Yeah, I think this is 'shopped.... (much as I'd like to see an assembly line of DCs.)
Quote from: JAFO on 04/15/2025 02:52 pmYeah, I think this is 'shopped.... (much as I'd like to see an assembly line of DCs.)That style has become a standing "Clickbait" for many content curators, along with oversizing the item of interest. The card is not my style, but the video content, mostly time lapse, could allow for visual inspection of items we haven't seen before.
Dream Chaser is preparing for a groundbreaking mission that could transform cancer treatment. The spaceplane is set to carry a 3D-printed module designed by Merck, leveraging the unique properties of space-grown crystals. With gentle reentries to protect cargo and lower costs, this innovative approach could lead to new cancer-fighting treatments.Read more: https://t.co/BTRwFCaI46
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1925182772793995363QuoteDream Chaser is preparing for a groundbreaking mission that could transform cancer treatment. The spaceplane is set to carry a 3D-printed module designed by Merck, leveraging the unique properties of space-grown crystals. With gentle reentries to protect cargo and lower costs, this innovative approach could lead to new cancer-fighting treatments.Read more: https://t.co/BTRwFCaI46
Another EMI/EMC filing was made similar to 2019. The new one is 2190-EX-ST-2024 and is PENDING as of November 21st. It has a period of operation from 1/21/25 to 6/1/25.
Further EMI testing of the Dream Chaser spacecraft
Testing of its Dream Chaser spacecraft planned to be launched for mission support of cargo delivery to and from the ISS. The EMC test and RF capabilities of the vehicle testing will demonstrate, amongst other, that electromagnetic interference characteristics of the subsystem, under normal operating conditions, do not result in malfunction of the subsystem. It also demonstrates that the subsystem does not emit, radiate, or conduct interference, which could result in malfunction of other subsystems. Sierra spaces point-of-contact information to permit the prompt delivery at all times of notices of harmful interference includes Mr. Ronak Shah, Test Engineer (Director of Testing), [email protected], 303-542-7828 He is the initial point of contact for all matters involving interference resolution and has authority to discontinue any and all experiments being conducted under an STA grant, if necessary. Please see also the Application Narrative exhibit.
Transmissions from a mobile Ground Station during Tow/taxi test demonstration of multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. See also application file number 1546-EX-ST-2024 which was the basis of grant call sign WX9XXS herein incorporated by reference. (See also grant call sign WX9XXS)
This application seeks to allow further testing due to unforeseen delays which have led to a new launch date in May 2025. Tow/taxi test demonstration of multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. The tow/taxi test demonstrates multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles by towing the UDC down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space System (KSC) to a test case specific speed and releasing the UDC such that it controls itself and brakes to a stop. Spacecraft telemetry links for monitoring of Dream Chaser spacecraft state of health. Telemetry links include: 1) S-Band Single Access (SSA) spread spectrum return link operation with NASA TDRS; 2) High data rate downlink operation with mission Ground Stations; and 3) a Dream Chaser to ISS link for proximity operations will be used during the mission. The transmitters supporting these links are described below: The Dream Chaser spacecraft configuration will include two L-3 Cincinnati Electronics (nowL3Harris) transceivers (primary & redundant-backup) operating at 2287.5 MHz in TDRS spread spectrum (SQPN) mode to provide a telemetry return link through TDRS at 36, 144, or 288 ksps; or in TDRS SQPSK mode to provide a telemetry downlink to mission Ground Stations at 1 Msps. Two additional transceivers (primary & redundant backup), also procured from L3Harris, operating at 2203.2 MHz in SQPN mode to provide a telemetry return link at 36 or 144ksps, will be used for the Dream Chaser to ISS proximity communication link. See also STA file number 0660-EX-ST-2024.
A follow on EMI filing (0912-EX-ST-2025) was made for QuoteFurther EMI testing of the Dream Chaser spacecraft and is Pending as of May 15th. It has a period of operation between June 20th and December 20th.
This refers to application, File No. 0912-EX-ST-2025, for an experimental authorization.You are advised that the Commission is unable to grant your application for the facilities requested. Yourapplication has been dismissed due to non-payment of the required filing fee. If you wish to refile yourapplication, please ensure submit your payment within 10-days of filing.
