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Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => Sierra Space Dream Chaser Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 07/12/2012 04:38 pm

Title: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/12/2012 04:38 pm
UPDATE thread for SNC's Dream Chaser as it progresses to the end of CCDev-2.

Articles - in order:

Banking on Dream Chaser:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2005/11/spacedev-banking-on-dream-chaser/

Dream Chaser agreement with ULA Atlas V:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/04/spacedev-announce-dream-chaser-agreement-with-ula-atlas-v/

Dream Chaser Progress Milestones:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/08/nasa-ccdev-2-partners-reveals-progress-milestones/

Dream Chaser making impressive progress ahead of CCDev-3:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/01/dream-chaser-impressive-progress-ahead-ccdev-3/

SNC Captive Carry test sees Dream Chaser take flight:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/05/snc-captive-carry-test-dream-chaser-take-flight/

Dream Chaser passes PDR, heads towards integrated system testing:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/06/dream-chaser-passes-pdr-integrated-system-testing/

SNC outline Dream Chaser’s Enterprise-style landing test approach:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/06/snc-dream-chasers-enterprise-test-approach/

Sierra Nevada’s 5-year partnership with NASA – Progress on Dream Chaser:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/06/sierra-nevadas-5-year-partnership-nasa-progress-dream-chaser/

Dream Chaser Nose Landing Gear Skid System ready for landing tests:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/07/dream-chaser-nlg-skid-system-landing-tests/

SNC evaluating KSC processing facilities to house the Dream Chaser fleet:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/08/snc-evaluating-ksc-processing-facilities-house-dream-chaser/

Dream Chaser aims to use Space Shuttle’s legacy to its advantage:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/08/dream-chaser-space-shuttles-legacy-advantage/

SNC building test schedule for Dream Chaser – Dryden Drop Tests upcoming:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/12/snc-building-schedule-dream-chaser-tests-upcoming/


Forum Threads:

Article Specific Threads in the Commercial Crew Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=56.0

New SNC Dream Chaser Discussion Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.0

L2:

Major L2 Master Thread for SNC Dream Chaser (Photos, Graphics, Videos, Updates):
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=27834.0

Remember, this is an update thread, for updates. Please use the DISCUSSION thread for questions and discussion.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: manboy on 07/27/2012 04:11 am
New video, clip starts a little after 16 minutes in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q3hHvdEqYE&feature=plcp
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 07/27/2012 02:48 pm
Thanks manboy :)
Crew access/egress tower is in the video dated 7/26/12.
Also posted a screen capture of the landing skid.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: manboy on 08/04/2012 03:06 am
Same video as posted above but now in high definition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7yPVaNdGBw
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: manboy on 08/04/2012 04:51 am
Sierra Nevada and their Dream Chaser design won $212.5 million for CCiCap.

Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Act Agreement (NNK12MS03S) for CCiCap
http://commercialcrew.nasa.gov/document_file_get.cfm?docid=634 (http://commercialcrew.nasa.gov/document_file_get.cfm?docid=634)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 08/22/2012 06:01 pm
Dream Chaser Spacecraft:  Update

Published on Aug 22, 2012 by ReelNASA

NASA Public Affairs Officer Michael Curie talks with Cheryl McPhillips, Commercial Crew Program Partner Manager for the Sierra Nevada Corporation, the company developing the Dream Chaser spacecraft for NASA

http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7794:iss-update-interview-dream-chaser-spacecraft&catid=1:latest
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 08/22/2012 10:00 pm
An update to the CCDev2 milestones (http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/679671main_CCDev2_Public_August2012_508.pdf) has just been posted by NASA.  Only one remaining milestone for SNC, and that is the free-flight and landing tests of the Engineering Test Article (full size).  The chart shows completion of this milestone moved to the end of the 2012 from its previous time of around the end of July 2012.

In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 08/22/2012 10:22 pm
An update to the CCDev2 milestones (http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/679671main_CCDev2_Public_August2012_508.pdf) has just been posted by NASA.  Only one remaining milestone for SNC, and that is the free-flight and landing tests of the Engineering Test Article (full size).  The chart shows completion of this milestone moved to the end of the 2012 from its previous time of around the end of July 2012.

In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.
The good news is that they have a workable schedule that can see the DC flying, maybe still in 2012.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 08/22/2012 10:27 pm
Dream Chaser Spacecraft:  Update

Published on Aug 22, 2012 by ReelNASA

Liked this graphic from the video:
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/23/2012 12:42 am
Dream Chaser Spacecraft:  Update

Published on Aug 22, 2012 by ReelNASA

NASA Public Affairs Officer Michael Curie talks with Cheryl McPhillips, Commercial Crew Program Partner Manager for the Sierra Nevada Corporation, the company developing the Dream Chaser spacecraft for NASA

http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7794:iss-update-interview-dream-chaser-spacecraft&catid=1:latest

It is also posted on YouTube, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQbE_JvX384&list=UUmheCYT4HlbFi943lpH009Q&index=2&feature=plcp
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 08/23/2012 03:10 pm
I had been wondering about the summer drop tests, as summer is quickly coming to a close.  These delays are unfortunate but expected - I am glad to know they're still making progress!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober on 08/23/2012 03:16 pm
pulled a couple of snapshots from the video both interesting.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 09/24/2012 03:14 am
The following is a non-dated description of the DC flight control simulator,
quite about of info on how it works and potential future upgrades.

http://www.winemantech.com/campaign/creating-a-flight-control-simulation-system-for-the-dream-chaser-spacecraft/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 09/24/2012 03:16 am
In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.

Smart folks - who wants to be in the Mohave desert in July and August?

 :D :D :D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Orbiter on 09/24/2012 03:10 pm
In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.

Smart folks - who wants to be in the Mohave desert in July and August?

 :D :D :D

Believe it or not it can get quite cold in the desert in November.

Are the drop tests still on for November as it is anyways? Would love to see DreamChaser airborne Enterprise style this year.

Orbiter
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: psloss on 09/24/2012 03:44 pm
In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.

Smart folks - who wants to be in the Mohave desert in July and August?

 :D :D :D
Well, Mojave.  (It probably wasn't too different there last week.)

I would have been fine with July and August, because I could be there.  The closer it is to the holidays without being coincident, the less chance I have of making it back.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 09/24/2012 03:55 pm
Believe it or not it can get quite cold in the desert in November.

I know - I like the cold!  Way better than the heat for me.  I'd prefer 20F to 100F and 0F to 110F any day.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Robotbeat on 09/24/2012 04:30 pm
Believe it or not it can get quite cold in the desert in November.

I know - I like the cold!  Way better than the heat for me.  I'd prefer 20F to 100F and 0F to 110F any day.
Here in muggy Minnesota (or Florida), I'd agree with you. In a desert? It's pretty nice.

Believe it or not it can get quite cold in the desert in November.

I know - I like the cold!  Way better than the heat for me.  I'd prefer 20F to 100F and 0F to 110F any day.
Flys better when its cold... ;D
Quite true!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober on 09/24/2012 04:52 pm
In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.

Smart folks - who wants to be in the Mohave desert in July and August?

 :D :D :D

Believe it or not it can get quite cold in the desert in November.

Are the drop tests still on for November as it is anyways? Would love to see DreamChaser airborne Enterprise style this year.

Orbiter

thx you gave me a decent idea......maybe a visit around that time of the year is in order.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 10/20/2012 05:22 pm
Update from NASA Commercial Crew Program.  Looks like the first free-flight test has slipped from November into next year [my bold]:

NASA’s CCiCap Partners Off To A Fast Start
Commercial Spaceflight 60-day Report Issue 9 - October 18, 2012
...
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is making significant progress on its Engineering Test Article (ETA). "SNC is working very hard to complete the build of our ETA to support free flight testing in the first quarter of next year, currently installing landing gear, flight controls, brakes, hydraulics, and extensive instrumentation,” said Steve Lindsey, director of Flight Operations at SNC. “All of the ETA's avionics are currently undergoing box to box bench testing, and the latest complete flight software version is now running successfully on the flight control computer. The flight control actuators and actuator controls are in final qualification testing and will be installed into our flight control integration lab within the next 2 weeks. Mission Control Center display development is in work, along with extensive flight test and integrated test planning.” The ETA will perform flight tests for both CCDev2 and CCiCap milestones. SNC also completed its first CCiCap milestone in mid August—a two-day program implementation review that established its management plans for executing the CCiCap SAA. In preparation for SNC’s next milestone in October, an integrated system baseline review, it has produced and released design documentation for the NASA partner integration team to review.

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/698604main_October_2012_60_Day_Report.pdf (http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/698604main_October_2012_60_Day_Report.pdf)

Photo: Dream Chaser ETA landing gear (click to enlarge)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: psloss on 10/20/2012 05:46 pm
Update from NASA Commercial Crew Program.  Looks like the first free-flight test has slipped from November into next year [my bold]:
Thanks for the pointer and the note.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 10/20/2012 06:55 pm
Update from NASA Commercial Crew Program.  Looks like the first free-flight test has slipped from November into next year [my bold]:



Thanks for the update.  Encouraging progress despite the slip!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 10/29/2012 10:15 pm
2012 Innovation Expo: Sierra Nevada Corporation

Published on Oct 29, 2012 by NASAKennedy

Merri Sanchez with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) talks to Kennedy Space Center employees about the company's Dream Chaser spacecraft and its partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to develop America's next-generation crew transportation.

The 2012 Kennedy Space Center Innovation Expo on Sept. 6 was a centerwide event that brought in inspirational speakers from outside companies, gave researchers a chance to show off some of their work and employees the opportunity to see facilities they hadn't viewed before.

The overall goal of the event was to highlight employee innovation and collaboration in everyday work that will help shape the future of Kennedy and the agency.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnerAF_vgFY
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 10/31/2012 03:11 pm
Here is a article on the flight control simulator for the DC

http://www.winemantech.com/campaign/creating-a-flight-control-simulation-system-for-the-dream-chaser-spacecraft/

some nice pics of the test fixtures and the electronic control rack.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Comga on 11/07/2012 09:29 pm
An article in their local newspaper (http://www.dailycamera.com/louisville-news/ci_21936366/sierra-nevada-aims-give-dream-chaser-its-own?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com) talking about Sierra Nevada getting a new building dedicated to Dreamchaser.  It says that they have hired 30 people and will hire another 80.

Some people think SNC "lost" the CCiCap competition by getting the smallest of the awards but I don't think they could use more money productively.  This looks like a very rapid ramp-up as it is.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/12/2012 01:09 pm
Little trim back as the ones that followed the building news were off topic.

I'm looking to write an article on DC today, by the way.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: archipeppe68 on 11/12/2012 01:48 pm
Little trim back as the ones that followed the building news were off topic.

I'm looking to write an article on DC today, by the way.

Good news Chris.

At the same time I'm quite busy to prepare a presentation about the evolution from HL-20 to the actual Dream Chaser.

Hope to post it here asap.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 11/12/2012 04:22 pm
I'm looking to write an article on DC today, by the way.

Looking forward to it!  I'm very excited by the progress being made on this program!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Cthulhus on 11/15/2012 06:59 am
For the french users and the english one too, I made a dedicated website for the Dream Chaser :

http://dream-space.fr/

You can use the translate options on the left hand side. That should be not so bad (I mean the translation). That don't user Google but a payware addon which should be better :)

Tell me what do you think about it :)

http://dream-space.fr/

Thanks!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: archipeppe68 on 11/15/2012 07:53 am
For the french users and the english one too, I made a dedicated website for the Dream Chaser :

http://dream-space.fr/

You can use the translate options on the left hand side. That should be not so bad (I mean the translation). That don't user Google but a payware addon which should be better :)

Tell me what do you think about it :)

http://dream-space.fr/

Thanks!

Nice graphics and photos.

Pour la langue pas de problem (pour moi), pourque Je parlez Francais...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/15/2012 11:12 am
Nice work Cthulhus!

My next DC article will be soon....the delay is actually a good thing as SNC really are being very helpful, to the point we'll have a new run of articles by the time we've concluded the current conversation.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/26/2013 12:05 am
This has been tweeted by James Dean of Florida Today:

Quote
SNC will host press conference Wednesday "to announce Dream Chaser expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."

https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/294933321195081728
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 01/26/2013 02:49 am
This has been tweeted by James Dean of Florida Today:

Quote
SNC will host press conference Wednesday "to announce Dream Chaser expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."
Quote
flatoday_jdean
Sorry, that should have been "Dream Chaser program expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/26/2013 04:01 am
Yeah, the media were sent out the invite, as we were. That's what the above is.

No webcast.

We have our roving Colorado reporter going to it for NSF. Opportunity to supply good questions on the L2 Dream Chaser section.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 01/28/2013 03:04 am
This has been tweeted by James Dean of Florida Today:

Quote
SNC will host press conference Wednesday "to announce Dream Chaser expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."

https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/294933321195081728

Wonder if we will finally get to hear where DC processing will occur....
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: john smith 19 on 01/29/2013 10:33 pm
An article in their local newspaper (http://www.dailycamera.com/louisville-news/ci_21936366/sierra-nevada-aims-give-dream-chaser-its-own?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com) talking about Sierra Nevada getting a new building dedicated to Dreamchaser.  It says that they have hired 30 people and will hire another 80.

Some people think SNC "lost" the CCiCap competition by getting the smallest of the awards but I don't think they could use more money productively.  This looks like a very rapid ramp-up as it is.

That's a bit harsh, but it's true they were less favored in the awards. However they certainly seem to going ahead at full speed and seem pretty confident.

You have to ask could they really  have a shot at delivering a vehicle at this level of funding?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DavidH on 01/29/2013 11:24 pm
This has been tweeted by James Dean of Florida Today:

Quote
SNC will host press conference Wednesday "to announce Dream Chaser expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."

https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/294933321195081728 (https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/294933321195081728)

Wonder if we will finally get to hear where DC processing will occur....

Is this the right place to build a list of questions?
Q: What is the plan for air drop testing? WK2, ground launch, B52, etc.?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2013 03:39 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom Jeff Foust @jeff_foust tweeting notes from the SNC presser. I'll get an article worked on it.

I'm recording it and Lee Jay is there for NSF (using questions from L2).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2013 03:42 pm
Next DC test in "just a few weeks". Runway landing, at Dryden.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2013 03:44 pm
Shipping in two weeks. Flight test 6-8 weeks. Released from a helicopter.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2013 03:49 pm
Lockheed have joined SNC to help with the certification as an exclusive partner and will use LM facilities, including MAF.

That's the big announcement.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 03:50 pm
from Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Sirangelo: Adding LockMart to the Dream Chaser shuttle program....

   
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 03:51 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Bringing in LockMart will leverage company's work with both Orion and its aircraft operations. Expansion includes LockMart manufacturing
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: gladiator1332 on 01/30/2013 03:53 pm
Woah! That's some big name support / big money support for this program! Awesome news!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 03:55 pm
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Jim Crocker, Lockheed Martin: we will have dozens of people who will be helping on the Dream Chaser certification work.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:01 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Michelle from the Governor's Office has now finished up. Sirangelo is now thanking the press corps. #SNC
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2013 04:02 pm
Heh, Lee Jay gets the first question :)

Flight tests will last 30-40 seconds (drop and land on the runway). Then aero data on next tests. (Two to five flights).

Then on the Flight Test Vehicle - piloted.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:02 pm
ouglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Sirangelo #SNC: Will do a number of flight tests, not a fixed number. continue to test til we get to a place of being comfortable.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:05 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Voss #SNC: Will use engineering model and then a second Dream Chaser (which LM is helping on) for more tests, including piloted.

Voss: First flight and then between 2 and 5 more flights to get all the data we need.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:05 pm
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Sirangelo won't disclose specific value of LM deal, but calls it "significant multimillion dollar contract".
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:06 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Crocker: LM was competitively selected for partnership, can leverage deep knowledge of composites for aircraft, spacecraft. #snc
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:07 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Sirangelo: Will be testing orbital vehicle within a couple of years. #SNC NASA expects to choose providers in 2017.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:08 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Sirangelo #SNC: Baselining 25 to 30 mission life to Dream Chaser, possibly more. We'll build as many vehicles as needed for market.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Robotbeat on 01/30/2013 04:09 pm
LockMart definitely knows what the heck they're doing. Very good choice.

Dreamchaser's stock went up in my book.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:14 pm
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Voss: we're right on schedule for our CCiCap milestones, actually under budget.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:20 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Sirangelo: Could fly orbital tourists on Dream Chaser. #SNC

Sirangelo, #SNC: Dream Chaser could act as a science platform unmanned, satellite servicing, missions involving changes of orbit
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:22 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Sirangelo #SNC: Could provide services to other nations that want space programs but won't or can't invest the money in own capability.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:27 pm
Lockheed Martin ‏@LockheedMartin

We’re joining Sierra Nevada Corp’s Dream Chaser team. Learn about our new role on this next-gen spacecraft
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:28 pm
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Sirangelo: Lockheed a sub under SNC's CPC contract for certification work; separate contract for work as part of CCICap award.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:29 pm
article in Denver post about LM and SNC and the Dream Chaser
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_22480179/lockheed-martin-joins-forces-louisville-based-sierra-nevada?source=rss
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:31 pm
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Sirangelo: working through what facilities in Florida we will use for Dream Chaser and when we will occupy them.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:32 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Voss #SNC: Will drop Dream Chaser from about 12,000 feet. Vehicle will hit 300 nauts. (knots - my correction)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:35 pm
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Voss: Dream Chaser tests will take place from altitude of 12,000 feet; reach peak speeds of 300 knots before landing at 180 knots.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:36 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

Sirangelo: Received a number of bids for collaboration. Very competitive process. #SNC
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:36 pm
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Sirangelo: looking to use this vehicle in a number of markets even in the event NASA does not go forward with us.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/30/2013 04:41 pm
LockMart definitely knows what the heck they're doing. Very good choice.

Dreamchaser's stock went up in my book.

I don't know. SNC had Boeing as a subcontractor previously for DC. If SNC is only switching subcontractors from Boeing to LM, I am not sure if this is good news. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 04:43 pm
Douglas Messier ‏@spacecom

And the #SNC press conference is over. Highlights: LockMart joins team, certification, manufacturing and assembly. Drop tests in 6-8 weeks
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2013 04:49 pm
The 60+ minutes of the presser audio will be in L2 in about five mins. Article will be worked tonight (will do a few articles on this, but first will be about the deal).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/30/2013 04:55 pm
The 60+ minutes of the presser audio will be in L2 in about five mins. Article will be worked tonight (will do a few articles on this, but first will be about the deal).

It would be interesting to know more about this deal. It seems that the deal is only for LM being a subcontractor in DC. If I understand the deal correctly, LM is not investing anything in DC. I imagine that this also means that Boeing is out as a DC subcontractor. I can't imagine both LM and Boeing being involved as subcontractors in DC. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/30/2013 05:00 pm
The 60+ minutes of the presser audio will be in L2 in about five mins. Article will be worked tonight (will do a few articles on this, but first will be about the deal).

It would be interesting to know more about this deal. It seems that the deal is only for SM being a subcontractor in DC. If I understand the deal correctly, LM is not investing anything in DC. I imagine that this also means that Boeing is out as a DC subcontractor. I can't imagine both LM and Boeing being involved as subcontractors in DC. 

from the Denver post article:
"Littleton-based Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. will specifically be in charge of building the composite structure for the Dream Chaser...

Lockheed will do its work at NASA's Michoud Assemby Facility in New Orleans. "
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/30/2013 05:19 pm
The 60+ minutes of the presser audio will be in L2 in about five mins. Article will be worked tonight (will do a few articles on this, but first will be about the deal).

It would be interesting to know more about this deal. It seems that the deal is only for LM being a subcontractor in DC. If I understand the deal correctly, LM is not investing anything in DC. I imagine that this also means that Boeing is out as a DC subcontractor. I can't imagine both LM and Boeing being involved as subcontractors in DC. 

