Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) confirmed their interest to evaluate the use of the (International Berthing Docking Mechanism ) IBDM on their Dream Chaser vehicle. An initial agreement for a preparatory phase was finalised between ESA and SNC
QuoteSierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) confirmed their interest to evaluate the use of the (International Berthing Docking Mechanism ) IBDM on their Dream Chaser vehicle. An initial agreement for a preparatory phase was finalised between ESA and SNChttp://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-156/offline/download.pdf
... Louisville-based Sierra Nevada Corp. Space Systems and NASA have finished reviewing the test flight and expect to formally announce the conclusions Monday....It appears that what kept Dream Chaser’s landing gear from deploying was contamination in the gear’s hydraulic lines, not a design issue that would slow development of the spacecraft, Sirangelo said. ...
Dream Chaser test flight found to have met goalshttp://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/boosters_bits/2013/12/dream-chaser-test-flight-found-to-have.htmlA quote:Quote... Louisville-based Sierra Nevada Corp. Space Systems and NASA have finished reviewing the test flight and expect to formally announce the conclusions Monday....It appears that what kept Dream Chaser’s landing gear from deploying was contamination in the gear’s hydraulic lines, not a design issue that would slow development of the spacecraft, Sirangelo said. ...
Didn't see this posted anywhere so thought I would share ithttp://www.4-traders.com/OHB-TECHNOLOGY-AG-450142/news/OHB-Technology-AG--Contract-signed-with-DLR-for-the-study-phase-for-the-utilization-of-US-company-17459911/The gist is some European organizations are putting some money into studying the utilization of Dream Chaser as both a manned and unmanned orbital vehicle. That has to be encouraging news for SNC. Makes a lot of sense on the European side especially if they launch it on an Ariane.
Phil McAlister:"A spacecraft that lands on runways provides unique benefits for commercial spaceflight, but also presents unique development challenges,"
Really nice article Chris - this should put to bed criticism of the DC vehicle as not viable.
Meanwhile, SNC plans to repair the Dream Chaser test vehicle damaged in the Oct. 26 drop test. “After the post flight evaluation, the vehicle was deemed to be fully repairable and a schedule to return it to flight has been created,” Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president for Sierra Nevada Corp. and head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems, wrote in a Dec. 17 email. “SNC expects to fly this test vehicle back at Edwards Air Force Base upgraded with additional capability in 2014.” The exact date for the test article’s next flight test has not been settled upon, Sirangelo added.
Sierra Nevada Space planning collaboration with Euro, German space agencies on the SNC Dreamchaser space plane. Details in a 1/8 presser.
I like the sound of that!