Requesting to conduct continued EMI testing of the Dream Chaser spacecraft (Call Sign WX9XBF) in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness. Additional considerations regarding the EMI testing are also provided on a confidential basis. The rationale for confidential treatment, reproduced herein, is as in file number 0660-EX-ST-2024 (grant call sign WX9XQL) which has a description of the mission to International Space Station which the testing is supporting. Two additional Exhibits are provided in this respect, replacing the Exhibit previously provided with this application.Operation Start Date: 06/20/2025Operation End Date: 12/20/2025
In addition, an EMC/RF filing (0975-EX-ST-2025) is pending as of May 20th with a period of operation between June 20th and December 20th.Purpose of Operation:QuoteTesting of its Dream Chaser spacecraft planned to be launched for mission support of cargo delivery to and from the ISS. The EMC test and RF capabilities of the vehicle testing will demonstrate, amongst other, that electromagnetic interference characteristics of the subsystem, under normal operating conditions, do not result in malfunction of the subsystem. It also demonstrates that the subsystem does not emit, radiate, or conduct interference, which could result in malfunction of other subsystems. Sierra spaces point-of-contact information to permit the prompt delivery at all times of notices of harmful interference includes Mr. Ronak Shah, Test Engineer (Director of Testing), [email protected], 303-542-7828 He is the initial point of contact for all matters involving interference resolution and has authority to discontinue any and all experiments being conducted under an STA grant, if necessary. Please see also the Application Narrative exhibit.Finally two new filings were submitted relating to the Tow/Taxi Test.0948-EX-ST-2025 is pending as of May 15th with a period of operation between June 20th and December 20th.Purpose of operation:QuoteTransmissions from a mobile Ground Station during Tow/taxi test demonstration of multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. See also application file number 1546-EX-ST-2024 which was the basis of grant call sign WX9XXS herein incorporated by reference. (See also grant call sign WX9XXS)0974-EX-ST-2025 is pending as of May 22nd with a period of operation between June 20th and December 20th.Purpose of operation:QuoteThis application seeks to allow further testing due to unforeseen delays which have led to a new launch date in May 2025. Tow/taxi test demonstration of multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. The tow/taxi test demonstrates multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles by towing the UDC down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space System (KSC) to a test case specific speed and releasing the UDC such that it controls itself and brakes to a stop. Spacecraft telemetry links for monitoring of Dream Chaser spacecraft state of health. Telemetry links include: 1) S-Band Single Access (SSA) spread spectrum return link operation with NASA TDRS; 2) High data rate downlink operation with mission Ground Stations; and 3) a Dream Chaser to ISS link for proximity operations will be used during the mission. The transmitters supporting these links are described below: The Dream Chaser spacecraft configuration will include two L-3 Cincinnati Electronics (nowL3Harris) transceivers (primary & redundant-backup) operating at 2287.5 MHz in TDRS spread spectrum (SQPN) mode to provide a telemetry return link through TDRS at 36, 144, or 288 ksps; or in TDRS SQPSK mode to provide a telemetry downlink to mission Ground Stations at 1 Msps. Two additional transceivers (primary & redundant backup), also procured from L3Harris, operating at 2203.2 MHz in SQPN mode to provide a telemetry return link at 36 or 144ksps, will be used for the Dream Chaser to ISS proximity communication link. See also STA file number 0660-EX-ST-2024.
1143-EX-ST-2025 & 0459-EX-CR-2025 [Jun 10]QuoteRequesting to conduct continued EMI testing of the Dream Chaser spacecraft (Call Sign WX9XBF) in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness. Additional considerations regarding the EMI testing are also provided on a confidential basis. The rationale for confidential treatment, reproduced herein, is as in file number 0660-EX-ST-2024 (grant call sign WX9XQL) which has a description of the mission to International Space Station which the testing is supporting. Two additional Exhibits are provided in this respect, replacing the Exhibit previously provided with this application.Operation Start Date: 06/20/2025Operation End Date: 12/20/2025
ExplanationPlease explain in the area below why an STA is necessary:Requesting to operate the RALTs on the runway for final integrated and flight like validation of system functionality in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness.Purpose of OperationPlease explain the purpose of operation: The RALTs will be powered and measuring (transmit and receive) while the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) is on the runway. The RALTS will be powered on while the UDC is stationary, they will stay on as the UDC is towed up to 40 mph by a tow truck and then brought to a safe stop. Once the UDC is stationary again, the RALTS will be powered off before personnel approach and while analysis is performed on the data gathered from the tow. The RALTs will be powered on for less than 1 hour at a time, periodically throughout an 8 hour period (3 cases expected). If additional cases are added, the operation of the RALTs will not change (~1 hour powered period, periodically throughout the day, potentially more than 1 day).