After listening to the audio on L2, LM is indeed a subcontractor for SNC (not an investor). But it seems like they will be an important subcontractor. So it is a big deal in that sense.

There is supposed to be a press release that will give more details on the LM-SNC partnership.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 01/30/2013 08:49 pm
Boeing Phantomworks certainly used to be listed by SNCSpace as on their team for composite structures (they cited Boeings Bird of Prey IIRC). But I'm not sure they've actually built anything for SNC yet. Anyone know differently?

As Boeing gets further into their CST-100 work I could see how their involvement with a competitors team might not sit well with everyone.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Confusador on 01/31/2013 12:00 am
Not really anything that wasn't covered, but here it is for good measure:

Sierra Nevada Corporation and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Partner On Dream Chaser Programs (http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=530)

SPARKS, Nev., – January 30, 2013 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems is pleased to announce Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company of Littleton, Colo., is joining the SNC Dream Chaser® team.  Lockheed Martin will be an exclusive partner to SNC on NASA's Certification Products Contract (CPC) and has been competitively selected to build the composite structure for the Dream Chaser at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La.  SNC was awarded $10 million for CPC Phase 1 to work with NASA towards government certification of the SNC Dream Chaser orbital crew transportation system.

"The SNC team is thrilled that Lockheed Martin will be joining our expanding world-class team of partner organizations also working to certify the Dream Chaser Space System for crewed flights to the International Space Station for NASA.”  said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “The CPC contract offers the Dream Chaser team the opportunity for a more robust technical interchange with NASA as we work to develop a safe, reliable orbital crew transportation system.  This contract capitalizes on SNC's success working with NASA's Commercial Crew Program, as well as Lockheed Martin's expertise in developing and certifying Orion's beyond low Earth orbit human spaceflight hardware as part of NASA's Exploration Program.  Our team will work towards the common goal of certifying the Dream Chaser to provide the next generation human transportation system."

Lockheed Martin is developing NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) and brings extensive and current experience in obtaining NASA certification for a crewed flight vehicle to the Dream Chaser program.

“We are pleased to join the SNC Dream Chaser team. Lockheed Martin brings with it tremendous human-rated space flight knowledge from our significant experience with large, human-flight structures, including 135 flights with the Space Shuttle’s external fuel tanks.  We feel we can share many synergies between the Orion exploration spacecraft and the Dream Chaser lifting body space vehicle. This provides a great opportunity to take NASA’s investments in crew exploration capabilities and leverage them toward commercial transportation to low Earth orbit,” said Jim Crocker, vice president and general manager, Civil Space, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

The composite structure for the Dream Chaser flight test vehicle is being built under the SNC $212.5 million Space Act Agreement for the NASA Commercial Crew Integrated Capability Program. This effort leverages the extensive Lockheed Martin experience in building composite structures for spacecraft and high performance aircraft.   With the addition of Lockheed Martin as a partner on the Dream Chaser program, SNC is now working with partner organizations in over 15 states on NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability program.

 “We are pleased to include Lockheed Martin as part of the Dream Chaser Team to develop early certification products and to build critical flight hardware.  Their recent human spacecraft certification experience and composite expertise make them a great addition to our program,” said Jim Voss, vice president of Space Exploration Systems and Dream Chaser program manager.

The SNC and Lockheed Martin partnership represents the best of entrepreneurial spirit and established space mission success, collaborating on vehicle development, certification and reaching additional customer markets for the Dream Chaser orbital vehicle.  The team looks forward to working with NASA to successfully execute on the first round of the CPC contract and move towards offering the Dream Chaser Space System as a commercial solution to crew and cargo servicing of the International Space Station.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems

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

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

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) 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 employs over 2,500 people in 32 locations in 17 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 on the commercial sector through internal advancements 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.

Media Contact: [email protected] or Julie Ardito at 775-849-6968.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/31/2013 02:36 am
Here is the same press release in a pdf document:
http://www.sncorp.com/pdfs/SNC_news/pr_13/snc_lm_partnership.pdf
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 01/31/2013 03:02 am
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust

Voss: Dream Chaser tests will take place from altitude of 12,000 feet; reach peak speeds of 300 knots before landing at 180 knots.

That's 12,000 AGL, which is about 14,000 MSL.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: john smith 19 on 01/31/2013 07:15 am

SPARKS, Nev., – January 30, 2013 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems is pleased to announce Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company of Littleton, Colo., is joining the SNC Dream Chaser® team.  Lockheed Martin will be an exclusive partner to SNC on NASA's Certification Products Contract (CPC) and has been competitively selected to build the composite structure for the Dream Chaser at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La. 

The composite structure for the Dream Chaser flight test vehicle is being built under the SNC $212.5 million Space Act Agreement for the NASA Commercial Crew Integrated Capability Program. This effort leverages the extensive Lockheed Martin experience in building composite structures for spacecraft and high performance aircraft.   With the addition of Lockheed Martin as a partner on the Dream Chaser program, SNC is now working with partner organizations in over 15 states on NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability program.

I wish SNC every success but whenever space systems, Lockheed Martin and the word "composites" (especially in complex shapes) come together there's only 1 thing on my mind.

The X33 LH2 tank.  :(

I hope they learned many lessons from that exercise. Time will tell.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 01/31/2013 04:31 pm
That's a little bit unfair. Even if we set aside the fact that the X-33 tank problems were far more than a decade ago, and word on the street is such tanks can be made now, LM aren't being asked to build cryogenic-temp, pressurized structures here.

I'm curious to see if this relationship remains as narrow in scope. For all SNCs capabilities, LM have a lot of relevant experience they could benefit from, e.g. building crewed vehicles.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 01/31/2013 11:14 pm

SPARKS, Nev., – January 30, 2013 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems is pleased to announce Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company of Littleton, Colo., is joining the SNC Dream Chaser® team.  Lockheed Martin will be an exclusive partner to SNC on NASA's Certification Products Contract (CPC) and has been competitively selected to build the composite structure for the Dream Chaser at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La. 

The composite structure for the Dream Chaser flight test vehicle is being built under the SNC $212.5 million Space Act Agreement for the NASA Commercial Crew Integrated Capability Program. This effort leverages the extensive Lockheed Martin experience in building composite structures for spacecraft and high performance aircraft.   With the addition of Lockheed Martin as a partner on the Dream Chaser program, SNC is now working with partner organizations in over 15 states on NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability program.

I wish SNC every success but whenever space systems, Lockheed Martin and the word "composites" (especially in complex shapes) come together there's only 1 thing on my mind.

The X33 LH2 tank.  :(

I hope they learned many lessons from that exercise. Time will tell.


Heheh, I was thinking the same thing. Though from what was seen with the recent Orion test vehicle, they dont have more luck with aluminium, either ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 02/01/2013 12:01 am
LM has the large autoclaves that are required to produce the large composite primary structures required for DC. As for Boeing I feel they have bigger issues to deal with at this point in time for which I hope they overcome quickly...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Robotbeat on 02/01/2013 12:43 am
LM has the large autoclaves that are required to produce the large composite primary structures required for DC. As for Boeing I feel they have bigger issues to deal with at this point in time for which I hope they overcome quickly...
Boeing is an enormous organization. I'm pretty darned sure they don't need their whole workforce focused on freaking batteries.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/01/2013 01:03 am
Written an article - with some L2 goodies - with a large angle to the rise, fall and rise of MAF:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/dream-chaser-breathe-new-life-into-michoud/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 02/01/2013 01:06 am
LM has the large autoclaves that are required to produce the large composite primary structures required for DC. As for Boeing I feel they have bigger issues to deal with at this point in time for which I hope they overcome quickly...
Boeing is an enormous organization. I'm pretty darned sure they don't need their whole workforce focused on freaking batteries.
It hurts the bottom line Chris...It’s a PR disaster Chris for a late and much hyped aircraft that was going to revolutionize the industry... Boeing has a lot at stake here and we’re going OT...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: RocketmanUS on 02/01/2013 01:23 am
Written an article - with some L2 goodies - with a large angle to the rise, fall and rise of MAF:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/dream-chaser-breathe-new-life-into-michoud/
Let's just hope Congress/NASA funds Dream Chase, CST-100, Dragon throw their test flights and does not down select to just one. Having the three would ensure the U.S. ability to send crew to orbit whether for ISS, other, or future space stations ( gov. or private ).

So with Lockheed Martin now in the commercial crew works is this a positive sign for a future commercial business?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 02/01/2013 01:43 am
Written an article - with some L2 goodies - with a large angle to the rise, fall and rise of MAF:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/dream-chaser-breathe-new-life-into-michoud/
Nice article Chris! :) I hope it adds a moral boost to the good folks at MAF...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/01/2013 02:53 am
Thanks - and let's hope so too. As much as it won't help a former 25 year ET tech who lost his house in Katrina and is now packing groceries in the local supermarket until he gets to retirement age.

That's where some of my fighting talk came from in the article.

And before someone says: "But Chris, you are supposed to detact yourself from such things and post how NASA's leadership is leading the US into a bright new future".

Yeah, kiss my.... ;)

(And before some reacts to that, it's all factual in the article)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 02/01/2013 03:16 am
You're attitude in the article was spot on, IMHO.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DDG40 on 02/01/2013 04:09 am
Thanks - and let's hope so too. As much as it won't help a former 25 year ET tech who lost his house in Katrina and is now packing groceries in the local supermarket until he gets to retirement age.

That's where some of my fighting talk came from in the article.

And before someone says: "But Chris, you are supposed to detact yourself from such things and post how NASA's leadership is leading the US into a bright new future".



Yeah, kiss my.... ;)

(And before some reacts to that, it's all factual in the article)

Chris
Thanks for remembering the workers effected by the politics of this. The  hourly work force in 2006 was a little over 800 people at Michoud. Today we are at 22 people working on the Orion project and commercial TPS.
Boeing is fortunate to have a pool of skilled workers hoping to go back to work.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/01/2013 06:11 pm
Thanks Lee Jay, and thanks DDG.

Here's to MAF. Great people.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 02/01/2013 07:10 pm
Written an article - with some L2 goodies - with a large angle to the rise, fall and rise of MAF:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/dream-chaser-breathe-new-life-into-michoud/

I thought NASA was determined not to end up with just provider for manned flights to ISS, so that competition between the providers would help keep prices down?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jim on 02/01/2013 07:19 pm

Chris
Thanks for remembering the workers effected by the politics of this. The  hourly work force in 2006 was a little over 800 people at Michoud. Today we are at 22 people working on the Orion project and commercial TPS.
Boeing is fortunate to have a pool of skilled workers hoping to go back to work.


And why is that any different than the thousands of KSC hourly's?  800 out of 1.2 million in the NOLA metro area vs 8000 out of .5 million in Brevard County.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: RocketmanUS on 02/01/2013 07:24 pm
Written an article - with some L2 goodies - with a large angle to the rise, fall and rise of MAF:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/dream-chaser-breathe-new-life-into-michoud/

I thought NASA was determined not to end up with just provider for manned flights to ISS, so that competition between the providers would help keep prices down?
It looks like Bigelow might offer their space station again with Dragon and CST-100 as the crew taxi's.
http://www.bigelowaerospace.com/beam_media_brief.php

Even if this does not happen again it will be important that Congress/NASA sees that we get at least two suppliers for crew sooner than later. There are other options for the LEO crew taxi's besides ISS and commercial space stations.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/01/2013 08:37 pm
If both Dragon and the CST-100 are available, you have to wonder why would anyone want to pay $10M more for a Boeing flight. However, I could understand some people wanting to pay extra for a DC flight.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DDG40 on 02/01/2013 11:33 pm

Chris
Thanks for remembering the workers effected by the politics of this. The  hourly work force in 2006 was a little over 800 people at Michoud. Today we are at 22 people working on the Orion project and commercial TPS.
Boeing is fortunate to have a pool of skilled workers hoping to go back to work.



And why is that any different than the thousands of KSC hourly's?  800 out of 1.2 million in the NOLA metro area vs 8000 out of .5 million in Brevard County.



Because I work at Michoud and there was no mention of KSC in the article.
I also worked at KSC and MSFC  on TAD assignments. I am well aware of what happen at KSC and Brevard county. I was at KSC when they were doing the end of the program events in the VAB. We had a great  relationship with the USA guys and we would all hang out when we where in town. The majority of people that finished up the program were working under the WARN act but we all gave it 100 percent till the end.
I only know the Shuttle program at KSC and think what a great set up it was. A true space port in my opinion. I am bitter about the the loss of this also. Any way I have met many people  there that lived in the Orlando area.
I think the Orlando metro area should be included in your figures. But i dont want to debate this. It really doesn't matter.
I do feel for the KSC guys loss also, very deeply as a matter of fact.
And I do  keep up with Brevard county news, (Florida Today).
The last kick in the gut was seeinga picture  the USA sign being removed at the Port Canaveral offices.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: john smith 19 on 02/02/2013 02:44 pm
If both Dragon and the CST-100 are available, you have to wonder why would anyone want to pay $10M more for a Boeing flight. However, I could understand some people wanting to pay extra for a DC flight.
Mission assurance?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: joek on 02/02/2013 03:37 pm
If both Dragon and the CST-100 are available, you have to wonder why would anyone want to pay $10M more for a Boeing flight. However, I could understand some people wanting to pay extra for a DC flight.
Pillow, blanket, meal, oxygen, water and duty-free shopping?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: john smith 19 on 02/03/2013 08:40 am
Pillow, blanket, meal, oxygen, water and duty-free shopping?

True, but only as long as the batteries last. :)

Slightly more OT Dragon is using solar panels but is DC battery only or is there  fuel cell system in there for the long duration ISS stay?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: mlindner on 02/03/2013 09:32 am
Pillow, blanket, meal, oxygen, water and duty-free shopping?

True, but only as long as the batteries last. :)

Slightly more OT Dragon is using solar panels but is DC battery only or is there  fuel cell system in there for the long duration ISS stay?

I think the docking connectors have power supply through them as well, I could be wrong on that though.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: douglas100 on 02/03/2013 12:24 pm

Slightly more OT Dragon is using solar panels but is DC battery only or is there  fuel cell system in there for the long duration ISS stay?

Doubt that DC uses fuel cells. Even if it did, it would have to carry a lot of reactants to keep it powered for 6 months. Anyway, that's totally unnecessary because DC, like CST-100 would draw its power from ISS while docked.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 02/03/2013 12:50 pm

Slightly more OT Dragon is using solar panels but is DC battery only or is there  fuel cell system in there for the long duration ISS stay?

Doubt that DC uses fuel cells. Even if it did, it would have to carry a lot of reactants to keep it powered for 6 months. Anyway, that's totally unnecessary because DC, like CST-100 would draw its power from ISS while docked.



DC is battery only and then ISS connected for power.  However they have said that the vehicle could be modified to have solar power for long duration free fllights if necessary.  Remember, SNC makes deployable solar systems for other missions.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: john smith 19 on 02/03/2013 03:45 pm
DC is battery only and then ISS connected for power.  However they have said that the vehicle could be modified to have solar power for long duration free fllights if necessary.  Remember, SNC makes deployable solar systems for other missions.

That begs the question if the other missions SNC have suggestrf DC for would be classed as "standard" or "extended" and hence need an array.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 02/03/2013 05:05 pm
For extended missions, the Langley folks considered a "towed package" housed in the fairing. This was for the larger HL-42 variant, but if it were practical, could presumably be scaled down for the DC.

See "towed packed" in the following:
http://www.astronautix.com/craft/hl42.htm

Others have pointed out that this could shift the center of mass way aft and alter the vehicle's controllability, perhaps to the point of overwhelming what the stock RCS can handle. There is also the fact that the hybrid/OMS motors will fire right next to - or onto! - your payload, but this doesn't seemed to have concerned the HL-42 team.

One dubious solution would be to mount the payload on a two-part support structure that splits into two two halves and swings around above (and below) the vehicle resulting in a center of mass close to a normal DC. You'd have to worry about clearing the rudder.

This adds mass (bad) but has the advantage of moving the payload away from the hybrid motors and RCS nozzles, revealing the docking port, and if an EVA were to occur from the top-hatch, placing the payload nearby.

Of course if we're just talking about solar arrays, that's a simpler matter as they could be light enough to not complicate vehicle handling. They could be folded in the space behind the docking adapter, and deploy up and down (right after Centaur sep, before the hybrids light?)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 02/03/2013 09:14 pm

Others have pointed out that this could shift the center of mass way aft and alter the vehicle's controllability, perhaps to the point of overwhelming what the stock RCS can handle. There is also the fact that the hybrid/OMS motors will fire right next to - or onto! - your payload, but this doesn't seemed to have concerned the HL-42 team.
{snip}

The payload module could have its own RCS controlled from the Dream Chaser.

Once in LEO the Dream Chaser could fly back and its pilot dock it to the back of the payload module allowing the whole assembly to be pushed.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 02/03/2013 11:48 pm
For extended missions, the Langley folks considered a "towed package" housed in the fairing. This was for the larger HL-42 variant, but if it were practical, could presumably be scaled down for the DC.

See "towed packed" in the following:
http://www.astronautix.com/craft/hl42.htm
...

The "towed package" in those pictures is just the LV fairing/payload adapter.

Once in LEO the Dream Chaser could fly back and its pilot dock it to the back of the payload module allowing the whole assembly to be pushed.

Why in the world would you disconnect, just to redock in LEO? You realize that DC only has a docking port in the rear, right?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 02/04/2013 01:04 am
Once in LEO the Dream Chaser could fly back and its pilot dock it to the back of the payload module allowing the whole assembly to be pushed.

Why in the world would you disconnect, just to redock in LEO? You realize that DC only has a docking port in the rear, right?

The Dream Chaser's motors are at the back with the docking port.  So to perform a burn without destroying the cargo the cargo module has to be moved out of the way.

Placing the external tank on the side of the Shuttle is likely to have been done for a similar reason.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 02/04/2013 01:10 am
For extended missions, the Langley folks considered a "towed package" housed in the fairing. This was for the larger HL-42 variant, but if it were practical, could presumably be scaled down for the DC.

See "towed packed" in the following:
http://www.astronautix.com/craft/hl42.htm
...

The "towed package" in those pictures is just the LV fairing/payload adapter.

That design puts the cargo inside a stretched Dream Chaser/HL-42, I am putting the cargo outside where it can be dumped during a launch abort.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 02/04/2013 01:13 am
...
That design puts the cargo inside a stretched Dream Chaser/HL-42, I am putting the cargo outside where it can be dumped during a launch abort.
Nope. The HL-42 Towed package was in the fairing. There's no picture, but it is described in the text. It also describes how linkages would be severed in an abort condition.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 02/04/2013 01:17 am
Once in LEO the Dream Chaser could fly back and its pilot dock it to the back of the payload module allowing the whole assembly to be pushed.

Why in the world would you disconnect, just to redock in LEO? You realize that DC only has a docking port in the rear, right?

The Dream Chaser's motors are at the back with the docking port.  So to perform a burn without destroying the cargo the cargo module has to be moved out of the way.

What burn?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 02/04/2013 03:30 am
Once in LEO the Dream Chaser could fly back and its pilot dock it to the back of the payload module allowing the whole assembly to be pushed.

Why in the world would you disconnect, just to redock in LEO? You realize that DC only has a docking port in the rear, right?

The Dream Chaser's motors are at the back with the docking port.  So to perform a burn without destroying the cargo the cargo module has to be moved out of the way.

What burn?

If you are going to anywhere other than the LEO orbit the launch vehicle left you in you are going to need a burn.

This conversation should be in the Discussion thread rather than the Update thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 02/04/2013 03:58 am
EDIT: I moved my response to the DC discussion thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DavidH on 02/06/2013 04:16 pm
This morning I had the privilege of attending a presentation by Todd Mosher at SNC. The ETA is undergoing a lot of work in prep for shipment to Edwards, so we couldn't get a tour. They asked us to leave camera's/phone's in our cars so no pix, sorry.

