Author Topic: Dream Chaser ETA heads to Dryden for drop tests (Read 145050 times)

Alpha Control · « **Reply #40 on:** 06/04/2013 06:47 pm »

Link to the AvWeek article being referred to in the above posts:

http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_06_03_2013_p54-582468.xml

Alpha Control · « **Reply #41 on:** 06/04/2013 06:57 pm »

In reading the Aviation Week article (which nicely ties the DC ALT program into lifting-body history), it mentions that several ground tests will occur before the first ALT free flight.

One of these is noted as a test of the parachute deployment system. I don't recall hearing about this previously. Can someone clarify this for me?

BrightLight · « **Reply #42 on:** 06/04/2013 07:53 pm »

Quote from: Alpha Control on 06/04/2013 06:57 pm

In reading the Aviation Week article (which nicely ties the DC ALT program into lifting-body history), it mentions that several ground tests will occur before the first ALT free flight.

One of these is noted as a test of the parachute deployment system. I don't recall hearing about this previously. Can someone clarify this for me?

- at the end of the article, last paragraph, 1st sentence:
"test of the flight termination and parachute deployment system"
I thought there was not going to be a parachute system, Ii assume from the above statement that this is a brake? for nominal operations or emergency?
P.S starting to look like a real live vehicle - super sweet

Rocket Science · « **Reply #43 on:** 06/04/2013 11:29 pm »

Quote from: BrightLight on 06/04/2013 04:29 pm

Short article on the upcoming DC tests in the Aviation Week web site.

She's got a "great stance" sitting on her gear...

Alpha Control · « **Reply #44 on:** 06/05/2013 01:07 am »

Quote from: Rocket Science on 06/04/2013 11:29 pm

Quote from: BrightLight on 06/04/2013 04:29 pm
Short article on the upcoming DC tests in the Aviation Week web site.
She's got a "great stance" sitting on her gear...

She certainly does. As we get a better look at her, the details of the skid become more apparent, and it has a visible "heft" to it that I haven't seen before.

Rocket Science · « **Reply #45 on:** 06/05/2013 11:21 am »

Some details on the flight test boom where you see the pitch and yaw vanes at the leading edge as well as some other nice photos... (the red items are "remove before flight" covers and protective locks)

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/-8YUMvHjQSQ/NASA+Prepares+Test+Dream+Chaser/0JleethpEPj

ChefPat · « **Reply #46 on:** 06/05/2013 12:58 pm »

I can see the dice quite clearly in this pic.

BrightLight · « **Reply #47 on:** 06/05/2013 02:55 pm »

I didn't notice a nose landing strut door, it looks bare, unlike the rear wheels.

JBF · « **Reply #48 on:** 06/05/2013 03:29 pm »

Quote from: BrightLight on 06/05/2013 02:55 pm

I didn't notice a nose landing strut door, it looks bare, unlike the rear wheels.

The DC uses a skid for the front. So no door.

BrightLight · « **Reply #49 on:** 06/05/2013 03:50 pm »

Finally a clear image of the ETA stern. (Thanks to Rocket Science)

Rocket Science · « **Reply #50 on:** 06/05/2013 04:07 pm »

Quote from: BrightLight on 06/05/2013 03:50 pm

Finally a clear image of the ETA stern. (Thanks to Rocket Science)

Your welcome... and I made sure I sealed the hatch after I climbed inside. The “fuzzy dice” are fun to squeeze... JK

Bubbinski · « **Reply #51 on:** 06/06/2013 02:42 pm »

Love the pics on this thread. Dreamchaser looks futuristic from the back. I hope she gets to fly in space.

pospa · « **Reply #52 on:** 06/07/2013 07:55 am »

Quote from: Rocket Science on 06/05/2013 04:07 pm

Quote from: BrightLight on 06/05/2013 03:50 pm
Finally a clear image of the ETA stern. (Thanks to Rocket Science)
Your welcome... and I made sure I sealed the hatch after I climbed inside. The “fuzzy dice” are fun to squeeze... JK

Any pictures from inside available for sharing ?

Rocket Science · « **Reply #53 on:** 06/07/2013 12:55 pm »

Quote from: pospa on 06/07/2013 07:55 am

Quote from: Rocket Science on 06/05/2013 04:07 pm
Quote from: BrightLight on 06/05/2013 03:50 pm
Finally a clear image of the ETA stern. (Thanks to Rocket Science)
Your welcome... and I made sure I sealed the hatch after I climbed inside. The “fuzzy dice” are fun to squeeze... JK
Any pictures from inside available for sharing ?

Ha, only from the sim and a link to the original HL-20/DC mockup to tide you over for now...

http://www.flythissim.com/Customer_gallery.html

http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/features-cue-home/astronauts-trade-spaceflight-student-contact

BrightLight · « **Reply #54 on:** 07/01/2013 05:25 pm »

DC being towed out to the runway (at Dryden?)
from a video:

at around 4:26 seconds
note the dolly for towing.

Soaring Habu · « **Reply #55 on:** 07/02/2013 03:43 pm »

Thanks for pointing out the towing dolly; when I first read about Dream Chaser's nose skid, I wondered how she was going to be towed, and now I know!

rayleighscatter · « **Reply #56 on:** 07/07/2013 06:16 pm »

3 More NASA credited images in Smithsonian Magazine that are new (to me at least).
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ideas-innovations/Coming-Soon-The-Dream-Chaser-a-Nimbler-Space-Shuttle-213885201.html?c=y&page=1&navigation=thumb#IMAGES

Overflow · « **Reply #57 on:** 07/07/2013 06:20 pm »

We're getting closer!

Khadgars · « **Reply #58 on:** 07/07/2013 06:56 pm »

The Dream Chaser has got to be my favorite space craft, so cool! Best of luck on the coming test!

Alpha Control · « **Reply #59 on:** 07/09/2013 07:38 pm »

That's one mean looking machine! She looks itching to get airborne.