Great article as usual, Chris. Exciting stuff indeed but the bit that caught my eye in particular was:"...with references to how the Europeans may be able to offer a lighter version of the Thermal Protection System (TPS) that is currently allocated to the future Dream Chaser fleet..."Could anyone expand on this? As Europe has no re-entry capability, I had assumed all the experience and practical knowledge of TPS is largely in the US!Thanks,Andrew.
Great article Chris! Very wily on the part of SNC in their talks to “internationalize” Dream Chaser. It demonstrates their willingness to work with the international partners for ISS, establishes lines of communications and building relationships which is NASA’s plan for future space activities...
Quote from: Rocket Science on 01/09/2014 01:22 pmGreat article Chris! Very wily on the part of SNC in their talks to “internationalize” Dream Chaser. It demonstrates their willingness to work with the international partners for ISS, establishes lines of communications and building relationships which is NASA’s plan for future space activities...I don't know the selection criteria for the next round, but SNC's business plan for DC just got a few extra points added. Offering actual non-ISS LEO missions to the ESA is certainly more appealing that depending on a non-existent Bigelow station for extra flights.
Quote from: Oli on 01/09/2014 06:21 amI am sceptical. First of all, ESA can already fly to the ISS with the Russians or whatever NASA choses as a commercial crew vehicle. That's part of the deal, right? So maybe ESA plans to contribute to ISS operations with Dreamchaser participation? (similar to the SM of Orion). I don't like the sound of that, at least not in the case of commercial crew. In any case, its very unlikely that ESA would fund an american company to build a crew vehicle for them. I don't think that is how ESA works. Regarding launch on the Ariane 5, that seems to be another ploy from the DLR to keep Ariane 6 from happening too soon.ESA is spreading it's eggs over multiple baskets. Risk reduction. Soyuz for ISS flights. From the deal with SN it is not immediately clear that the use of DreamChaser will be for ISS flight. Actually, it is more likely that ESA will want to have orbital access for non-ISS missions.And I don't think SN will be building DC's for ESA. It very much more likely will be that ESA will be buying DC flight services.
I am sceptical. First of all, ESA can already fly to the ISS with the Russians or whatever NASA choses as a commercial crew vehicle. That's part of the deal, right? So maybe ESA plans to contribute to ISS operations with Dreamchaser participation? (similar to the SM of Orion). I don't like the sound of that, at least not in the case of commercial crew. In any case, its very unlikely that ESA would fund an american company to build a crew vehicle for them. I don't think that is how ESA works. Regarding launch on the Ariane 5, that seems to be another ploy from the DLR to keep Ariane 6 from happening too soon.
“With the start of these new relationships with ESA and DLR we are able to continue to expand the Dream Chaser Space System globally. The combined strengths of our partner space agencies, industrial companies and education institutions will significantly advance space education, exploration and, for various missions such as microgravity science, spacecraft servicing, debris removal, and materials manufacturing, provide economic benefits to all partners and strengthen U.S. and international ties.”
Quote from: Lars_J on 01/09/2014 06:24 amI find the idea that DC would be too heavy for Ariane V to be very bizarre.As do I...
I find the idea that DC would be too heavy for Ariane V to be very bizarre.
Quote from: Elmar Moelzer on 01/09/2014 03:11 pmQuote from: Lars_J on 01/09/2014 06:24 amI find the idea that DC would be too heavy for Ariane V to be very bizarre.As do I...Too big =/= too heavy.
before adding he thinks the Dream Chaser is currently a little bit too heavy for the launcher.
The article mentioned they wanted to put it inside a fairing for un-manned missions. That fairing would definitely add some weight, but does it add that much ??
The ETA will now be upgraded for one or two more flights – listed as ALT-1 and ALT-2 – beginning later this year. Both will once again be conducted at the Dryden Flight Research Center in California.
Ariane 5 is mass-limited to LEO because it's designed as a GTO launcher.I don't know what the ME version will be able to carry but the ES version they currently use for ATV and which has structurally reinforced first stages is no longer around, it got discontinued long ago when they knew they're going to stop ATV. That might be what they need to fix, they probably still know how to do it but it will come at a cost.
Excellent article, thanks Chris. Cool, so two more drop tests this year and first orbital test in two years very exciting. She has a bit more lift under her wings than we thought.
Could an Ariane-launched DreamChaser reach the future Chinese Space Station?
I am surprised that no one is considering that the DC could serve as the upper stage for Ariane 5, obviating the need for the launcher to carry a dedicated upper stage.
Quote from: Danderman on 01/09/2014 06:15 pmI am surprised that no one is considering that the DC could serve as the upper stage for Ariane 5, obviating the need for the launcher to carry a dedicated upper stage.Because it doesn't have the dV, just like on Atlas.