Here is my run down of the presentation:
A lot of the presentation was, as expected, history of SNC, history of DC/HL-20 (including a mention of BOR-4), what is DC, and what is CCDev/CCiCap. There were many questions and I got a chance to corner Todd after the event to ask some more. I didn't take a notebook, so this is from my (poor) memory.

Someone asked how many they plan to build. His reply went from wildly optomistic to nominal. 2-4 for NASA/ISS CCiCap but if the market gets bigger with Bigelow, etc. and other countries wanting to send up their own astronauts for cheap, they could see selling many seats and building many DCs.

When asked, he wouldn't talk much about the green RCS. I was a little surprised there. He kinda waffled a bit, then started talking about the hybrid mains. Is that some kind of IP? He did talk a lot about the low-G re-entry and immediate access to science payloads returning from micro-G due to green prop.

LM is helping with structures and is manufacturing the composite core of the flight articles in Michoud as well as man-rating requirements and verification. Some systemsy stuff WRT man-rating and verification, but they are not being contracted as a Systems overseer/helper/savior or anything like that. Things are going well.

Heli-lift will not complete drop testing and they are looking into alternative higher altitude carry vehicles. Forgot to ask about self ferry. Said WK2 is a perfect fit, but that VG is focused on tourism and has plenty to do on their own. Didn't sound frustrated in any way but obviously seemed to indicate they would've very much liked to have gone that route.

Since some of the drop tests will be auto and an advertised capability is to auto land, I asked if they could do a full mission profile autonymously. He said it is possible for DC to do autodocking but that isn't developed. DC will be piloted for now but they hope to add that in the future. First orbital flight will be uncrewed but is a free-flyer with no ISS interaction.

When he said they could auto-dock, I asked if they had some kind of LIDAR for 3d awareness. He said they are in the process of down-selecting now.

Forgot to ask about pad abort or MaxQ abort tests or milestones. He said MaxQ for lifting body is much lower (~500) than capsule (~700), I'm guessing that is mph, and that the hybrids were PLENTY for MaxQ abort with these lower requirements.

They are currently using Boeing X-37 avionics and SW for autolanding but they aren't the flight avionics. He said a choice has been made WRT flight avionics (I want to sell him mine, but... he kinda grimaced when I said my company name, bummer!) and to expect an announcement, soon.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 02/06/2013 04:36 pm
So they are going to purchase the avionics and flight software off-the-shelf, or at least out-source this development to a third party ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DavidH on 02/06/2013 04:46 pm
So they are going to purchase the avionics and flight software off-the-shelf, or at least out-source this development to a third party ?

I don't know. He just said they have chosen a vendor and will make an announcement soon. I didn't dig into how, what, who since he seemed pretty solid on not disclosing info on this topic.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 02/06/2013 09:56 pm
Thanks very much for passing on that info.

I'm pretty sure Max Q is usually expressed in terms of lb/ft2, so 500 lb/ft2 for DC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 02/07/2013 12:22 am
So they are going to purchase the avionics and flight software off-the-shelf, or at least out-source this development to a third party ?

I don't know. He just said they have chosen a vendor and will make an announcement soon. I didn't dig into how, what, who since he seemed pretty solid on not disclosing info on this topic.

The answer to that question is on the L2 thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Orbiter on 03/10/2013 03:00 pm
Did the drop tests ever take place? Haven't heard any news for it.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: tigerade on 03/10/2013 03:03 pm
Did the drop tests ever take place? Haven't heard any news for it.

Read L2
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: KEdward5 on 03/10/2013 04:21 pm
Did the drop tests ever take place? Haven't heard any news for it.

No. And they haven't shipped the vehicle yet. You need to get on the L2 thread for more as NSF won't be able to do an article until they get official quotes. PS Best thread on L2 and this site, amazing master section for this vehicle.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DavidH on 03/11/2013 02:29 pm
So they are going to purchase the avionics and flight software off-the-shelf, or at least out-source this development to a third party ?

I don't know. He just said they have chosen a vendor and will make an announcement soon. I didn't dig into how, what, who since he seemed pretty solid on not disclosing info on this topic.

The answer to that question is on the L2 thread.

Ok, I've looked and can't find this info on L2. I'm interested. Could you please provide a link?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/11/2013 02:55 pm
So they are going to purchase the avionics and flight software off-the-shelf, or at least out-source this development to a third party ?

I don't know. He just said they have chosen a vendor and will make an announcement soon. I didn't dig into how, what, who since he seemed pretty solid on not disclosing info on this topic.

The answer to that question is on the L2 thread.

Ok, I've looked and can't find this info on L2. I'm interested. Could you please provide a link?

It's not. We don't publish restricted information on any part of the site.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 03/14/2013 12:30 pm
Astronaut Lee Archambault will join Sierra Nevada Corp:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/releases/2013/J13-007.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 03/26/2013 09:35 pm
CCP Spotlight on Development
Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:22:41 PM UTC

Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems is putting the Engineering Test Article of its Dream Chaser through a Ground Resonance Test at the company's facilities. The testing is standard for aircraft and helicopters and confirms that vibrations from machinery inside the craft won't make it shake itself apart. Preparations for wind tunnel testing continue on track following a recent test readiness review with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). The testing, scheduled for later this month then in May and June, is tied to one of the milestones SNC will meet to reduce risk in spacecraft designs during the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative. The Dream Chaser is being developed as a private spacecraft that can carry crews into low-Earth orbit and potentially the International Space Station by mid-decade.

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/index.html (http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/index.html)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 04/25/2013 07:01 pm
CCP Spotlight on Development
Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:54:38 PM UTC

Elements of Sierra Nevada Corp. Space Systems' Dream Chaser design will undergo significant testing this month, including evaluations of the Thermal Protection System in a phosphor thermography wind tunnel. The Thermal Protection System, or TPS, is the heat shield that keeps super-heated plasma from damaging the spacecraft as it enters Earth's atmosphere. The plasma is created by friction between the spacecraft, which is flying in at more than 17,000 mph, and the air in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. The heat shield for the Dream Chaser also challenges designers because it has to hug the aerodynamic form of the spacecraft that is designed to glide to a runway landing after returning from space.

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/index.html (http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/index.html)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/26/2013 07:15 pm
SNC has issued a press release about their latest completion of commercial crew milestones: http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=351 (http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=351)

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corporation Completes Dream Chaser® Milestones
for Commercial Crew Integrated Capabilities Program


SPARKS, Nev., – April 25, 2013 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space
Systems has successfully completed two milestones as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) phase of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.  SNC completed the Program Implementation Review, providing NASA with detailed plans for advancing the Dream Chaser® crew transportation system towards a critical design state. SNC also completed an Integrated System Baseline Review that communicated the post-Preliminary Design Review maturity of the baseline Dream Chaser® orbital crew vehicle, mission systems, ground systems, and United Launch Alliance's Atlas V launch vehicle.

“The successful completion of these milestones resulted in affirmation that the Dream Chaser® Space System design meets its mission requirements as we work towards rebuilding the United States’ capability to fly astronauts into low Earth orbit,” said Jim Voss, vice president of SNC's Space Exploration Systems. “Both CCiCap milestones offered us the opportunity to communicate SNC's detailed development plans, as well as to receive and incorporate NASA's comments and feedback.”

SNC was awarded $212.5 million by NASA in August 2012 and to date has received over $330 million by NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.  The funding represents the agency's co-investment in furthering the development of the Dream Chaser® Space System design to carry crew and critical cargo to and from the International Space Station. The Dream Chaser orbital crew vehicle is scheduled to complete its first free flight test in conjunction with NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in Calif., in 2013.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 05/09/2013 10:11 pm
SNC Completes Dream Chaser Safety Review Milestone
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/snc-safetyreview.html

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems of Louisville, Colo., has completed its first major, comprehensive safety review of its Dream Chaser Space System. This is the company's latest paid-for-performance milestone with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP), which is working with commercial space partners to develop capabilities to launch U.S. astronauts from American soil in the next few years.

The Integrated Systems Safety Analysis Review provided NASA with hazard reports and safety and reliability plans for the major components of the company's integrated crew transportation system, including the Dream Chaser spacecraft, United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, and flight and ground systems.

"Safety review milestones are critical to ensuring safety and reliability techniques and methods are incorporated into space systems design," said Ed Mango, NASA's CCP manager. "NASA's participation in these reviews provides our partners with critical design experiences from past human spaceflight activities."

SNC is developing its Dream Chaser Space System under NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, which is intended to lead to the availability of commercial human spaceflight services for government and commercial customers.

"Dream Chaser is making substantial progress toward flight with the help of our NASA team," said Mark Sirangelo, head of SNC's Space Systems. "The ability to openly exchange information through the work on these CCiCap milestones is invaluable for many reasons, such as communicating Dream Chaser development plans and receiving timely feedback from NASA, all of which help to improve our design and maximize safety and reliability. As we begin our flight test program we have a better and stronger program due to our partnership with NASA."
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/12/2013 05:20 pm
An update on Dream Chaser, mainly via L2 info. Will give this its own thread:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/dream-chaser-dryden-drop-tests/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 05/15/2013 10:29 pm
SNC Dream Chaser Testing Begins at NASA's Dryden, Langley
May 15, 2013

Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) Space Systems Dream Chaser flight vehicle arrived at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., Wednesday to begin tests of its flight and runway landing systems.

The tests are part of pre-negotiated, paid-for-performance milestones with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP), which is facilitating U.S.-led companies' development of spacecraft and rockets that can launch from American soil. The overall goal of CCP is to achieve safe, reliable and cost-effective U.S. human access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit.

Tests at Dryden will include tow, captive-carry and free-flight tests of the Dream Chaser. A truck will tow the craft down a runway to validate performance of the nose strut, brakes and tires. The captive-carry flights will further examine the loads it will encounter during flight as it is carried by an Erickson Skycrane helicopter. The free flight later this year will test Dream Chaser's aerodynamics through landing.

Meanwhile, on the east coast, several NASA astronauts will be at the agency's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., this week to fly simulations of a Dream Chaser approach and landing to help evaluate the spacecraft's subsonic handling. The test will measure how well the spacecraft would handle in a number of different atmospheric conditions and assess its guidance and navigation performance.

"Unique public-private partnerships like the one between NASA and Sierra Nevada Corporation are creating an industry capable of building the next generation of rockets and spacecraft that will carry U.S. astronauts to the scientific proving ground of low-Earth orbit," said William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for human exploration and operations in Washington. "NASA centers around the country paved the way for 50 years of American human spaceflight, and they're actively working with our partners to test innovative commercial space systems that will continue to ensure American leadership in exploration and discovery."

The Dream Chaser Space System is based on Langley's Horizontal Lander HL-20 lifting body design concept. The design builds on years of analysis and wind tunnel testing by Langley engineers during the 1980s and 1990s. Langley and SNC joined forces six years ago to update the HL-20 design in the Dream Chaser orbital crew vehicle. In those years SNC has worked to refine the spacecraft design. SNC will continue to test models in Langley wind tunnels. Langley researchers also helped develop a cockpit simulator at SNC's facility in Louisville, Colo., and the flight simulations being assessed at the center.

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/snc-dryden-langley.html (http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/snc-dryden-langley.html)

Photo caption:
SNC's Dream Chaser test flight craft is hauled across the bed of Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center on May 15. Image credit: NASA/Tom Tschida
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: manboy on 05/15/2013 11:04 pm
Here's more pictures

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: psloss on 05/16/2013 11:49 am
What looks like the same pictures are also available here:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/newsphotos/index.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/16/2013 03:54 pm
I'm thinking there's enough quotage and photos in there for a nice feature on the association with Enterprise for the weekend! Can never have too many Dream Chaser articles. :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 05/16/2013 04:07 pm
Just for reference, the question about how the DC can be transported across country after she lands has been answered.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/16/2013 04:15 pm
Just for reference, the question about how the DC can be transported across country after she lands has been answered.

I don't believe this has been 100% confirmed for the orbital vehicle. Perhaps Kaylee can answer.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 05/16/2013 04:48 pm
Just for reference, the question about how the DC can be transported across country after she lands has been answered.

I don't believe this has been 100% confirmed for the orbital vehicle. Perhaps Kaylee can answer.
Good point, does the FTA have the same fin/wing removal characteristics as the ETA?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/16/2013 04:54 pm
Good point, does the FTA have the same fin/wing removal characteristics as the ETA?

I think that was the intention, but I only have a vague memory of that discussion.

By the way, this is not how I'd transport the orbital spacecraft across the country.  I'd build it a non-descript "crate" (like an ISO container, but wider), put it inside, and take that by truck.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ChefPat on 05/16/2013 05:15 pm
Just for reference, the question about how the DC can be transported across country after she lands has been answered.

I don't believe this has been 100% confirmed for the orbital vehicle. Perhaps Kaylee can answer.
Good point, does the FTA have the same fin/wing removal characteristics as the ETA?
Aren't the ETA & FTA both smaller than the full up orbital ship?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 05/16/2013 06:52 pm
May 15, 2013
 
RELEASE : 13-143
 
 
Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser Testing Begins at NASA Dryden, Langley
 
 
EDWARDS, Calif. -- Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) Space Systems Dream Chaser flight vehicle arrived at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., Wednesday to begin tests of its flight and runway landing systems.

The tests are part of pre-negotiated, paid-for-performance milestones with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP), which is facilitating U.S.-led companies' development of spacecraft and rockets that can launch from American soil. The overall goal of CCP is to achieve safe, reliable and cost-effective U.S. human access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit.

Tests at Dryden will include tow, captive-carry and free-flight tests of the Dream Chaser. A truck will tow the craft down a runway to validate performance of the nose strut, brakes and tires. The captive-carry flights will further examine the loads it will encounter during flight as it is carried by an Erickson Skycrane helicopter. The free flight later this year will test Dream Chaser's aerodynamics through landing.

Meanwhile, on the east coast, several NASA astronauts will be at the agency's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., this week to fly simulations of a Dream Chaser approach and landing to help evaluate the spacecraft's subsonic handling. The test will measure how well the spacecraft would handle in a number of different atmospheric conditions and assess its guidance and navigation performance.

"Unique public-private partnerships like the one between NASA and Sierra Nevada Corporation are creating an industry capable of building the next generation of rockets and spacecraft that will carry U.S. astronauts to the scientific proving ground of low-Earth orbit," said William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for human exploration and operations in Washington. "NASA centers around the country paved the way for 50 years of American human spaceflight, and they're actively working with our partners to test innovative commercial space systems that will continue to ensure American leadership in exploration and discovery."

The Dream Chaser Space System is based on Langley's Horizontal Lander HL-20 lifting body design concept. The design builds on years of analysis and wind tunnel testing by Langley engineers during the 1980s and 1990s. Langley and SNC joined forces six years ago to update the HL-20 design in the Dream Chaser orbital crew vehicle. In those years SNC has worked with the center to refine the spacecraft design. SNC will continue to test models in Langley wind tunnels. Langley researchers also helped develop a cockpit simulator at SNC's facility in Louisville, Colo., and the flight simulations being assessed at the center.

NASA is partnered with SNC, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and The Boeing Company to meet CCP milestones for integrated crew transportation systems under the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative. Advances made by these companies under their funded Space Act Agreements ultimately are intended to lead to the availability of commercial human spaceflight services for government and commercial companies.

While NASA works with U.S. industry partners to develop commercial spaceflight capabilities, the agency also is developing the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS), a crew capsule and heavy-lift rocket to provide an entirely new capability for human exploration. Designed to be flexible for launching spacecraft for crew and cargo missions, SLS and Orion will expand human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and enable new missions of exploration in the solar system.

For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew


For more information about Dream Chaser and Sierra Nevada Corp. Space Systems, visit:

http://www.SNCspace.com

 
- end -
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/16/2013 06:58 pm
Aren't the ETA & FTA both smaller than the full up orbital ship?
If they are, this is the first I've heard of it. (X-40A was subscale X-37, perhaps you are thinking of that?)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 05/16/2013 09:40 pm
NASA Dryden Welcomes SNC's Dream Chaser for Testing

Published on May 16, 2013
Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems' Dream Chaser test flight craft, also known as an engineering test article, arrived at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., May 15 to begin tests of its flight and runway landing systems.
With its wings and tail structure removed and shrouded in plastic wrap, the test article was transported from the company's facility in Louisville, Colo., atop a flatbed truck and trailer. The five-state journey took about five days to complete.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFAsWwKKLV0
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 05/16/2013 11:43 pm
Astronauts to Test Dream Chaser Flight Simulator at NASA Langley
MEDIA ADVISORY : 13-019   May 15, 2013

HAMPTON, Va. -- A group of NASA astronauts will be at NASA's Langley Research Center this week to fly in a simulator that is being used to help evaluate the subsonic handling characteristics of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Space Systems' Dream Chaser spacecraft.

The simulation is of an approach to -- and landing at -- Edwards Air Force Base in California -- the final 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and 60 seconds of a future Dream Chaser flight. The astronauts will evaluate how well the spacecraft would handle in a number of different atmospheric conditions as well as assess its guidance and navigation performance.

NASA Langley developed the flight control laws that are being used in its motion-based Research Flight Deck simulator, while Draper Laboratory engineers in Houston, Texas, and Cambridge, Mass., developed the guidance and navigation system software.

Reporters are invited to observe a simulation on Thursday, May 16, at 2 p.m. Please RSVP to Sasha Congiu by noon on Thursday, May 16, at 757-864-5473/272-9859 or by e-mail to [email protected].

The Dream Chaser is based on Langley's Horizontal Lander (HL-20) lifting body vehicle design. HL-20 was a successor to the earlier HL-10 lifting body reentry vehicle concept developed by Langley during the 1960s, but was influenced by a Soviet era space plane design. Langley engineers had devised a development plan for the HL-20 in the 1980s and 90s, creating pilot landing scenarios in simulators, testing designs in wind tunnels and even building a full-scale model -- with the help of universities -- to study crew challenges.

The control laws being used in the current simulation were refined for the HL-20, but Langley engineers say they date back to research done during the development of the Space Shuttle in the 1970s.

SNC is developing its Dream Chaser Space System under NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, which is intended to lead to the availability of commercial human spaceflight services for government and commercial customers.

NASA Langley has collaborated with SNC in the design and development of the Dream Chaser Space System for six years

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/releases/2013/13-019.html (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/releases/2013/13-019.html)

Photo Caption:
HAMPTON, Va. -- Bruce Jackson, an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Langley Flight Research Center, briefs astronauts Rex Walheim and Gregory Johnson as they evaluate Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser landing simulation, in support of NASA Commercial Crew Program efforts, Wednesday, May 15. The simulation makes use of the Synthetic Vision SV and Enhanced Vision EV systems in the center's Cockpit Motion Facility. Credit: NASA/David C. Bowman
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: manboy on 05/17/2013 03:33 am
Just for reference, the question about how the DC can be transported across country after she lands has been answered.

