political move, it might not be. 

But where's the science done?  This looks like advance work for a future cargo return bid. 
2017 - Everything Old is New Again.
"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant..." --Isoroku Yamamoto

Offline clongton

  • Expert
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12053
  • Connecticut
    • Direct Launcher
  • Liked: 7348
  • Likes Given: 3749
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #417 on: 04/12/2014 06:51 pm »
Hmm made me think about the SpaceX Texas launch site. If the F9H could launch DC from South Texas and DC returns home to Houston, wouldn't that be a paradigm shift!
Chuck - DIRECT co-founder
I started my career on the Saturn-V F-1A engine

Offline Chris Bergin

Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #418 on: 04/15/2014 08:13 pm »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT:
Julie Ardito
(o) 775-849-6968
[email protected]

 

Sierra Nevada Corporation Ranked as one of “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space” by Fast Company Magazine

Sparks, Nev. – April 15, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) President, Eren Ozmen, proudly announced that Fast Company magazine ranked SNC  as one of the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.”

Fast Company recognized SNC for “resurrecting the spaceplane” calling SNC’s Dream Chaser® spacecraft the, “…biggest contribution to the nascent commercial spaceflight industry” and the “…smaller, and arguably smarter take on the defunct Space Shuttle.”

"We are thrilled that the work we are doing to continue the legacy of the Space Shuttle and space planes through the development and now flight testing of Dream Chaser has been recognized by Fast Company. Through the previous foundational work of NASA and continuing on with the amazing collaboration of team members in 30 states working for 15 companies, eight NASA Centers and six universities - our “Dream Team,” we expect to conduct our first orbital mission in 2016," said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate VP and head of SNC Space Systems.

The Dream Chaser spacecraft can carry up to seven crew members, or can fly completely autonomously with no crew.  It is designed to ride into orbit atop existing rockets, and then glide home and land on any standard, commercial runway - unlike the Shuttle, which required longer landing strips and special hazardous vehicle processing ground equipment. The SNC spacecraft is on track to carry NASA astronauts into space in 2017, with the first uncrewed orbital vehicle scheduled to launch in November 2016.

In this publication, SNC was also recognized for its work on hybrid rocket motors. SNC’s Space System team builds the hybrid rockets used on Virgin Galactic’s suborbital spaceplane, SpaceshipTwo (SS2), which were flight-tested for the first time this past year and have successfully powered three SS2 test flights.

About Fast Company Magazine
Fast Company is the world's leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, ethonomics (ethical economics), leadership, and design. Written for, by, and about the most progressive business leaders, Fast Company and FastCompany.com inspire readers and users to think beyond traditional boundaries, lead conversations, and create the future of business.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colo., designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. Government, commercial customers as well as for the international market.  SNC’s Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components.  During its history, SNC’s Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients. For more information about SNC’s Space Systems visit www.sncspace.com and follow us on Facebook at Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems.

Media Contact: [email protected] or Krystal Scordo at 720-407-3192.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nev., is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President Eren Ozmen, SNC has a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 30 locations in 16 states. SNC’s six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen’s leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth also on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com and follow us on Facebook at Sierra Nevada Corporation.
Support NSF via L2 -- Help improve NSF -- Site Rules/Feedback/Updates
**Not a L2 member? Whitelist this forum in your adblocker to support the site and ensure full functionality.**

Offline AngusJimiKeith

  • Member
  • Posts: 7
  • Liked: 15
  • Likes Given: 1
Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
« Reply #419 on: 04/26/2014 11:01 pm »
I believe this would count as an update...

Something I've known about for ~1 month or so. I was told at the time that this was private, so I didn't share. However, the Maryland Day open house on the University of Maryland's campus made it public, so I feel comfortable putting these up:

DC is at the University of Maryland Space Systems Lab! (Granted, it's a subscale full-scale! model without wings/stabilizers.) I don't really know any details at all, as I'm just a lowly undergrad, but my best guess is that it will be tested in the SSL's neutral buoyancy facility, considering it was parked in the facility's high bay. (Really, what else do we have that SNC couldn't get otherwise?) For the open house, though, it was carted out and put on display!

Here's the pics: (I apologize for the blurred out images; I don't want to post images of random people online...The geek in the green shirt, though? That's me.)
« Last Edit: 05/20/2014 04:50 pm by AngusJimiKeith »

 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
0