Sawyer Rosenstien (@thenasaman) gained an update on @SierraSpaceCo's Dream Chaser status from ISS Program Manager Dana Weigel today."They're working really hard. I think everyone really underestimates what it takes to put together a complex spacecraft. I mean, you're watching it right now with Boeing Starliner, you're watching it with Sierra, but if we remind ourselves on average it takes eight to ten years for a spacecraft to get ready and fly."Everybody's hopeful they'll be closer to six, but in reality there are a lot of complexities and you want to get it right. You got to fly when you're ready (via) final certification work. "Some of the big key areas that they're focused on is the software certification. You've got to test end-to-end all the different software functions. So that's a big focus area for them. And then they're still working on certification in the prop system."We still have some of our integrated safety reviews to do, and we're in the process with updating both of our schedules to try to understand where does that really put us. And so Sierra's working on that, and so I need to wait and just get information back from them to see where they think some of that work lines out. "But we are looking forward to having them flying. They're a berthing vehicle, so that's helpful for us to have dissimilar capabilities in terms of our ports and our logistics. "So we will be ready for them when they're ready to fly."
Requesting to operate the RALTs on the runway for final integrated and flight like validation of system functionality in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness.The RALTs will be powered and measuring (transmit and receive) while the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) is on the runway. The RALTS will be powered on while the UDC is stationary, they will stay on as the UDC is towed up to 40 mph by a tow truck and then brought to a safe stop. Once the UDC is stationary again, the RALTS will be powered off before personnel approach and while analysis is performed on the data gathered from the tow. The RALTs will be powered on for less than 1 hour at a time, periodically throughout an 8-hour period (3 cases expected). If additional cases are added, the operation of the RALTs will not change (~1 hour powered period, periodically throughout the day, potentially more than 1 day).Operation Start Date: 09/15/2025Operation End Date: 03/15/2026
Dream Chaser’s first flight will be a free-flyer, demonstration mission, which is expected to prove the technology and deliver critical data to @NASA. We believe this approach will provide us with the flexibility to address the nation’s most pressing national security space challenges, while continuing to advance Dream Chaser’s capabilities for NASA and commercial customers. Our team will be prioritizing first-flight readiness with Dream Chaser, targeting a launch in late 2026 to align with expected launch vehicle availability as we position Dream Chaser as a national asset available for future national security and defense demonstrations.
The Information@theinformation·Sierra Space is seeking about $300 million in fresh funding as it pivots from building a space plane to riding the boom in national defense spending, including for the U.S. Space Force. Full story here:
Sierra Space announced today that its Dream Chaser® spaceplane has successfully completed a series of critical pre-flight tests at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), marking continued progress toward Dream Chaser’s first free-flyer mission.As part of its comprehensive testing campaign, Dream Chaser underwent Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing at NASA’s Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF). These tests verified the spacecraft’s ability to operate within expected electromagnetic environments throughout various missions.The spacecraft also completed rigorous tow testing at KSC and Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility. For this phase, a Freightliner Cascadia truck, provided by Daimler Truck North America, towed the spaceplane at high speeds to simulate critical dynamics and validating autonomous navigational parameters during runway landing operations.Additionally, Dream Chaser successfully demonstrated the ability to receive telemetry and distribute commands between the spacecraft and Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado over NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System network. This key milestone tested the spacecraft’s readiness for real-time command and control during flight operations.The testing campaign concluded with a post landing recovery rehearsal, which demonstrated the safing of vehicle systems and timely access to sensitive payloads.With these critical milestones achieved, we expect Dream Chaser to move to its final round of acoustic testing in December 2025. Following this, modifications for national security applications will be explored and performed in Colorado. These enhancements will aim to expand Dream Chaser’s versatility and demonstrate its ability to fulfill a wide array of mission requirements, including those essential to national defense.Dream Chaser is on track for its first launch to Low Earth Orbit, targeted in Q4 of 2026, through a demonstration mission under the CRS-2 contract with a runway landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
A GPS re-radiator is used inside the building to provide GPS to the vehicle. It has to be re-radiated as the signal does not reach indoors to the UDC.Start Date: 02/02/2026End Date: 08/02/2026Location: Louisville, Colorado (North 39 58 12 West 105 6 40)