I don't believe this has been 100% confirmed for the orbital vehicle. Perhaps Kaylee can answer.
Good point, does the FTA have the same fin/wing removal characteristics as the ETA?
Aren't the ETA & FTA both smaller than the full up orbital ship?
I'm almost certain this is a full scale mock-up.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 05/17/2013 09:12 pm
NASA Astronauts Fly Dream Chaser Simulations May 15-17

Published on May 17, 2013
Jack Fischer was one of four NASA astronauts to fly approach and landing simulations of Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser spacecraft at the agency's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. The three-day simulations evaluated the spacecraft's subsonic handling in support of NASA Commercial Crew Program efforts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9mXAAQyrdY
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 05/17/2013 09:29 pm
Here is a screen capture from the video.  It appears that the simulator is a generic aircraft so i guess the windows might not be DC viewing.  The flat panel in the lower left shows a dynamic set of wings/rudder movement (?) so the pilots can understand there inputs? - in any case way cool.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/17/2013 09:51 pm
Here is a screen capture from the video.  It appears that the simulator is a generic aircraft so i guess the windows might not be DC viewing.  The flat panel in the lower left shows a dynamic set of wings/rudder movement (?) so the pilots can understand there inputs? - in any case way cool.
Thanks for the vid cap! :)  Nice display but at less than 10,000 ft. you’re not going to spend too much time staring at the panel with such a high sink rate. Makes for a good quick scan and lower field of vision. I like the color change when control surfaces are activated which cuts down having to stare and process the data in your mind...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 05/17/2013 09:55 pm
Additional video from Dryden:

SNC's Dream Chaser Arrives at NASA Dryden for Tests

Published on May 17, 2013
Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems' Dream Chaser engineering flight test vehicle, arrived at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif., May 15, 2013 to begin tests of its flight and runway landing systems. Wrapped in plastic with its wings and tail structure removed, the Dream Chaser test article was transported overland from the company's facility in Louisville, Colo.
Tests at Dryden during the summer of 2013 involve tow, captive-carry and free-flight tests of the Dream Chaser, which is based on the HL-20 lifting body design developed and tested at NASA's Langley Research Center.
The tests are part of pre-negotiated, paid-for-performance milestones with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP), which is facilitating domestic companies' development of spacecraft and rockets that can launch from American soil into low-Earth orbit to transport crew and cargo to and from the international Space Station and perform other research missions.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un0QdX0IPq4
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: wkann on 05/17/2013 10:01 pm
Here is a screen capture from the video.  It appears that the simulator is a generic aircraft so i guess the windows might not be DC viewing.  The flat panel in the lower left shows a dynamic set of wings/rudder movement (?) so the pilots can understand there inputs? - in any case way cool.
Thanks for the vid cap! :)  Nice display but at less than 10,000 ft. you’re not going to spend too much time staring at the panel with such a high sink rate. Makes for a good quick scan and lower field of vision. I like the color change when control surfaces are activated which cuts down having to stare and process the data in your mind...

I was thinking that the simulator looked a lot like a 757/767 sim. I thought there were pictures of Charles Bolden and some Sierra Nevada executives trying out a sim that looked just like the interior of Dreamchaser.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/17/2013 10:03 pm
I'm not even sure where I got that impression. Maybe Kaylee can clear that up?

Definitely full-scale.  Quote from my interview with Mark Sirangelo:

"We call it our first flight test vehicle or Engineering Test Article.  Full size vehicle, full frame. "
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/17/2013 11:19 pm
Here is a screen capture from the video.  It appears that the simulator is a generic aircraft so i guess the windows might not be DC viewing.  The flat panel in the lower left shows a dynamic set of wings/rudder movement (?) so the pilots can understand there inputs? - in any case way cool.
Thanks for the vid cap! :)  Nice display but at less than 10,000 ft. you’re not going to spend too much time staring at the panel with such a high sink rate. Makes for a good quick scan and lower field of vision. I like the color change when control surfaces are activated which cuts down having to stare and process the data in your mind...

I was thinking that the simulator looked a lot like a 757/767 sim. I thought there were pictures of Charles Bolden and some Sierra Nevada executives trying out a sim that looked just like the interior of Dreamchaser.
Yup, you’re right SNC has it, but not three axis motion as is the NASA sim. Maybe LeeJay has seen it. ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/17/2013 11:24 pm
Yup, you’re right SNC has it, but not three axis motion as is the NASA sim. Maybe LeeJay has seen it. ;)

I saw the simulator in Louisville.  It was a cockpit surrounded by about 5 large flat screen monitors (50" or so).  I didn't get to get inside but I watched as others flew it.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/17/2013 11:55 pm
Yup, you’re right SNC has it, but not three axis motion as is the NASA sim. Maybe LeeJay has seen it. ;)

I saw the simulator in Louisville.  It was a cockpit surrounded by about 5 large flat screen monitors (50" or so).  I didn't get to get inside but I watched as others flew it.
There you go!  :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: wkann on 05/18/2013 12:03 am
Yup, you’re right SNC has it, but not three axis motion as is the NASA sim. Maybe LeeJay has seen it. ;)

I saw the simulator in Louisville.  It was a cockpit surrounded by about 5 large flat screen monitors (50" or so).  I didn't get to get inside but I watched as others flew it.
There you go!  :)

Thanks  :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/18/2013 01:48 am
Quote from: NASA Commercial Crew
Take a look at @Astro_Rex in the commander seat of a mock-up cockpit of SNC's Dream Chaser at @NASA_Langley.
https://twitter.com/Commercial_Crew/status/335539151678107648/photo/1
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/18/2013 11:27 am
Has anyone caught an image through a HUD?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/21/2013 02:06 am
Bolden to visit DC at Dryden on May 22:
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/may/HQ_M13-079_Bolden_Visits_Calif.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 05/21/2013 10:01 pm
SNC's Dream Chaser is Unwrapped for Testing
Tue, 21 May 2013 9:45:28 PM UTC

Several Sierra Nevada Corporation employees recently unwrapped the Dream Chaser flight test vehicle following its five-state journey from Colorado to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in southern California. The prototype space access vehicle will undergo ground and approach-and-landing flight tests in the coming months at Dryden as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) development work. SNC is one of three companies working with CCP during the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, which is intended to lead to the availability of commercial human spaceflight services for government and commercial customers.

(several more pictures in Kennedy Media Gallery, and in higher resolution)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 05/21/2013 10:07 pm
AnalogMan - fantastic - many thanks. Do you think it will be possible to get images of the cockpit?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 05/21/2013 11:52 pm
In the first picture, are those 6 holes RCS nozzles?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/22/2013 12:23 am
In the first picture, are those 6 holes RCS nozzles?

There are no real RCS nozzles on the ETA.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/22/2013 01:07 am
In the first picture, are those 6 holes RCS nozzles?

There are no real RCS nozzles on the ETA.
Six shooter... all blanks... ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 05/22/2013 02:04 am
In the first picture, are those 6 holes RCS nozzles?

There are no real RCS nozzles on the ETA.
That's what I presumed. I suppose the more accurate question would be "are those 6 holes representative of where the RCS would be?" I'd assume that would be a high-heat area on re-entry where those holes in the thermal protection are.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/22/2013 02:07 am
I suppose the more accurate question would be "are those 6 holes representative of where the RCS would be?"

Presumably.   :D

Quote
I'd assume that would be a high-heat area on re-entry where those holes in the thermal protection are.

Same as some Shuttle RCS nozzles.  The nozzles can handle the heat of combustion and the heat of reentry.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/22/2013 06:07 pm
NASA Administrator Bolden flies the Dream Chaser simulator:
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337251792909918209/photo/1

Sierra Nevada's Director of Flight Ops. Steve Lindsey briefs the media on upcoming Dream Chaser activities!
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337257210826600449/photo/1

NASA Administrator Bolden visits the Dream Chaser simulator:
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337251044897722369/photo/1
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/22/2013 06:12 pm
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337253204301590528/photo/1
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337247592587071489/photo/1
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337247592587071489/photo/1
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: IanO on 05/22/2013 06:27 pm
Sierra Nevada's Director of Flight Ops. Steve Lindsey briefs the media on upcoming Dream Chaser activities!
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337257210826600449/photo/1
That other airframe at the right of the photo looks like the M2-F1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_M2-F1), the first lifting body prototype from 1963!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/22/2013 06:30 pm
NASA Administrator Bolden takes time to meet & welcome the Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser team.
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337258779257233410/photo/1

NASA Admin. Bolden, Dryden Center Dep. Director Stoliker & SNC's Steve Lindsey tour Dream Chaser!
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337250291466506240/photo/1
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/22/2013 11:05 pm
Not as good as the previous article, but we have to bookend both shipping to arrival for testing, so that's what this second article does, allowing for me to use the large amount of quotes of late:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/bolden-meets-dream-chaser-eta-dryden-tests/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 05/22/2013 11:09 pm
Apologies if this is a non-value added post, but I just felt compelled to say now that is a beautiful vehicle!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/22/2013 11:32 pm
Not as good as the previous article, but we have to bookend both shipping to arrival for testing, so that's what this second article does, allowing for me to use the large amount of quotes of late:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/bolden-meets-dream-chaser-eta-dryden-tests/

A press release with more images:
http://www1.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/Features/dream_chaser_unveiled.html

Another image:
https://twitter.com/Commercial_Crew/status/337320222526697474/photo/1
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/22/2013 11:43 pm
Not as good as the previous article, but we have to bookend both shipping to arrival for testing, so that's what this second article does, allowing for me to use the large amount of quotes of late:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/bolden-meets-dream-chaser-eta-dryden-tests/
That was a enjoyable read Chris!  :) Great to see DC side by side with the M2-F1 that started it all, now we’ve come full circle. So how were the good old commander’s landing skills?   ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: wkann on 05/23/2013 01:55 am
Apologies if this is a non-value added post, but I just felt compelled to say now that is a beautiful vehicle!

Completely agree with you, the capsule's can't compete with this stunning bird.  
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 05/23/2013 06:48 am
I think it's time to officialy open a DC cheerleader thread. Good to see her with the M2-F1, I hope somewhere Dale and Milt are smiling....
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/23/2013 02:02 pm
Interesting side by side comparison of the DC to M2-F1 cross section in lifting body theories (in the third photo). The DC's the “rounded-flat ion” (FDL) to the M2-F1's “half-cone bathtub”...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/23/2013 02:32 pm
Not as good as the previous article, but we have to bookend both shipping to arrival for testing, so that's what this second article does, allowing for me to use the large amount of quotes of late:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/bolden-meets-dream-chaser-eta-dryden-tests/
That was a enjoyable read Chris!  :) Great to see DC side by side with the M2-F1 that started it all, now we’ve come full circle. So how were the good old commander’s landing skills?   ;D

Thanks very much!

No idea if General Bolden nailed it, but I assume he did.....given his shuttle history.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Soaring Habu on 05/23/2013 06:59 pm
Apologies if this is a non-value added post, but I just felt compelled to say now that is a beautiful vehicle!

Completely agree with you, the capsule's can't compete with this stunning bird. 

I also prefer Dream Chaser's beautiful, sleek lines to a capsule any day!

Incidentally, Dream Chaser's the only Shuttle-replacement spacecraft that I'm checking for updates on, being the Space Shuttle and spaceplane fan that I am!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/23/2013 11:01 pm
Do we want to explore space, or do we just want pretty hardware?

If you're going to argue for Dreamchaser, do it on merits that actually matter.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lar on 05/23/2013 11:52 pm
Do we want to explore space, or do we just want pretty hardware?

If you're going to argue for Dreamchaser, do it on merits that actually matter.

Perhaps not in the update thread?  Here's 2 though
- looking pretty inspires more people which is goodness.
- landing softly is better for certain kinds of illness and injury

EDIT: This one is better I think? http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.0 SNC Dream Chaser DISCUSSION Thread  I have self reported and encouraged mods to move the relevant posts, gently, rather than just nuking them
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Soaring Habu on 05/24/2013 05:51 pm
Do we want to explore space, or do we just want pretty hardware?

If you're going to argue for Dreamchaser, do it on merits that actually matter.

Please don't be offended; I was simply agreeing with those who prefer Dream Chaser's looks to the looks of a capsule; I also happen to agree with those who say that Dream Chaser's soft landing capability has certain advantages over a capsule.

Mods, please feel free to move this post if it belongs elsewhere.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/24/2013 08:15 pm
Do we want to explore space, or do we just want pretty hardware?

If you're going to argue for Dreamchaser, do it on merits that actually matter.

Please don't be offended; I was simply agreeing with those who prefer Dream Chaser's looks to the looks of a capsule; I also happen to agree with those who say that Dream Chaser's soft landing capability has certain advantages over a capsule.

Mods, please feel free to move this post if it belongs elsewhere.
I responded here:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.msg1056510#msg1056510
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 05/24/2013 08:25 pm
NASA Administrator Flies Dream Chaser Simulator

Published on May 24, 2013
NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden had the opportunity to fly a simulated landing of the Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Dream Chaser while touring the agency's Dryden Flight Research Center in California on May 22.

SNC's Dream Chaser flight test vehicle arrived at Dryden on May 15 in preparation for tow, captive-carry and free-flight tests later this year. The testing is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) initiatives to develop safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from low-Earth orbit destinations, including the International Space Station.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwFJUg0XcLw
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/25/2013 01:56 am
I noticed in this image that they still have the fuzzy dice inside of DC (see the left window of DC). They also had them during the previous test flight in Colorado.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: spectre9 on 05/25/2013 02:25 am
Well spotted yg! That was reported about a week ago in the brilliant L2 Level Dream Chaser thread.

L2 Dream Chaser content is absolutely incredible. Everything including the fluffy dice? You'd better believe it  ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2013 02:10 pm
What's the long rod on the DC nose?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2013 02:23 pm
What's the long rod on the DC nose?
Flight test boom (pitch, yaw, airspeed etc...)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 05/25/2013 11:21 pm
What is that strange buldge (looks strangely bolted on) just aft of the side window. RC thrusters of sorts?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2013 11:30 pm
What is that strange buldge (looks strangely bolted on) just aft of the side window. RC thrusters of sorts?
Aero fairings at the attachment points for the upcoming drop tests...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 05/26/2013 12:23 am
What is that strange buldge (looks strangely bolted on) just aft of the side window. RC thrusters of sorts?
Aero fairings at the attachment points for the upcoming drop tests...

Ahh, that makes sense! Thanks!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/29/2013 01:32 pm
An Inside Look at SNC's Dream Chaser

Published on May 28, 2013
Cheryl McPhillips, the NASA Commercial Crew Program partner manager for Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), discusses the uniqueness of the company's Dream Chaser spacecraft and the milestones SNC plans to meet during the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DheVO2qwzsI

McPhillips says that SNC is trying to get to CDR during the CCiCap period. That's news to me. NASA isn't paying them to get to CDR which means that SNC would have to fund the difference.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 05/29/2013 01:39 pm
But since the competition will be at the CDR level after CCiCap is complete, SNC needs the Dream Chaser program at the same level.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/31/2013 03:03 am
NASA Article on DC and its simulator:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/dreamchaser-sim-langley.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 06/06/2013 07:41 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Begins Dream Chaser®
Main Hybrid Rocket Motor Testing

Sparks, NV – June 6, 2013 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announces the successful start of the latest phase of hybrid rocket motor qualification testing for the Dream Chaser® flight vehicle. SNC completed two tests this week at its rocket test facility in San Diego, Calif. A motor firing and ignition test was completed in preparation for upcoming motor tests under the current Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) award. SNC will conduct another series of hybrid motor firings to meet the next CCiCap contracted milestone beginning this summer.

After required modifications were completed, the test firing was conducted in order to validate Dream Chaser’s motor test stand. This was after required modifications were completed and to ensure that SNC can move forward with the future heavy weight motor test series with minimal test stand risk. The Dream Chaser version of the hybrid rocket motor was last tested in 2010 under the Commercial Crew Development Program (CCDev1) Space Act Agreement during which SNC completed three successful test firings of a single hybrid motor in one day.

In addition to manufacturing these motors for Dream Chaser, SNC also manufactures the hybrid motors for Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo vehicle which has undergone test firings on dozens of hybrid motors over the last two years. As announced in the SNC news release (April 29, 2013), SpaceShipTwo successfully completed its first powered flight test using SNC’s hybrid motor to power the vehicle to an altitude of 55,000 feet and reaching Mach 1.2.

“We are eager to begin the next series of motor testing for Dream Chaser,” said Mark Sirangelo corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “With the successful qualification this week in San Diego and the success of the powered flight of SpaceShipTwo, we are even more confident that our hybrid motor technology is the safest and most reliable system for human transportation.”

SNC’s hybrid rocket systems offer a safe, high performing, and non-toxic alternative to solid and hydrazine liquid propulsion systems. As the rocket motor fuel is industrial rubber, there are no special handling or transportation requirements, which greatly reduces the lifecycle cost to customers.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 06/06/2013 07:54 pm
Its nice to see the engines going thru their paces - its going to be great to see the DC under her own power - maybe at the end of the upcoming landing and approach tests or maybe under extended milestones.

also, from Nasawatch: John Olson Departing OSTP/NASA to Join SNC.  Considering where he was at, (Director of the Strategic Analysis and Integration Division in the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate) maybe this portends good things to come (why go to SNC if things aren't going to go someplace).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/06/2013 08:46 pm
Sigh. I can't get an article written without someone throwing a press release on. At least the article I'm writing is a bit more interesting.... ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/06/2013 09:58 pm
Right then, that news, but with a wider overview of status etc:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/qualification-testing-dream-chasers-hybrid-rocket-motor/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 06/06/2013 10:17 pm
Right then, that news, but with a wider overview of status etc:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/qualification-testing-dream-chasers-hybrid-rocket-motor/
Great over view Chris - Thanks.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: billh on 06/06/2013 11:20 pm
Sigh. I can't get an article written without someone throwing a press release on. At least the article I'm writing is a bit more interesting.... ;D
That sounds like a nice problem to have!  ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/07/2013 12:38 pm
Right then, that news, but with a wider overview of status etc:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/qualification-testing-dream-chasers-hybrid-rocket-motor/
Great over view Chris - Thanks.

Thanks!

And also, there was a clarification provided, which I've added. The FTV won't fly with the Atlas V. The OV (Orbital Vehicle - the third Dream Chaser) will.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 06/07/2013 03:53 pm
Right then, that news, but with a wider overview of status etc:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/qualification-testing-dream-chasers-hybrid-rocket-motor/
Great over view Chris - Thanks.

Thanks!

And also, there was a clarification provided, which I've added. The FTV won't fly with the Atlas V. The OV (Orbital Vehicle - the third Dream Chaser) will.
Very interesting indeed - is there any information on how close the FTV is to the orbital vehicle (OTV?). Will the orbital vehicle be a pre-production one-off or will it be the first in a series?
FWIW I would like to see an operational vehicle named Enterprise.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 06/26/2013 02:46 pm
SNC has completed milestone 5 before completing milestone 4 - apparently milestone 5  concerns SNC direct investment into the project  :)
including new facilities in Colorado for DC

The article is here:
http://www.fortmilltimes.com/2013/06/25/2783569/sierra-nevada-corporation-completes.html

"One of SNC’s investments in the program is the recent opening of a new facility that houses Dream Chaser personnel along with upgraded laboratories, including a new state-of-the-art flight simulator. The new building is located in Louisville, Colo., close to SNC’s Space Systems’ current headquarters in the Colorado Technology Center."

SNC press release is here:
http://www.sncorp.com/news.php
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 07/12/2013 07:35 pm
SNC's Dream Chaser Prepared For Testing

Published on Jul 12, 2013
This time-lapse video shows Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) team attaching the wings and tail of the company's Dream Chaser flight vehicle May 18. The crew prepared the vehicle for ground and free-flight tests, which are scheduled throughout 2013. SNC is one of only three companies working with NASA to develop space transportation systems capable of flying astronauts to and from low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station later this decade. The work completed at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center will demonstrate the winged vehicle's ability to safely land an astronaut crew on a runway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om9rL4rpMDI
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Overflow on 07/22/2013 10:26 pm
That's cool!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 07/23/2013 11:10 pm
SNC's Dream Chaser prepared for tests at NASA Dryden

Published on Jul 23, 2013
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/ho...


This time-lapse video shows engineers and technicians from Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems division attaching the wings and tail of the company's Dream Chaser engineering flight test vehicle at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. The crew spent three days preparing the vehicle for ground and free-flight tests, which are scheduled throughout the latter half of 2013. SNC is one of three companies working with NASA to develop space transportation systems capable of flying astronauts to and from low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station later this decade. The work completed at NASA Dryden will demonstrate the Dream Chaser's ability to safely land an astronaut crew on a runway, similar to the now-retired NASA space shuttle fleet. 


Credit: NASA Dryden Video Services

Date: May 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUMwY6rOpcI
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/24/2013 12:58 pm
Anyone else notice that the NASA logo on the fins of the ETA was originally there, was blurred out on the Captive Carry tests video under SkyCrane a while back and now no longer on  DC at all?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 07/24/2013 04:13 pm
Anyone else notice that the NASA logo on the fins of the ETA was originally there, was blurred out on the Captive Carry tests video under SkyCrane a while back and now no longer on  DC at all?

It makes sense... There are no NASA logos on CST-100 or Dragon (cargo or crew). Its placement on DC could raise questions.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 07/24/2013 04:16 pm
Sponsors have logos on things right? What would be the difference here for the first vehicle?

I think it would a nice nod to HL-20 if anything.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/24/2013 04:26 pm
Anyone else notice that the NASA logo on the fins of the ETA was originally there, was blurred out on the Captive Carry tests video under SkyCrane a while back and now no longer on  DC at all?

It makes sense... There are no NASA logos on CST-100 or Dragon (cargo or crew). Its placement on DC could raise questions.
They’re all in a NASA competition and they all are getting NASA’s (the people’s) money, I say they all should get a “meatball”...  ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Robotbeat on 07/24/2013 04:58 pm
Anyone else notice that the NASA logo on the fins of the ETA was originally there, was blurred out on the Captive Carry tests video under SkyCrane a while back and now no longer on  DC at all?

It makes sense... There are no NASA logos on CST-100 or Dragon (cargo or crew). Its placement on DC could raise questions.
They’re all in a NASA competition and they all are getting NASA’s (the people’s) money, I say they all should get a “meatball”...  ;)
As far as I can tell, it's not that the companies don't want a NASA sticker, it's that NASA doesn't want its name being used as a sort of free advertisement or implied endorsement for something that's actually proprietary.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 07/24/2013 05:15 pm
Anyone else notice that the NASA logo on the fins of the ETA was originally there, was blurred out on the Captive Carry tests video under SkyCrane a while back and now no longer on  DC at all?

It makes sense... There are no NASA logos on CST-100 or Dragon (cargo or crew). Its placement on DC could raise questions.
They’re all in a NASA competition and they all are getting NASA’s (the people’s) money, I say they all should get a “meatball”...  ;)
As far as I can tell, it's not that the companies don't want a NASA sticker, it's that NASA doesn't want its name being used as a sort of free advertisement or implied endorsement for something that's actually proprietary.
Funny though that they put them on the Moon Buggy competion vehicles at MSFC...

We should ask Chris to shake the trees and see what falls out about this... ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/30/2013 02:52 pm
Quote
NASA's McAlister: SNC Dream Chaser drop test at Dryden could occur in August.
https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/362205514316259328

Quote
NASA's Phil McAlister at NAC HEO mtg: SNC's Dream Chaser has done tow tests up to 40 mph at Dryden; drop test scheduled for August.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/362220352551657473
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 07/31/2013 02:02 pm
SNC has chosen MDA for there on-board communications package:
http://www.mdacorporation.com/corporate/news/

I find this a little (just a little - MDA is well known) surprising, I can think of several American companies that can do this well and maybe add a few congressmen to the DC competition.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/16/2013 12:51 am
Here is the amendment to the SAA that reflects the addition of the new CCiCap milestones:
http://commercialcrew.nasa.gov/document_file_get.cfm?docid=681
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: joek on 08/16/2013 02:49 am
Short version:

- Optional milestone #10 "Integrated Critical Design Review" is split into milestones #10a and #10b.  #10a becomes a base period milestone; #10b remains an optional milestone.  #10a is "Critical Design Review (CDR) Incremental Design Review #1", due Oct 2013 with a value of $5M.

- Optional milestone #15 "Reaction Control System Testing" is split into milestones #15a and #15b.  #15a becomes a base period milestone; #15b remains an optional milestone.  #15a is "Reaction Control System Testing - Incremental Test #1" due Jul 2014 with a value of $15M.

edit: Term of agreement is also extended from 31-May-2014 to 31-Aug-2014,
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/19/2013 08:19 pm
Presser:

Sparks, Nev.,– August 19, 2013 – Last week NASA announced that it has added additional milestones to Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser® Space Act Agreement (SAA) under the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative. NASA amended SNC’s SAA to include two additional milestones totaling $15 million, bringing the value of SNC’s CCiCap SAA to $227.5 million.

“SNC is pleased to be awarded this new NASA investment and we will make valuable use of the additional $15 million in funding,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “The addition of these two funded milestones will allow our team to continue the advancement of the Dream Chaser Space System.”

The two optional milestones will extend the SNC CCiCap period of performance from May 2014 to August 2014, advancing the design and testing of the Dream Chaser Space System. Specifically, the optional milestones will fund work associated with the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the vehicle and additional testing of the reaction control system.

SNC is one of three companies funded under the CCiCap initiative to develop a next generation crew transportation vehicle and the only reusable, lifting body vehicle with runway landing capability. The Dream Chaser space vehicle 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: robertross on 08/19/2013 11:27 pm
That great news for them; the extra cash will no doubt please the workers for job security during these difficult times.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: jacqmans on 08/23/2013 09:26 am
RELEASE 13-33

NASA Partner Completes Second Dream Chaser Captive-Carry Test

NASA partner Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) of Louisville, Colo., successfully completed a captive-carry test of the Dream Chaser spacecraft Thursday, Aug. 22, at the agency's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif.

During the two-hour test, an Erickson Air-Crane helicopter picked up a test version of the Dream Chaser flight vehicle and flew it a distance of three miles over a dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base at a maximum altitude of approximately 12,400 feet. The spacecraft followed the projected path it will fly during future approach and landing tests at Dryden. Dream Chaser's flight computer, along with its guidance, navigation and control systems were tested. The landing gear and nose skid also were deployed during flight.

"Today is the first time we have flown a fully functional Dream Chaser flight vehicle, and we are very pleased with the results," said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC's Space Systems. "Our team represents the very best in collaboration between industry and government. We have worked closely with NASA, Dryden and the Air Force to reach this important milestone in our flight test program. We look forward to seeing Dream Chaser land on the same runway as the space shuttle orbiters once did as we move forward in the development of the next-generation crew transportation vehicle."

This was the second captive-carry test of the Dream Chaser flight vehicle and its first captive-carry at Dryden. Data obtained from the test will provide SNC valuable information about the Dream Chaser hardware and ground operations. The test paves the way for upcoming free-flight tests at Dryden this fall as part of the company's agreements with NASA.

SNC is working with NASA to develop Dream Chaser, planned to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, through the agency's Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) and Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiatives. New commercial spaceflight capabilities being developed by NASA partners through these initiatives eventually could provide launch services to transport NASA astronauts to the International Space Station from U.S. soil.

"It's great to see real American-made hardware taking flight right here in the U.S.," said Ed Mango, NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) manager. "This is just the start of an exciting flight test campaign for SNC's Dream Chaser at Dryden."

Work leading up to the captive-carry test included an evaluation of the performance of Dream Chaser's braking and landing systems, during ground tow tests, at increasing speeds. SNC engineers also verified the spacecraft's computer and software systems, instrumentation and steering performance. The company held a thorough flight test readiness review with engineers, technical experts and representatives from NASA and the U.S. Air Force.

SNC's CCDev2 Space Act Agreement with NASA is set to culminate with an upcoming approach-and-landing free-flight test at Dryden. SNC also is on track to complete all 12 of its CCiCap milestones by the summer of 2014. All of NASA's industry partners, including SNC, continue to meet their established milestones in developing commercial crew transportation capabilities.

For more information about NASA's Commercial Crew Program and its aerospace industry partners, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JasonAW3 on 08/23/2013 07:38 pm
Ok,

     Not to be impaitent or anything, but when are the drop tests supposed to begin?

     And how far along are they with the flight test article?

Jason
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 08/23/2013 08:03 pm
Did you read the article?  "The test paves the way for upcoming free-flight tests at Dryden this fall as part of the company's agreements with NASA."

No idea on the FTV.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Orbiter on 08/23/2013 08:37 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjIPM2MotRk
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/24/2013 12:51 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIJ4i8nJ9kw
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober on 08/24/2013 03:00 pm
Ok enjoyed the video.......just had to do this.  ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 08/24/2013 05:29 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIJ4i8nJ9kw
Exciting video yg, thanks for posting! I can't stop smiling every time I see it! :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: psloss on 08/24/2013 08:08 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjIPM2MotRk
Interesting that they took this one down in a hurry.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 08/24/2013 08:10 pm
Ok,

     Not to be impaitent or anything, but when are the drop tests supposed to begin?

     And how far along are they with the flight test article?

Jason

Answers to both questions are in the L2 thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/26/2013 01:14 pm
Overall review of recent and upcoming commercial work:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/countdowns-testing-commercial-space-steps-gear/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 08/26/2013 01:23 pm
Good article, Chris.  I wonder how many people are going to freak-out when they see DC heading for the Earth nose-down for a few seconds before the pull-up.  Let's just hope that the pull-up and landing result in the ability to further use the aircraft!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Archibald on 08/26/2013 02:32 pm
This is very well said

Quote
Often cited as “handing over the keys to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)”, NASA is deeply involved in providing funding and expertise to drive both new and old space companies into providing domestic cargo and crew capabilities to the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA used it best asset - the ISS - to provide a destination for newspace companies.
Today it can be said that, without ISS cargo (and soon crew) supply, private companies wouldn't be on the way to HSF. For example, orbital tourism by itself would not have been sufficient to sustain Dragon (or Dream Chaser) development, not with a dozen of $30 million tickets spread over decades.
I say: this is NASA job as per its charter. To help develop space as, many decades ago, NACA helped aeronautics to develop.

Quote
handing over the keys

I like this expression. Controversial perhaps, but it summarizes the ongoing situation very well.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 08/26/2013 06:46 pm
Overall review of recent and upcoming commercial work:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/countdowns-testing-commercial-space-steps-gear/

I like that you pull no punches in your apt description of the post-shuttle transition.  But what concerns me most is that while the commercial crew program is progressing, under the current funding scenario it is progressing toward a dead end for two out of the three contenders. So as the down-select approaches we continue to throw taxpayer dollars down the drain on new systems that will never see the light of day.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Robotbeat on 08/26/2013 06:50 pm
Overall review of recent and upcoming commercial work:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/countdowns-testing-commercial-space-steps-gear/

I like that you pull no punches in your apt description of the post-shuttle transition.  But what concerns me most is that while the commercial crew program is progressing, under the current funding scenario it is progressing toward a dead end for two out of the three contenders. So as the down-select approaches we continue to throw taxpayer dollars down the drain on new systems that will never see the light of day.
Risk-reduction. Besides, it's still possible these systems may eventually see the light of day. Bigelow's inflatable was a canceled NASA project. Even SpaceX's Merlin's early turbopump has intellectual heritage from part of a canceled NASA project. DC-X was cancelled, but inspired Grasshopper and Blue Origin. Blue Origin won't be picked for commercial crew, but the funding from NASA is helping them with their further efforts.

It's not for naught.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 08/26/2013 08:21 pm
Could not have said it any better. If we can only afford one final contract, such is life. At least we got to nurture 3 different vehicles forward, and the private spaceflight industry is a hell of a lot further along than it was (nowhere?) pre-COTS/Commercial Crew. One of the goals of NASA is not only to provide science themselves but to be a catalyst like this.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Bob Shaw on 08/26/2013 08:39 pm
As regards the wish - stated earlier - to see a DreamChaser named 'Enterprise' I, for one would like to see a similar vehicle named 'Basil'. Or perhaps 'Sybil'. Not Polly, though, that would be silly.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JasonAW3 on 08/27/2013 05:37 pm
If I remember correctly, should either a Delta or Atlas not be available, (or the mythical SLS) the Dreamchaser could be launched on a Falcon 9, or was that the Falcon Heavy?

     Next question; Was the Dreamchaser only designed for a LEO reentry or could it handle a BEO reentry?

Looked but couldn't find these answers.

Jason
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 08/27/2013 09:20 pm
Good article, Chris.  I wonder how many people are going to freak-out when they see DC heading for the Earth nose-down for a few seconds before the pull-up.  Let's just hope that the pull-up and landing result in the ability to further use the aircraft!

I assume they will have run thru the drop test about 10,000 times in the simulator before they try it on the actual DC, right ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Heinrich on 09/01/2013 07:03 pm
As regards the wish - stated earlier - to see a DreamChaser named 'Enterprise' I, for one would like to see a similar vehicle named 'Basil'. Or perhaps 'Sybil'. Not Polly, though, that would be silly.

Why not Polly? I wouldn't call it Manuel though.

How would they 'launch' it for the free flight landing test? Skycrane again?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: banjo on 09/01/2013 08:33 pm
don't mention the war!   sorry, i couldn't resist.  it would take a lot to top the spectacle of grasshopper flying sideways; i think the dreamchaser pad abort test may do it.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 09/12/2013 10:41 pm
Simulator Fitted with Dream Chaser Canopy Model
Thurs, 12 Sept 2013 3:27:30 PM EDT

Simulation technicians Brent Bieber, left, and Dennis Pitts install a boilerplate Dream Chaser canopy structure over the cockpit of a flight simulator in the simulation laboratory at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in California. The modification will give Dream Chaser pilot-astronauts a more representative view of the actual flight profiles the spacecraft would fly during piloted approach and landing tests. Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems division is conducting uncrewed captive- and free-flight approach and landing tests of its Dream Chaser at Dryden during the summer and fall. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Ulbrich
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 09/23/2013 10:49 pm
Langley Tests Dream Chaser's Thermal Dynamics
Sept 23, 2013 Sasha Congiu, NASA's Langley Research Center

When Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser spacecraft flies through the atmosphere, it will encounter a wide variety of environmental conditions. Any spacecraft traveling at hypersonic velocities must have a robust thermal protection system (TPS) to protect astronauts and cargo from the extreme temperatures associated with ascent and re-entry.

NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., recently conducted hypersonic testing of Dream Chaser models for SNC as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program in order to obtain necessary data for the material selection and design of the TPS. SNC conducted wind tunnel tests to reduce risk and improve the reliability of the Dream Chaser TPS under milestone eight of the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative.

The Dream Chaser, based on NASA's HL-20 lifting-body design, combines years of NASA analysis and wind tunnel research with SNC engineering, resulting in a reusable spacecraft that could ferry astronaut crews to and from low-Earth orbit. The HL-20 was a space plane concept studied by NASA at Langley during the early 1990s as a safe and affordable personnel launch system for trips to low-Earth orbit.

 “This system, along with other Commercial Crew Program partners' systems, gets us one step closer to launching people back into space onboard American made spacecraft,” said Karen Berger, Langley aerospace engineer.

The Dream Chaser models tested were approximately 10 inches long and made of cast ceramic. They were fabricated at Langley to measure heating levels the Dream Chaser spacecraft would experience during re-entry, including the lower- and upper-body flaps, elevons and a rudder. As with all spacecraft development, the testing required attention to details, from the design of the model to the complexity of data collection and analysis.

The heating data were measured using phosphor thermography, which allowed researchers to see a global view of the surface being investigated. Each pixel in the image acts as its own data point.

“It allows us to see very complex and intricate flow patterns,” Berger said.

With this technique, an image of each model is acquired before each wind tunnel run and then multiple images are taken during the run itself.

“Using calibrations performed prior to the test and calibrating with the color change after the test run, the temperatures and heating rate for each image can be computed,” Berger said.

The temperatures and heating rate information then will be used to help determine appropriate thermal protection system materials and also will be compared with computational predictions. Hypersonic testing of the Dream Chaser spacecraft will enable NASA and SNC teams to advance their knowledge and understanding of the environments that the vehicle will encounter during ascent and re-entry.

“We can use that knowledge to better develop new vehicles in the future, whether they are NASA vehicles or we are working with our commercial partners,” Berger said.

http://www.nasa.gov/content/langley-tests-dream-chasers-thermal-dynamics/ (http://www.nasa.gov/content/langley-tests-dream-chasers-thermal-dynamics/)

Photo Captions:

Top: An engineer at NASA's Langley Research Center prepares a 10-inch ceramic model of the Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser spacecraft for high-speed wind tunnel testing. Image Credit: NASA/David Bowman

Bottom: Multiple images are taken of the Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser model during each wind tunnel run to measure the spacecraft's temperature and heating rate. Image Credit: NASA/David Bowman
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 09/23/2013 10:51 pm
Video to go with the above update.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_InEufePaBE
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 09/23/2013 11:57 pm
I'm intrigued by the shape of the cowling around the engine nozzles. This has been depicted in models before, but not in CG.

http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/dream_chaser_testing.jpg?itok=KzdVUkwn

After scratching my head for a while I've come up with a theory on what's going on: this is thermal protection for the nozzle during re-entry (they're exposed to the airstream as the nose is pointed up). However, these engines are supposedly support thrust vectoring, and a fixed TPS cowling would prevent movement, so what we see here are separate rings of TPS that can move independent of each other to allow the nozzle to gimbal.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 09/24/2013 01:58 am
I'm a little surprised they haven't done a material selection for the TPS yet. Maybe there's an error in the announcement ?

Isn't there a bit of weight difference between the various choices, and that would have an effect on other design decisions ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 09/24/2013 02:07 pm
I'm a little surprised they haven't done a material selection for the TPS yet. Maybe there's an error in the announcement ?

Isn't there a bit of weight difference between the various choices, and that would have an effect on other design decisions ?
I too am a little surprised, I thought that the TPS was already selected. Maybe this is verification of choices or analysis of alternatives?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 10/08/2013 11:59 pm
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: russianhalo117 on 10/09/2013 04:14 pm
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?
Not from NASA because its shut down because of the nearly complete polarization of the current US Congress. I am not sure about SNC though.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/09/2013 05:29 pm
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?

They couldn't get a helicopter.  Now Dryden is closed for the government shutdown.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Sesquipedalian on 10/09/2013 06:35 pm
It's rather ironic considering that they went with the helicopter because WhiteKnightTwo wasn't available.  Any chance of them going back to WK2?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/09/2013 07:18 pm
It's rather ironic considering that they went with the helicopter because WhiteKnightTwo wasn't available.  Any chance of them going back to WK2?

I doubt the reasons WK2 wasn't available have changed.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 10/09/2013 08:00 pm
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?

They couldn't get a helicopter.  Now Dryden is closed for the government shutdown.

The Sky Crane they were using was busy ??
How much demand is there for  those Sky Cranes ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/09/2013 08:01 pm
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?

They couldn't get a helicopter.  Now Dryden is closed for the government shutdown.

The Sky Crane they were using was busy ??
How much demand is there for  those Sky Cranes ?

They are used for fire fighting so, a lot when there are a lot of wild fires around.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Eric Hedman on 10/09/2013 08:23 pm
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?

They couldn't get a helicopter.  Now Dryden is closed for the government shutdown.

The Sky Crane they were using was busy ??
How much demand is there for  those Sky Cranes ?

They are used for fire fighting so, a lot when there are a lot of wild fires around.
They are also used in lifting large objects on top of buildings.  A long long time ago in a past millenium, I and several hundred other people had to exit a massive factory while a Sky Crane lifted a huge new air conditioning unit up on the roof.  It was impressive to watch.  There are a lot of uses for these helicopters even when there are no wild fires. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 10/17/2013 05:02 pm
From the 2nd day of the ISPCS:

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/390869380579733506
Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust
Lee Archambault, Sierra Nevada Corp: hoping to get back out to Dryden soon to resume Dream Chaser testing now that shutdown is over. #ISPCS

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/390869812882448384
Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust
Archambault: "very close" to our first Dream Chaser drop test; would have taken place already had it not been to shutdown. #ISPCS

I guess we should find out pretty soon how accurate that statement is.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Alpha Control on 10/18/2013 10:01 pm
From the 2nd day of the ISPCS:

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/390869380579733506
Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust
Lee Archambault, Sierra Nevada Corp: hoping to get back out to Dryden soon to resume Dream Chaser testing now that shutdown is over. #ISPCS

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/390869812882448384
Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust
Archambault: "very close" to our first Dream Chaser drop test; would have taken place already had it not been to shutdown. #ISPCS

I guess we should find out pretty soon how accurate that statement is.

Thanks for the update, Lars!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 10/18/2013 10:17 pm
Great news Lars, we’re all ready here...  :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/21/2013 05:39 pm
Days away....

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/21/2013 05:45 pm
Days away....

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/

Can't wait.

Good article.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 10/21/2013 05:56 pm
Days away....

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/
Nice one Chris, including the "dig" about the "money savings" ;) I've been waiting for this news for a while.. rubbing hands... :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Heinrich on 10/21/2013 06:15 pm
Would it be possible to post a bigger version of the opening picture? It's really beautiful to see the dream chaser with that sunset (sunrise?) colours in the background...

How long approx does the test last from release to landing?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/21/2013 06:18 pm
How long approx does the test last from release to landing?

Around half a minute.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Cthulhus on 10/21/2013 09:30 pm
Hello, on that page :
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/

What means : Following a slight delay, caused by the recently-ended Government shutdown, SNC are now just “days away” from carrying out the greatly-anticipated drop test, allowing the ETA to fly on her own for the first time.

Can you please explain to me ?

Thanks !
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 10/21/2013 09:38 pm
Govt shutdown = a political battle of wills  between the executive branch and 2 houses of Congress that caused many departments to be closed, including much of NASA.

Basically, they were all acting like petulant 5 year olds.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: robertross on 10/21/2013 10:33 pm
Good article Chris!

I wish all the best to SNC for a successful flight, and wish I was a stow-away  :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Overflow on 10/22/2013 11:16 pm
Days away....

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/

Good article.

By the way, thanks for referring to her as "she". :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Cthulhus on 10/23/2013 11:05 am
thanks for your last message !
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Soaring Habu on 10/23/2013 02:31 pm
Days away....

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/

Really exciting news, and I hope everything goes well!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/23/2013 04:17 pm
Thanks chaps.

So, per L2, they will attempt one last captive carry today as a rehearsal for the drop test. Let's keep an eye on it, as SNC are using the SpaceX playbook on keeping the media at arms length.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 12/05/2013 12:23 am
Quote
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


http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-156/offline/download.pdf
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/05/2013 01:02 am
Quote
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


http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-156/offline/download.pdf

Would a company using the IBDM meet NASA certification requirements?

P.S. Incidentally, it is worth mentionning that your quote comes from page 82 of the ESA Bulletin that you linked.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 12/05/2013 01:13 am
BTW, here is a link to the IBDM fact sheet PDF: http://wsn.spaceflight.esa.int/docs/Factsheets/27%20IBDM.pdf

I've also attached it here:
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 12/13/2013 10:10 pm
Dream Chaser test flight found to have met goals
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/boosters_bits/2013/12/dream-chaser-test-flight-found-to-have.html

A 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. ...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 12/13/2013 10:44 pm
Dream Chaser test flight found to have met goals
http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/boosters_bits/2013/12/dream-chaser-test-flight-found-to-have.html

A 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. ...
Thanks Lars! I got the answer I was looking for as to the cause... well done! :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/14/2013 01:34 am
Good. They can now move on to the next test flight!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/14/2013 01:41 pm
Didn't see this posted anywhere so thought I would share it

http://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.

This article was linked in the discussion thread but it also belongs in the update thread as it is an important development.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Occupymars on 12/16/2013 08:17 pm
NASA Commercial Crew tweet ‏@Commercial_Crew 1h
SNC partnered with @NASA for 2 1/2 years under CCDev2 to develop Dream Chaser spacecraft. See SNC’s progress at: http://go.nasa.gov/1diajUL (http://go.nasa.gov/1diajUL)
Quote
Phil McAlister:"A spacecraft that lands on runways provides unique benefits for commercial spaceflight, but also presents unique development challenges," 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/16/2013 08:35 pm
Yeah, I'm writing up an article. I know people love to rush press releases on here, but give me a chance! :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 12/16/2013 09:54 pm
Another milestone down - one more step to operations ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/16/2013 10:23 pm
And the article for the milestone.....

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/12/dream-chaser-ccdev-2-green-light-nasa/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 12/16/2013 10:37 pm
Really nice article Chris - this should put to bed criticism of the DC vehicle as not viable.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 12/16/2013 10:37 pm
Really nice article Chris - this should put to bed criticism of the DC vehicle as not viable.

Yep...a great wrap up of recent activities.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 12/16/2013 10:43 pm
Thanks for the early Christmas present Chris! :) Dream Chasers and sugar plums dancing in my head... :D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/16/2013 11:14 pm
Thanks Chaps! Even the BBC's Jonathan Amos tweeted it, so that's me happy! ;D

(Now someone's going to complain this is supposed to be an update thread ;))
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/18/2013 01:48 am
Quote
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.

http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/38733sierra-nevada-completes-work-on-commercial-crew-contract-from-2011
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 12/23/2013 09:29 pm
SNC completes Milestone 6. Integrated Systems Safety Review CCiCap Initiative Milestone Six
http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=577
they keep on racking them up.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/07/2014 01:00 am
Quote
Sierra Nevada Space planning collaboration with Euro, German space agencies on the SNC Dreamchaser space plane. Details in a 1/8 presser.

https://twitter.com/Leone_SN/status/420368006771142656
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 01/07/2014 04:11 am
I like the sound of that!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: manboy on 01/07/2014 07:13 am
I like the sound of that!
It may just be about the docking mechanism.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 01/07/2014 08:29 am
Makes sense, both USA LV providers a working on their own manned capsules .
 This partnership will allow ESA to compete in manned space flight.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: woods170 on 01/07/2014 10:09 am
Makes sense, both USA LV providers a working on their own manned capsules .
 This partnership will allow ESA to compete in manned space flight.
Nope. ESA does not 'compete' in manned space flight with any other space agency (or country). This is about what ESA has been doing for a long time: cooperate with other space agencies AND commercial parties to achieve it's goals in space.
My bet that this is either the formal anouncement of the study-contract (involving, ESA, DLR and Sierra Nevada) or the preliminary results of that study. The study was contracted out last november.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 01/07/2014 02:02 pm
Makes sense, both USA LV providers a working on their own manned capsules .
 This partnership will allow ESA to compete in manned space flight.
Nope. ESA does not 'compete' in manned space flight with any other space agency (or country). This is about what ESA has been doing for a long time: cooperate with other space agencies AND commercial parties to achieve it's goals in space.
My bet that this is either the formal anouncement of the study-contract (involving, ESA, DLR and Sierra Nevada) or the preliminary results of that study. The study was contracted out last november.

Would the ESA purchase their own flights to the ISS, or would they use Dream Chaser for standalone LEO science missions ?

Of course, the best part of this news is that it gives the Dream Chaser program additional funding, and will help move it to completion.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/07/2014 03:54 pm
Makes sense, both USA LV providers a working on their own manned capsules .
 This partnership will allow ESA to compete in manned space flight.
Nope. ESA does not 'compete' in manned space flight with any other space agency (or country). This is about what ESA has been doing for a long time: cooperate with other space agencies AND commercial parties to achieve it's goals in space.
My bet that this is either the formal anouncement of the study-contract (involving, ESA, DLR and Sierra Nevada) or the preliminary results of that study. The study was contracted out last november.

Would the ESA purchase their own flights to the ISS, or would they use Dream Chaser for standalone LEO science missions ?

Of course, the best part of this news is that it gives the Dream Chaser program additional funding, and will help move it to completion.

This was discussed on L2 previously. It's probably what Woods said. No more. There is a big difference betwen a study and an actual crew transportation contract with ESA.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 01/08/2014 10:04 am
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/International_Space_Station/Helping_make_Dream_Chaser_a_reality (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/International_Space_Station/Helping_make_Dream_Chaser_a_reality)

8 January 2014  ESA and American company Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), have signed an understanding to identify areas of collaboration with European industry for developing hardware and mission concepts for the Dream Chaser orbital transportation system.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/08/2014 12:06 pm
Obvious Dream Chaser article will be worked today. There's a teleconference, ESA's release and probably one from SNC to come - plus our own resources.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: manboy on 01/08/2014 12:42 pm
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/International_Space_Station/Helping_make_Dream_Chaser_a_reality (http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/International_Space_Station/Helping_make_Dream_Chaser_a_reality)

8 January 2014  ESA and American company Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), have signed an understanding to identify areas of collaboration with European industry for developing hardware and mission concepts for the Dream Chaser orbital transportation system.
As a side note this image shows the old revision of the International Berthing Docking Mechanism (IBDM) which isn't compatible with the current revision of the NASA Docking System (NDS)/International Docking System Standard (IDSS) that is planned to be used on the International Docking Adapters (IDA).

EDIT: Just checked the image description and apparently it's from 2012.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/08/2014 04:24 pm
Ok, that was very interesting (the media event). Will start an article soon. Audio from the event in L2.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 01/08/2014 06:15 pm
Collaboration with ESA may effect their NASA funding.  Not sure NASA would want to finance DC if it is not using a USA LV.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/09/2014 12:28 am
SNC Press Release about cooperation study with ESA:
http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=372
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/09/2014 01:07 pm
Thanks to the healthy response to my latest article, I've created a standalone thread.

Article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chasers-european-deal-opens-ambitions/

Discussion for that article:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=33760.0
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/16/2014 10:49 pm
More good news for Dream Chaser:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chaser-another-ccicap-milestone/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/16/2014 10:55 pm
I know it's child-like, but I just love to read about DC moving forward, I hope to see pics on this web site of the Dream Chaser docked to the ISS.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: robertross on 01/16/2014 11:37 pm
More good news for Dream Chaser:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chaser-another-ccicap-milestone/

Really enjoyed that Chris.

Great new for SNC & Dreamchaser. I hope they at least get the 0.5 funding (though the full funding profile would be ideal).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 01/17/2014 12:16 am
While still a rumor:

Quote
A potential scenario that has been put forward by sources claims two providers may survive, one at full funding, another with half funding – the “1.5″ scenario. It has also been suggested that SpaceX and SNC are classed as the front runners.

So even with less funding than Boeing, SNC has shown tenacity, technical prowess, and most of all the savvy business skills to come from behind it would seem.  Of course the real test will be when CCtCap reviews all the proposals.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lar on 01/17/2014 01:59 am
Great new article Chris and great news for "the little spaceplane that could"

EVERYONE that loves DC should be talking up all of these great articles on FB... play up the stuff the general public loves like that it looks like a baby shuttle, that it has fuzzy dice, that SNC is the underdog...

sometimes rumors spread enough to come true.

(here's mine  ... https://www.facebook.com/larry.pieniazek/posts/10152238110601804 )
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 01/17/2014 02:16 am
Great new article Chris and great news for "the little spaceplane that could"

EVERYONE that loves DC should be talking up all of these great articles on FB... play up the stuff the general public loves like that it looks like a baby shuttle, that it has fuzzy dice, that SNC is the underdog...

sometimes rumors spread enough to come true.

(here's mine  ... https://www.facebook.com/larry.pieniazek/posts/10152238110601804 )

Way ahead of you!  :) 

https://www.facebook.com/matthew.johnson.3511041
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 01/21/2014 08:24 pm
January 21, 2014
MEDIA ADVISORY M14-020

Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces Dream Chaser Expansion Along Florida’s Space Coast

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) of Sparks, Nev., will announce expansion plans for its Dream Chaser Space System program in a news conference Thursday, Jan. 23, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The announcement will be carried live on NASA Television and the agency's website at 3 p.m. EST.

SNC officials will discuss the company’s plans for expansion in the Kennedy area and the current status of the Dream Chaser program. Others will join the briefing to discuss how these developments assist in creating jobs and investment opportunities on the Space Coast that support Kennedy's transformation into a multi-user spaceport.
The news conference will take place at Kennedy’s Press Site Television Auditorium. NASA TV will air the news conference prior to the launch of the agency’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-L. Liftoff of TDRS-L on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is targeted for 9:05 p.m.
Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems, will make the announcements and be joined by:
-- Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director
-- Michael Gass, United Launch Alliance president and CEO
-- Frank DiBello, Space Florida president and CEO
-- Larry Price, Lockheed Martin Space Systems deputy program manager for NASA's Orion spacecraft
-- Steve Lindsey, Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser program manager
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/21/2014 08:25 pm
Could be Dream Chaser heading into the last remaining OPF......


January 21, 2014
MEDIA ADVISORY M14-020

Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces Dream Chaser Expansion along Florida’s Space Coast

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) of Sparks, Nev., will announce expansion plans for its Dream Chaser Space System program in a news conference Thursday, Jan. 23, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The announcement will be carried live on NASA Television and the agency's website at 3 p.m. EST.

SNC officials will discuss the company’s plans for expansion in the Kennedy area and the current status of the Dream Chaser program. Others will join the briefing to discuss how these developments assist in creating jobs and investment opportunities on the Space Coast that support Kennedy's transformation into a multi-user spaceport.

The news conference will take place at Kennedy’s Press Site Television Auditorium. NASA TV will air the news conference prior to the launch of the agency’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-L. Liftoff of TDRS-L on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is targeted for 9:05 p.m.

Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems, will make the announcements and be joined by:

-- Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director
-- Michael Gass, United Launch Alliance president and CEO
-- Frank DiBello, Space Florida president and CEO
-- Larry Price, Lockheed Martin Space Systems deputy program manager for NASA's Orion spacecraft
-- Steve Lindsey, Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser program manager
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Kasponaut on 01/21/2014 08:52 pm
Could be Dream Chaser heading into the last remaining OPF......


January 21, 2014
MEDIA ADVISORY M14-020

Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces Dream Chaser Expansion along Florida’s Space Coast

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) of Sparks, Nev., will announce expansion plans for its Dream Chaser Space System program in a news conference Thursday, Jan. 23, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The announcement will be carried live on NASA Television and the agency's website at 3 p.m. EST.

SNC officials will discuss the company’s plans for expansion in the Kennedy area and the current status of the Dream Chaser program. Others will join the briefing to discuss how these developments assist in creating jobs and investment opportunities on the Space Coast that support Kennedy's transformation into a multi-user spaceport.

The news conference will take place at Kennedy’s Press Site Television Auditorium. NASA TV will air the news conference prior to the launch of the agency’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)-L. Liftoff of TDRS-L on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is targeted for 9:05 p.m.

Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems, will make the announcements and be joined by:

-- Bob Cabana, Kennedy Space Center director
-- Michael Gass, United Launch Alliance president and CEO
-- Frank DiBello, Space Florida president and CEO
-- Larry Price, Lockheed Martin Space Systems deputy program manager for NASA's Orion spacecraft
-- Steve Lindsey, Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser program manager

And maybe more details and pictures/drawings of the planned launch processing etc. etc. :-)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 01/21/2014 09:32 pm
Could we be getting a hub for spaceplane operations at KSC what with the X-37B going into OPF-1.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve on 01/21/2014 09:45 pm
The participation of the Lockheed guy is interesting to me.


If Lockheed is building the Dreamchaser airframes down at MAF, will they also participate in the final outfitting at KSC as well ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Go4TLI on 01/22/2014 04:59 pm
I believe too this will relate to use of an OPF.  I think that is a very significant development. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 06:16 pm
45 mins to the SNC/ULA presser on NASA TV.

We'll cover it in here (though remember there's a discussion thread for chatter about what gets announced today).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 06:57 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:02 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:03 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:05 pm
Bob Cabana thinks this is a great start to the year.

Mark S says the deal is.....

...no not yet. Notes courage from Charlie Bolden for the transition. Hat tip to SLS and Orion, however.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:06 pm
Where they are with Commercial Crew.

Praise for SpaceX there too, I think, from Mark S and a bit for Boeing.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:06 pm
History of SNC's involvement.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:07 pm
Auntie and Niece! :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:08 pm
And the deal is....

....no not yet. Praise for the fleet and workforce. Praise for lawmakers. What Dream Chaser does....

Wrong ratio for these slides by NASA TV, but readable.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:10 pm
Cool video playing. John44 will have a recording.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:11 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:12 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:13 pm
Flight path from the recent test.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:13 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:14 pm
15 mins in and still nothing on what they are announcing.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:15 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:15 pm
Oh, it's Bob Cabana's birthday..........
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:16 pm
Announcement: November 2016 is the debut orbital launch of Dream Chaser on an Atlas V they have acquired.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:18 pm
That won't be it.....but they are talking about that deal for now. ULA happy about them buying an Atlas V - as you'd expect.

Getting a lot about Atlas V's reliability now.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Go4TLI on 01/23/2014 07:18 pm
Announcement: November 2016 is the debut orbital launch of Dream Chaser on an Atlas V they have acquired.

Wow, much more significant than I thought.  Impressive. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:19 pm
"If it's good enough for John Glenn, it's good enough for us" - Mark S.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:20 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/23/2014 07:21 pm
Announcement: November 2016 is the debut orbital launch of Dream Chaser on an Atlas V they have acquired.

If SNC gets downselected, what would happen with that flight? Would they be allowed to flip it? That might be a question worth asking during the Q&A.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:21 pm
And now on to LM with their work at MAF. Surely there's an OPF announcement coming when they get to the Space Florida guy.....
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:22 pm
Ooooo, looking into working inside the O&C!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:23 pm
They will be using Lockheed Martin's space inside the O&C.

So no OPF deal!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Malderi on 01/23/2014 07:23 pm
Stupid question, but this is an unmanned flight, correct? So single-engine centaur? I was under the impression that ULA needed more time than that for DEC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:24 pm
Stupid question, but this is an unmanned flight, correct? So single-engine centaur? I was under the impression that ULA needed more time than that for DEC.

The only stupid question is the one not asked! ;D

Yeah, uncrewed. Not sure about Centaur.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:25 pm
So Dream Chaser will be processed next to Orion.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:27 pm
Blimey!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:28 pm
SLF will be Dream Chaser's landing spot, as expected.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:29 pm
So that's why Space Florida are there, for the SLF deal.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:36 pm
Steve Lindsay closing out the opening statements. Praise for Discovery, which is nice.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:37 pm
Says STS-133 was his hardest landing. Big late crosswind. Wonder if that's been pointed out due to Dream Chaser references. Clever, if so.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Go4TLI on 01/23/2014 07:37 pm
Praise for Discovery, which is nice.

"Not a thing wrong with the vehicle.".  Yup.  :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:39 pm
Apparently Bob Cabana gave Steve a hard time when Steve was a young astro.

Wanted to work for SNC because he wanted to sustain HSF and the legacy of Shuttle (lifting bodies).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:40 pm
Heh..nice...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:42 pm
Discovery wheel stop marker with a DCSS model.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:43 pm
Couple of hundred jobs in Florida for this.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:43 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:45 pm
They expect to have a fleet of vehicles.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:45 pm
Says there's a lot of interest as seen in the numbers for the movie Gravity.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:48 pm
First question is about the CCiCAP first flight.

Uncrewed. Committed to the launch as it stands. Will decide after award situation.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:50 pm
Check out the google glass guy next to Jason Rhian! ;D

Steve says they have spoken with Shuttle processing people to help with Dream Chaser's flow.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 07:53 pm
SNC purchase of the Atlas V was company to company, directly.

Mark isn't giving a direct answer to the funding, but keeps saying they are committed to the launch....

ULA still working with CST-100 for their debut launch.

First flight will be uncrewed, several orbits, not to the ISS, land on the West coast.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 08:02 pm
Right, so I'll work an article on all of that when time allows.

Might do a few, actually.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 01/23/2014 08:50 pm
Chris thank you for the sterling work on the updates.

Others maybe following Space X but these days DC more catches my interest.:)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 01/23/2014 09:03 pm
Fantastic reporting,
This is wonderful news, DC will see the curvature of the planet it was meant to orbit  ;D
also, I copied the URL to the official SNC press release:

http://www.sncspace.com/news.php
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 01/23/2014 09:09 pm
Surely though this is an unmanned flight it will also be testing the twin engined Centaur?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Malderi on 01/23/2014 09:22 pm
My *guess* would be that this is still a single-engine centaur flight. The reason being, if it was DEC, ULA would've made a bigger deal of it. They've always advertised it, but never finished development because there was never a customer. I suppose the 2017 manned flight will need it, but 2016 unmanned won't. SN may have chosen to defer those costs out a little farther (like, for when they have the NASA money from the next round...)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: mike robel on 01/23/2014 09:32 pm
Thanks Chris.  Great Stuff.  A small light appearing at the end of a long dark tunnel...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ChrisC on 01/23/2014 09:35 pm
Note that there's discussion of these announcements in the discussion thread, including discussion of DEC.

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.msg1152308#msg1152308
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 01/23/2014 09:49 pm
Building The Dream: Sierra Nevada's Dreamchaser Comes Together | Video

Published on Jan 23, 2014
Sierra Nevada's Dreamchaser spacecraft has come a long way. This video shows how the ship was put together, the pilots trained, and the ship tested over the past few years in preparation for a test launch in 2016 and human pilot flights in 2017.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXSDc_-YYYE
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 01/23/2014 10:24 pm
Press release:
January 23, 2014
RELEASE 14-030

Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces New Space Plans for NASA's Kennedy Space Center

In the latest example of NASA Kennedy Space Center's transformation into a multi-user spaceport, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) of Louisville, Colo., announced Thursday steps it will take to prepare for a November 2016 orbital flight of its Dream Chaser spacecraft from Florida's Space Coast.
The announcement included the purchase of an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance (ULA) for the launch, sharing the Operations and Checkout (O&C) development and testing facility with Lockheed Martin Space Systems, establishing an operation center at Kennedy Space Center and using the former Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) runway at Kennedy. The steps are considered substantial for SNC and important to plans by NASA and Space Florida for Kennedy's new availability to both commercial and government customers.                                                                             
"Today's announcement is the latest major milestone in the transformation of the Kennedy Space Center into a 21st century launch complex, serving both private sector and government users," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "I salute Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana for his leadership in transitioning the space coast for the future, and applaud Sierra Nevada Corporation on their decision to carry out their ground-breaking work at Kennedy."
SNC said it plans to work with ULA to launch the company's winged Dream Chaser spacecraft into orbit from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
"SNC is thrilled to confirm a launch date for our country’s return to orbital human spaceflight and the restart of human spaceflight operations from Florida’s Space Coast," said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. "We could not have done this without the spirit and engagement from our national and state governments, the best aerospace companies in the industry, and several major universities, which all hail from over 30 states. Together these passionate people will return our astronauts to space on American spacecraft and rockets launched from America’s space coast right here in Florida."
The Dream Chaser spacecraft is designed to carry crew and critical cargo to destinations, as well as perform servicing and science in low-Earth orbit. SNC said intends to complete Dream Chaser missions with a landing on the 3.5-mile runway at the SLF. Space Florida, which will operate the SLF in the future, will negotiate the terms and conditions for the runway's use with SNC.
"We are pleased to see continued growth of the State's investment into KSC facilities like the O&C," said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. "It is clear that the future of commercial space growth is happening right now in Florida and we couldn't be happier to work with companies like Sierra Nevada to realize their Florida-based expansion goals."
The company said it plans to prepare the Dream Chaser spacecraft in the high bay of the O&C building at Kennedy, with Lockheed Martin performing the work. The facility also is used for the development, assembly and testing of NASA's deep-space Orion spacecraft. Dream Chaser testing will take place without disrupting Orion, NASA's flagship human exploration vehicle.
"The O&C is a state-of-the-art facility that will greatly enhance Dream Chaser’s future operations through an innovative co-use plan with Orion," said Vice President and General Manager, Civil Space, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, James H. Crocker. "The result will maximize efficiency for both the Dream Chaser spacecraft and Orion and will provide continuity for our highly trained, motivated and certified workforce."
SNC also plans to lease office space at Exploration Park, located just outside Kennedy’s gates.
"We have been diligent in our efforts, and I consider this a strong vote of confidence from a company that expects to be a major force in the future of human spaceflight," said Bob Cabana, Kennedy center director. "Sierra Nevada Corporation will find in our workforce and facilities the same dynamic and professional people who have made successful missions from here for more than 50 years."
Cabana said SNC's involvement with the Florida spaceport shows the conversion to a 21st century spaceport is succeeding, although work remains to keep the transformation on pace.
"We are honored that Sierra Nevada Corporation has reserved a proven Atlas V to launch its first flight test in 2016,” said Michael Gass, United Launch Alliance president and CEO. “With 42 successful missions spanning a decade of operational service, the commercially-developed Atlas V is uniquely qualified to provide launch services for the Crew Transportation System. Because Atlas is already certified by NASA to fly the nation’s most complex exploration missions, ULA is able to provide a wealth of flight data, design implementation, detailed system and subsystem analysis, qualification and certification documentation to support the Atlas V for human spaceflight."
The Dream Chaser spacecraft is deep into development of flight hardware and specific plans ranging from ground support equipment to what to include in a mission operations center.
"I had the privilege of piloting and commanding five space shuttle flights as a NASA astronaut," said Steve Lindsey, former NASA astronaut and SNC’s senior director and Dream Chaser program manager. "This included the last flight of Discovery which was processed, launched, and on March 9, 2011, made its final landing at the SLF after 39 flights and 148 million space miles.  Mark, the entire SNC Dream Chaser team, and I look forward to seeing Dream Chaser continue this legacy from Discovery when it flies in 2016."
For more information about Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser, visit:
http://www.SNCDreamChaser.com
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/kennedy
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jim on 01/23/2014 10:29 pm
Color me wrong.

The space in the O&C is available due to SM work going to ESA.

I wonder what they are going to use for prop load?  Astrotech?  PHSF?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2014 11:09 pm
Building The Dream: Sierra Nevada's Dreamchaser Comes Together | Video



Thanks! That's in HD so I can pull stuff off that! :)

Anyone seen the materials in uploaded form (as opposed to my screenshots)?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 01/23/2014 11:30 pm
Couple of cool graphics from this slide, would be nice to get a higher resolution
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/24/2014 03:19 pm
Article. 2,000 worder....some background and forward plans wrapped around the announcement:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chasers-ksc-vision-2016-debut/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: woods170 on 01/24/2014 03:35 pm
Article. 2,000 worder....some background and forward plans wrapped around the announcement:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chasers-ksc-vision-2016-debut/

Good write-up Chris. Well done.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: mheney on 01/24/2014 03:35 pm
Great article!  This all just keeps getting better and better!!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/24/2014 03:40 pm
Thanks chaps, that means a lot!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ClaytonBirchenough on 01/24/2014 03:44 pm
Fun article to read, especially if you haven't been following Dream Chaser that closely...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/24/2014 04:11 pm
Quote from: DC article
In a sign of SNC’s commitment to flying Dream Chaser in space, this (AtlasV) launch is not understood to be subject to their Commercial Crew funding with NASA, with long lead procurements already lined up.

That's a big deal. I was kind of wondering about that. It seems SNC is really commited to DC regardless of what happens during CCtCap. That's a big plus for DC, if NASA sees SNC as fully commited to finishing DC regardless of whether they get partial, full or no funding, this could actually increase the chances of SNC for CCtCap. I believe that skin in the game will be given more weight in the next round. 

Edit:

Here is the video of the press conference of yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGxz6HGp_1A
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 01/24/2014 05:11 pm
Quote from: DC article
In a sign of SNC’s commitment to flying Dream Chaser in space, this (AtlasV) launch is not understood to be subject to their Commercial Crew funding with NASA, with long lead procurements already lined up.

That's a big deal. I was kind of wondering about that. It seems SNC is really commited to DC regardless of what happens during CCtCap. That's a big plus for DC, if NASA sees SNC as fully commited to finishing DC regardless of whether they get partial, full or no funding, this could actually increase the chances of SNC for CCtCap. I believe that skin in the game will be given more weight in the next round.

It's an impressive gesture by SNC & shows a lot of commitment to DC.

@Chris great article.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/24/2014 06:46 pm
Article. 2,000 worder....some background and forward plans wrapped around the announcement:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chasers-ksc-vision-2016-debut/
Great article Chris! :) Nice to finally see all the pieces clicking into place after a long wait.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: clongton on 01/24/2014 09:26 pm
Great article Chris. It's really good to see this level of commitment on SNC's part. I thought the following quote was telling:

Quote
"SNC is thrilled to be the first company to confirm a launch date for our country’s return to orbital human spaceflight and the restart of human spaceflight operations from Florida’s Space Coast,” added Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems.

I can't wait for the next flight of the ETA.
BTW, what does SNC envision as the DC version of the SCA? Just like for Shuttle, the SLF will not always be an available landing strip because of weather and diverts to California will be SOP in that case.
 
Thanks for a great write-up Chris.



Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober on 01/24/2014 09:50 pm
Chris very nice job on the article.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 01/24/2014 10:47 pm
I can't wait for the next flight of the ETA.

Me neither!

Great article, Chris!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 01/24/2014 10:49 pm
This great news certainly got the juice flowing again.  Thanks for the great article Chris. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: mikegro on 01/25/2014 06:12 am
Exciting stuff indeed.  Great article, Chris!  Go Dream Chaser!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/31/2014 01:11 am
Thanks for the above! :) Another milestone for SNC, but not enough for another article based on the presser:

 Sierra Nevada Corporation Enters Dream Chaser® Critical Design Review
Completes NASA CCiCap CDR Entry Milestone

Sparks, Nev., January 30, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announces the completion of the Dream Chaser® Incremental Critical Design Review (CDR) with the completion of Milestone 10a under its Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) agreement with NASA.

Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems made the announcement at the Annual Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS®) during his keynote address. RAMS is the premier event in the reliability, availability, and maintainability engineering disciplines. The RAMS event attracted hundreds of safety and reliability practitioners and engineering leaders from around the world.

“SNC’s Dream Chaser program continues its steady progress forward on the way to flight certification by completing this important milestone which begins our Dream Chaser Critical Design Review process,” said Sirangelo. “SNC is firmly committed to providing the safest, most reliable, and efficiently maintainable orbital transportation system with, the Dream Chaser Space System, by having the most experienced technical, safety, reliability and quality assurance team possible. The team is definitely ensuring that we incorporate the latest technology from all of these processes into SNC’s design.”

NASA added Milestone 10a to SNC’s CCiCap initiative in 2013 as part of the expansion of SNC’s program.  During this entry milestone review, NASA approved the critical design products, plans, and processes that are being used to develop the Dream Chaser Space System (DCSS), which includes the Dream Chaser spacecraft, Atlas launch vehicle, mission and ground systems. The CDR level products will also support the subsystem and element critical design reviews that are occurring throughout the year and culminating with system level reviews scheduled to ensure all technical performance requirements are met while meeting Dream Chaser Program schedule and budget. The DCSS fabrication, assembly, integration, and test process has begun to support the recently announced November 2016 orbital launch.

John Turner, SNC’s director of safety and mission assurance for the Dream Chaser program, and member of the RAMS management committee added his thoughts, “I had the privilege of spending over 26 years at NASA working on planning, development, operations and safety aspects of the space shuttle, International Space Station, and Constellation Human Spaceflight programs. My main focus was and remains to ensure that all flight programs were safe, successful and exceeded mission targets.  We are incorporating those best practices and lessons learned into our CDR processes for the Dream Chaser. We also have a world class team with strong experience in safety and risk management to ensure that we certify Dream Chaser as the safest human spaceflight vehicle yet to fly.”

David Oberhettinger, the general chair of the RAMS® 2014 symposium held in Colorado Springs, Colo., noted, “RAMS® is excited to have companies like SNC participate in our annual conference and benefit from the unique opportunities that we offer. Conference participants gain insights into latest advances in the field of reliability and maintainability than can be immediately applied to assure high product reliability, safety and mission success.”
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 02/07/2014 07:10 am
This great news certainly got the juice flowing again.  Thanks for the great article Chris. 

+1

Is it safe to say that the OTV construction will proceed and the Atlas V flight is funded regardless of pending commercial crew awards?  If so, that certainly boosts my optimism and I'm looking forward to watching this program continue to progress.  I visited Discovery at Udvar Hazy a few days ago and I was a little less sad seeing her in a museum knowing that there may in fact be a light at the end of the tunnel!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 02/07/2014 08:00 am
This great news certainly got the juice flowing again.  Thanks for the great article Chris. 

+1

Is it safe to say that the OTV construction will proceed and the Atlas V flight is funded regardless of pending commercial crew awards?  If so, that certainly boosts my optimism and I'm looking forward to watching this program continue to progress.

I wouldn't bet on it happening. It is a firm mark of intent, but I don't think it would be the first LV order to be cancelled or withdrawn if that is what ends up happening. (hopefully not)

As far as funding, it would presumably be indirectly be funded by future CCtCap milestones/payments from NASA. SnC has likely raised the initial funds on its own, with the expectation that future NASA payments would recoup that investment.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 02/07/2014 10:22 pm
I'll be rooting for 'em.  I wish that our policymakers' commitment were more solid, but I admire the commitment of those working to make the dream a reality.  I kind of wish I were a part of that team!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 03/11/2014 03:19 pm
SNC,  MSFC and Teledyne Brown have announced there additional working relationships in a briefing today:
http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=386

"Sirangelo outlined the substantial contribution each partner will make towards the Dream Chaser Advanced Development program. Sirangelo stated, “Today we are pleased to announce that we are increasing our presence in Alabama by expanding our relationship with the Marshall Space Flight Center and adding Teledyne Brown Engineering to our growing Dream Chaser team. Each of these organizations provide experts in their respective fields and have already begun applying their invaluable knowledge and experience. We will work together to evaluate future low-Earth orbit (LEO) mission concepts for the Dream Chaser in the area of scientific payload operations with the goal of enhancing and enabling science in LEO. We are honored they are joining our already dynamic list of partners – our  “Dream Team” - which now includes over 15 companies, seven NASA centers and a growing list of universities.  The team spans more than 30 states and several countries with the common goal of furthering the development of the multi-mission Dream Chaser spacecraft.”
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/16/2014 11:33 pm
SNC,  MSFC and Teledyne Brown have announced there additional working relationships in a briefing today:
http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=386

"Sirangelo outlined the substantial contribution each partner will make towards the Dream Chaser Advanced Development program. Sirangelo stated, “Today we are pleased to announce that we are increasing our presence in Alabama by expanding our relationship with the Marshall Space Flight Center and adding Teledyne Brown Engineering to our growing Dream Chaser team. Each of these organizations provide experts in their respective fields and have already begun applying their invaluable knowledge and experience. We will work together to evaluate future low-Earth orbit (LEO) mission concepts for the Dream Chaser in the area of scientific payload operations with the goal of enhancing and enabling science in LEO. We are honored they are joining our already dynamic list of partners – our  “Dream Team” - which now includes over 15 companies, seven NASA centers and a growing list of universities.  The team spans more than 30 states and several countries with the common goal of furthering the development of the multi-mission Dream Chaser spacecraft.”

I like this graphic from the presser, interesting view into the multiple roles that SNC envisions for DC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ankPUlGngGY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ankPUlGngGY)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: bolun on 03/18/2014 11:48 am
http://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA_Publications/ESA_Bulletin_157_Feb_2014

From ESA Bulletin 157 (page 90)

Quote
International Berthing Docking Mechanism (IBDM)

The mechanical design of the IBDM data package continues. The avionic architecture definition has been completed and the new electro-mechanical actuators and the mechanism lock-down system have been tested. The Sierra Nevada Corporation confirmed their interest in the use of the IBDM on their Dream Chaser vehicle. Technical exchanges over the features of the IBDM and the main aspects of the mechanism to vehicle interface took place in December.

Quote
Operation Avionics Subsystem (OAS)

The SRR for the cockpit mock-up was performed on 15 November. A set of activities based on the work performed in the OAS was discussed with the Sierra Nevada Corp. for application in the development of Dream Chaser. These include cockpit layout definition, displays (based on X-38/CRV programmes), simulators, certification of software and electronic procedures.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 03/21/2014 12:21 am
http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mobile/science/space/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dream-chaser-americas-next-space-plane-16610110?click=pm_news


Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: guckyfan on 03/21/2014 05:18 am
http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mobile/science/space/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dream-chaser-americas-next-space-plane-16610110?click=pm_news

That article says Dream Chaser has more pressurized volume than SpaceShuttle.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 03/21/2014 05:53 am
http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mobile/science/space/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dream-chaser-americas-next-space-plane-16610110?click=pm_news

That article says Dream Chaser has more pressurized volume than SpaceShuttle.

I find that *very* difficult to believe.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 03/21/2014 06:01 am
This I like!

"We announced that our first launch is November 2016. We bought the rocket to do that. That's going to happen regardless of what goes on with NASA."
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: guckyfan on 03/21/2014 06:46 am
http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mobile/science/space/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dream-chaser-americas-next-space-plane-16610110?click=pm_news

That article says Dream Chaser has more pressurized volume than SpaceShuttle.

I find that *very* difficult to believe.

Me too.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 03/21/2014 12:48 pm
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/basics/orbit.html

74.3 cubic meters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Chaser

16 cubic meters

Though the second source isn't exactly concrete it doesn't appear close.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ChefPat on 03/21/2014 01:55 pm
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/basics/orbit.html

74.3 cubic meters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Chaser

16 cubic meters

Though the second source isn't exactly concrete it doesn't appear close.
Wiki got their info from Encyclopedia Astronautica (http://www.astronautix.com/craft/drehaser.htm)
Characteristics

Crew Size: 6. Habitable Volume: 16.00 m3.

Gross mass: 9,000 kg (19,800 lb).
Height: 9.00 m (29.50 ft).
Span: 7.00 m (22.90 ft).


Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 03/21/2014 03:49 pm
You do indeed get to ~16m^3 by assuming an average pressure vessel diameter of 5.5ft and a length of 24ft, which seems plausible. This compares to 10m^3 for Dragon.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: StealerofSuns on 03/22/2014 10:44 pm
http://www.dream-space.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2013-2399-m.jpg

Not sure if anyone here has seen this. Looks like the damage is being repaired (pic is likely from a while back).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/22/2014 10:48 pm
http://www.dream-space.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2013-2399-m.jpg

Not sure if anyone here has seen this. Looks like the damage is being repaired (pic is likely from a while back).

Or they are disassembling DC to go back to Colorado....
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 03/22/2014 11:08 pm
Or it could have been taken when it first arrived at Dryden last year. Based on plastic on the ground I think this is unpacking rather than packing.

I can understand SNC not wanting to release pictures of a beaten up DC, but I would have thought it would be in a photogenic state by now - i.e. in pieces and under construction.

Edit: yep, taken May of last year: http://www.dream-space.fr/preparation-du-body-lifting-en-vu-du-test/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 03/23/2014 07:36 am
http://www.dream-space.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2013-2399-m.jpg

Not sure if anyone here has seen this. Looks like the damage is being repaired (pic is likely from a while back).

This is a picture of the unpacking and assembly at Dryden(?). Not after the bad landing.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober on 03/23/2014 12:22 pm
Received this real nice view when I turned the computer on today.

Thanks Yahoo

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/25/2014 05:22 pm
A presser from SNC. Doesn't really say anything, unless I'm missing something.

Sierra Nevada Corporation and Lockheed Martin
Expand Dream Chaser Orbital Vehicle Manufacturing

Sparks, Nev., March 25, 2014 – In a press conference held today at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in Michoud, La., Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Dream Chaser® strategic partner Lockheed Martin announced the expansion of SNC Dream Chaser spacecraft orbital vehicle manufacturing operations.

As a valued member of SNC’s Dream Chaser Dream Team, Lockheed Martin is under contract to manufacture the next Dream Chaser composite structure which will be for the first orbital vehicle scheduled to launch on November 1, 2016. The MAF, which is owned and operated by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, has been operational since 1961 and has played a significant role on our nation’s space programs ranging from Apollo to the space shuttle. Today, leveraging the experience, technical expertise and current infrastructure at Michoud, next generation vehicles such as SNC’s Dream Chaser and Lockheed Martin’s Orion are being fabricated within the same walls as   legendary programs.

“Michoud and the state of Louisiana, have a vital role in our nation’s space program,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “We look to continue this valuable role through our partnership with Lockheed Martin for the build of our next Dream Chaser composite structure at the Michoud Assembly Facility.  We will be utilizing MAF’s existing facilities, partnerships and the workforce of Louisiana to bring America’s future transportation vehicles for low-Earth orbit  to reality while continuing to expand the Dream Chaser program footprint, which now provides employment in over 30 states.”

SNC chose Lockheed Martin to manufacture the Dream Chaser orbital composite structure based on their rich human spaceflight manufacturing heritage, including building the External Tank for the space shuttle program, and their  work for  the Orion program Fabricating key elements of Dream Chaser structures at MAF leverages Orion manufacturing efforts currently underway, while also taking advantage of existing facilities, relationships and assets, such as the National Center for Advanced Manufacturing (NCAM).

“Lockheed Martin’s history at MAF brings a wealth of experience to the Dream Chaser program,” said Jim Crocker, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Space Systems Company Civil Space Line of Business. “Not only are we leveraging manufacturing processes and technology, we are also leveraging the Human Rating Certification methodology developed by the Orion program, which was then tailored to Dream Chaser.”

Currently, the Dream Chaser spacecraft orbital vehicle is in the early stage of the fabrication process at MAF. Fabrication of composite structures started in January 2014 with cabin ring frame production at MAF. Complex part fabrication will begin upon receipt of tooling in April 2014. As each composite structure is completed, it will then be shipped to Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, for assembly and final inspection before being released to SNC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Helodriver on 03/25/2014 05:29 pm

 As each composite structure is completed, it will then be shipped to Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, for assembly and final inspection before being released to SNC.


Reading that, including Michoud in the production process seems very inefficient. LM has ample composite manufacturing capability in Fort Worth for its military aircraft productions. The only value added by Michoud is probably political.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 03/25/2014 05:40 pm
Reading the latest presser - does LM own the tooling for the DC: "for assembly and final inspection before being released to SNC."?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 03/25/2014 05:56 pm

 As each composite structure is completed, it will then be shipped to Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, for assembly and final inspection before being released to SNC.


Reading that, including Michoud in the production process seems very inefficient. LM has ample composite manufacturing capability in Fort Worth for its military aircraft productions. The only value added by Michoud is probably political.

No, the tooling at Forth Worth is specific to their aircraft lines and that facility is busy with the JSF currently. MAF has the excess capacity and is a naturally place to build the airframes.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jim on 03/25/2014 06:02 pm

Reading that, including Michoud in the production process seems very inefficient. LM has ample composite manufacturing capability in Fort Worth for its military aircraft productions. The only value added by Michoud is probably political.

It is not political.

1.  Fort Worth is not the center of LM composite'
3.  LM has a manufacturing presents at MAF already.  And it does spacecraft.
4.  This is a way of sharing a workforce.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 03/25/2014 06:07 pm
How many DC's is LM building? Will they store the tooling when there done with this "block" at Michaud?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jim on 03/25/2014 06:23 pm
How many DC's is LM building? Will they store the tooling when there done with this "block" at Michaud?
Reading the latest presser - does LM own the tooling for the DC: "for assembly and final inspection before being released to SNC."?

Both are between SNC and LM.  Prime to subcontractor agreements that we are usually not privy to.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard 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).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evTgThESIpM
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober 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 ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 03/26/2014 06:17 pm
Nice find. Very cool
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 03/27/2014 01:01 pm
Here is another video:
http://wgno.com/2014/03/25/dream-chaser-spacecraft-construction-begins-at-michoud/#axzz2xAgBEJQA
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: tyrion_lannister 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. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight 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????)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: tyrion_lannister 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. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin 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
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 04/11/2014 01:45 am
Great pic, would have been nice to see a left main gear for luck... :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lurker Steve 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 ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Helodriver 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 04/11/2014 01:07 pm
We should take it here folks...  ;)

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.495
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober 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. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: clongton 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!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AngusJimiKeith 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.)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/09/2014 05:17 pm
Some new views in a Bloomberg piece - mostly of crew cabin interior mockup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1g6rzqvU1I
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/09/2014 05:41 pm
Steve Lindsey notes runway length is 8000ft or longer.

Mark Sirangelo repeats the claim that there is as much usable space in DC as Space Shuttle.

This caused some head-scratching before: See this post and subsequent discussion.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.msg1174808#msg1174808
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: darkenfast on 05/10/2014 04:09 am
The SNC guy says that the competition might need 30 or 40 capsules to do what one Dream Chaser can do. Bit of hyperbole for the media?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: IRobot on 05/10/2014 07:01 am
I think the "google" and "iPad" references in the video just made them look amateur. Those answers were  really BAD. Who let that guy speak?

Sounded like a salesman that has no idea about the product he is selling.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/10/2014 07:36 am
I think the "google" and "iPad" references in the video just made them look amateur. Those answers were  really BAD. Who let that guy speak?

Sounded like a salesman that has no idea about the product he is selling.

That was Mark Sirangelo, one of the most intelligent and articulate people with whom I have ever spoken.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/10/2014 08:06 am
Part of the problem is the editing: fractions of different sentences have been cobbled together to make wholes, presumably in order to create a piece that runs quickly, and concludes in just two and a half minutes.

The "20, 30 or 40 capsules" remark does sound strange, but that phrase was clearly spliced onto the end of the prior comment in post. Even so, it doesn't actually make sense.

Since we don't know what he actually said in context, it's hard to judge. The same goes for the iPad versus apps comment.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: IRobot on 05/10/2014 11:41 am
I think the "google" and "iPad" references in the video just made them look amateur. Those answers were  really BAD. Who let that guy speak?

Sounded like a salesman that has no idea about the product he is selling.

That was Mark Sirangelo, one of the most intelligent and articulate people with whom I have ever spoken.
Can you defend the "google" and "iPad" comments and not the person? At best, it sounded like he was talking to mindless teenagers.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/10/2014 11:55 am
I think the "google" and "iPad" references in the video just made them look amateur. Those answers were  really BAD. Who let that guy speak?

Sounded like a salesman that has no idea about the product he is selling.

That was Mark Sirangelo, one of the most intelligent and articulate people with whom I have ever spoken.
Can you defend the "google" and "iPad" comments and not the person? At best, it sounded like he was talking to mindless teenagers.
That was probably his intention as when Charlie speaks for NASA, he is trying to excite young people...
Just a reminder  for us all that this discussion really should not be on the update thread...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 05/10/2014 03:47 pm
I think the "google" and "iPad" references in the video just made them look amateur. Those answers were  really BAD. Who let that guy speak?

Sounded like a salesman that has no idea about the product he is selling.

That was Mark Sirangelo, one of the most intelligent and articulate people with whom I have ever spoken.
Can you defend the "google" and "iPad" comments and not the person? At best, it sounded like he was talking to mindless teenagers.

Or maybe mindless MBA types.  :D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/14/2014 05:58 pm
SNC says that DC could perhaps eventually launch on the Falcon 9.

Quote from: Jeff Foust tweet
Interesting comment by Roth: says Dream Chaser will launch on Atlas V "or maybe eventually on Falcon 9."

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/466593607848566785

For audio of this event, see this link:
http://www.brookings.edu/events/2014/05/14-future-us-space-program
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 05/14/2014 06:13 pm
@jeff_foust
John Roth, Sierra Nevada Corp.: working w/U. Maryland, have a full-scale Dream Chaser model in their neutral buoyancy lab to simulate EVAs.
10:40am - 14 May 14
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/14/2014 07:10 pm
@jeff_foust
John Roth, Sierra Nevada Corp.: working w/U. Maryland, have a full-scale Dream Chaser model in their neutral buoyancy lab to simulate EVAs.
10:40am - 14 May 14

So these pics are of full scale pressure vessel: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29416.msg1189153#msg1189153
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/15/2014 03:53 am
SNC's Roth also mentions they are in talks with companies who might offer DC for high-speed point-to-point suborbital flights starting with air-launch. (Listen at ~53min).

This has come up before, and the consensus was it's problematic at best. At a minimum it involves the development of an expendable boost stage - which must not land in someone's garden. Then there's the problem of the launch aircraft (presumably VG is still keeping WK2 to themselves). Routes would likely be limited and so this would be more of an expensive thrill-ride than a replacement for air travel.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 05/15/2014 12:17 pm
Don't forget DC has 2 big hybrids built in. Drop it from WK2 at 50,000 ft and fire them how far could it go? What of they sub in XCOR or Virgin's liquids?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 05/15/2014 02:49 pm
Don't forget DC has 2 big hybrids built in. Drop it from WK2 at 50,000 ft and fire them how far could it go? What of they sub in XCOR or Virgin's liquids?
I am neither a rocket nor aerodynamic scientist but we have some specs;
DC has L/D of roughly 4.
now the arm waving;
WK can take the DC to 50,000 ft. (?)
The rockets can get the DC to Mach 2 (?) and 100,000 ft. (?)
How long will the rockets fire (?)
with this it should be possible to model a flight path (?)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/15/2014 02:54 pm
Questionn for the thread and those following SNC more closely at large:

Worst case scenerio lets assume recent developments ultimately force a cease in flights of the Atlas V either because domestic engine production for RD180 never occurs or it does not begin to show results until 2019-2020 ish.


What changes are needed, if any, in order for SNC to adapt the DC for another vehicle so it can still, more or less, fly on schedule? And yes I know this might be contingent on the vehicle. The obvious choice everyone would ask is a Falcon 9 of some sort since its going to be human rated for Dragons flights anyway. I submit possible orbital rockets as a second choice however, as well as DIV in this question.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/15/2014 03:10 pm
Re launchers: SNC have said all along that DC is launcher agnostic, and just yesterday SNC's John Roth mentioned F9 as a possibility. However AFAIK the only wind tunnel testing they've done has been on Atlas/Centaur.

I'm reminded this is the Update thread, so perhaps follow-ups to this should go to the Discussion thread here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.525

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/19/2014 06:47 pm
Some DCSS news at last. Allow me write it up. (Makes me cry when people rush to copy and paste a raw press release and not give me some time to write around it ;))
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Occupymars on 05/19/2014 07:24 pm
http://youtu.be/kPj-g4DI-NY
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/20/2014 02:55 am
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSS

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Coastal Ron on 05/20/2014 03:34 am
I think if we were to ask "NASA" which of the Commercial Crew vehicles they'd prefer to fly, it would be the Dream Chaser.  Nothing against the two capsules, just that landing on a runway is so much more civilized.

Good job Sierra Nevada - keep up the good work!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: newpylong on 05/20/2014 12:57 pm
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSS

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/

Delta Cryogenic Second Stage?  8)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Garrett on 05/20/2014 01:43 pm
I think if we were to ask "NASA" which of the Commercial Crew vehicles they'd prefer to fly, it would be the Dream Chaser.  Nothing against the two capsules, just that landing on a runway is so much more civilized.
When did the ISS get itself a runway? :P
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 05/20/2014 02:41 pm
Nothing against the two capsules, just that landing on a runway is so much more civilized.
I think that propulsive landing like the Dragon will have is pretty cool too and will allow for more choices for the landing. I guess it is a matter of taste. I do find the DC a lot more appealing than the CST100 though.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/20/2014 02:43 pm
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSS

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/
Great article Chris! I liked the phrase "Californian tumble"... sounds like a new dance step...  ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/20/2014 03:08 pm
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSS

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/

I don't think of it as a detriment to the article that you were explicit in describing the situation as it stands, with the "competitors" battling out and the time constraints... it was a full and I believe accurate article.... one that needs to be published now, (for those that read only the articles) as we close in on the political (congress) encouraged down select... I am truly hopeful that all will eventually find a place in Space Transportation, regardless of the winner of the contract to ferry astronauts to the ISS...
     Thanks for the update, very encouraging....

Gramps
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AngusJimiKeith on 05/20/2014 04:54 pm
@jeff_foust
John Roth, Sierra Nevada Corp.: working w/U. Maryland, have a full-scale Dream Chaser model in their neutral buoyancy lab to simulate EVAs.
10:40am - 14 May 14

So these pics are of full scale pressure vessel: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29416.msg1189153#msg1189153

Post edited to reflect that. Not sure how they're going to simulate EVA, there is no hatch on the model. The only access is through the back, where the docking port will be...and it doesn't look like someone in full EVA gear is going to fit through that.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/20/2014 06:38 pm
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSS

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/

Delta Cryogenic Second Stage?  8)

Dream Chaser Space System :) Just a coincidence they both use that.

Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSS

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/
Great article Chris! I liked the phrase "Californian tumble"... sounds like a new dance step...  ;D

Thanks! ;D And to Gramps too.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lar on 05/20/2014 06:48 pm
A LOVELY article. Shared to social media... [1]

GO Dream Chaser!

1- say, reader, have YOU shared some awesome NSF articles with your circle lately??... it's good for the site, and it's good for Space in general... propagate good info and drive out the bad.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: clongton on 05/20/2014 09:17 pm
A LOVELY article. Shared to social media... [1]

GO Dream Chaser!

1- say, reader, have YOU shared some awesome NSF articles with your circle lately??... it's good for the site, and it's good for Space in general... propagate good info and drive out the bad.

I shared. It's a good habit to get into.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: LaunchedIn68 on 05/20/2014 11:53 pm
From the article:

"The plan, according to SNC, is to fly an internally selected crew of astronauts on that vehicle at the end of 2016". 

So does this mean the first flight will be manned?  Or does this mean the above will happen only if they survive the down select, and there will be an unmanned orbital test flight prior regardless?

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: robertross on 05/21/2014 01:50 am
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSS

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/



Great article Chris.

Things are certainly getting sporty!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/23/2014 11:24 pm
SNC/VG are switching from HTPB to polyamide for the hybrid motors on SpaceShipTwo. I wonder if this will have any impact on the hybrid motors on DC.

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/virgin-voyage/virgin-galactic-makes-switch-spaceshiptwos-rocket-motor-n113216
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 05/25/2014 01:38 am
SNC/VG are switching from HTPB to polyamide for the hybrid motors on SpaceShipTwo. I wonder if this will have any impact on the hybrid motors on DC.

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/virgin-voyage/virgin-galactic-makes-switch-spaceshiptwos-rocket-motor-n113216
Why would it?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/25/2014 06:03 am
Because rumor has it the HTPB-based SS2 motors had vibration and/or performance issues, and best guess is the DC motors are similar in size. DC has a carbon composite structure like SS2, and so could have similar vibration tolerances.

On the other hand SNC has already passed CC payment milestones for HTPB motor demonstrations. If these were instrumented for vibration, then there's no cause for concern...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 05/25/2014 09:33 pm
Because rumor has it the HTPB-based SS2 motors had vibration and/or performance issues, and best guess is the DC motors are similar in size. DC has a carbon composite structure like SS2, and so could have similar vibration tolerances.

On the other hand SNC has already passed CC payment milestones for HTPB motor demonstrations. If these were instrumented for vibration, then there's no cause for concern...
No, they are different motors.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/25/2014 09:41 pm
SS2 motor is ~60K lb, and best guess is DC motors are ~50K lb. Different? Yes. Similar? Also yes.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: jacqmans on 06/05/2014 10:10 am
SNC Wind Tunnel test
Rick Hall inside the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel adds the final touches before testing. The SNC Dream Chaser (DC) spacecraft is a lifting body design used to provide commercial crew services to the International Space Station. 3/12/14 photo taken by David C. Bowman, NASA Langley Research Center
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 06/07/2014 03:58 am
Article by Alan Boyle:
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/sierra-nevada-corp-s-dream-chaser-takes-shape-real-space-n125046
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 06/10/2014 08:47 pm
QinetiQ developing docking mechanism that may be used on Dream Chaser:

http://www.qinetiq.com/media/news/releases/Pages/qinetiq-space-wins-contract-with-european-space-agency-to-develop-international-berthing-docking-mechanism.aspx

"Farnborough, 3 June 2014: QinetiQ Space has won a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development of the International Berthing Docking Mechanism (IBDM), a unique soft docking system for use by spacecraft at the International Space Station (ISS)."

"ESA has started a cooperation with the American aerospace company, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) which is developing the Dream Chaser, a small reusable spacecraft that is a candidate to transport astronauts to the ISS. The IBDM may potentially be used for attaching this new vehicle to the ISS in the future."


Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/10/2014 09:07 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Expands Dream Chaser® Dream Team
with Addition of Siemens PLM Software

Sparks, Nev., June 10, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems announces that Siemens PLM Software is expanding its current relationship with SNC by officially joining the SNC Dream Chaser® ”Dream Team”. Siemens PLM Software, headquartered in Plano, Texas, has been supporting SNC’s Space Systems’ product lines, including the Dream Chaser spacecraft program, for over a decade with Siemens’ engineering software tools.

“With the continual expansion of our Dream Team it is critical to maintain efficient collaboration between our various partners,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems. “As a global leader in software technology Siemens is joining our Dream Chaser team of world-class partners and organizations to support spacecraft development between the various members both in the U.S. and internationally, further improving quality, efficiency, and affordability.”

Siemens’ role on the Dream Chaser program has evolved from its years of work with SNC’s Spacecraft product line. The expanded use of advanced engineering software tools has strengthened the SNC and Siemens alliance, which will also help facilitate the international expansion of the Dream Team. The use of Siemens’ software technology will facilitate global vehicle development and the servicing of additional customer markets for the Dream Chaser spacecraft.

“We are extremely proud to have earned the confidence of SNC for such an important global initiative,” said Doug Fish, vice president, U.S. sales, Siemens PLM Software. “As the leading supplier of PLM software to the space industry, Siemens takes its commitment to customer success very seriously. We are confident it will continue to provide the right information, in the right place, and at the right time, to help the SNC Dream Chaser Dream Team continue to make smart decisions throughout spacecraft development.”

Work on this strategic alliance will be supported through SNC’s Space Systems’ Louisville facility.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/10/2014 09:08 pm
ierra Nevada Corporation And Craig Technologies
Host Joint Dream Chaser® Press Conference

WHAT:
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Craig Technologies will host a joint press conference to announce the expansion of SNC’s Dream Chaser® ‘Dream Team’ to include Craig Technologies, a Woman-Owned, Minority-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVO), on the development of SNC’s Dream Chaser Space System.  Craig Technologies will support SNC in multiple areas of design and development that will be discussed. Media will have the opportunity to speak with SNC and Craig Technologies program executives and tour Craig Technologies manufacturing area.

WHEN:
Thursday, June 12, 2014, 9:30 a.m. EST
Note: media will need to arrive at the below location at 9:00 a.m. for badging and escort to the fabrication location.

WHERE:
Media can participate in person or telecom.
Craig Technologies Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Center (ADMC)
8550 Astronaut Boulevard Cape Canaveral, FL  32920

WHO:

    Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems
    Carol Craig, founder and CEO of Craig Technologies
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/12/2014 02:48 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2014

Sierra Nevada Corporation Adds Craig Technologies to Dream Chaser® Dream Team

Sparks, Nev., June 12, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announces it has selected Craig Technologies of Cape Canaveral, Florida, to join its expanding list of ‘Dream Team’ organizations selected to support SNC’s Dream Chaser® program.  SNC is developing the Dream Chaser spacecraft as a commercial transportation vehicle to low-Earth orbit.  Craig Technologies will provide multiple contracted products and services to SNC. The announcement was made at a press conference today at Craig Technologies Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Center in Cape Canaveral.

Craig Technologies’ first contract is to work with SNC engineers to design and develop a critical part of the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) known as the cradle, a mechanical device used to lift, transport and rotate the Dream Chaser spacecraft during processing. SNC chose to team with Craig Technologies on its Dream Chaser program because of their depth of human spaceflight experience coupled with their end-to-end design-to-production capability including specialty manufacturing, precision machining and fabrication, and test and evaluation services, as well as materials requirement planning and supply chain management systems.

“Today is the start of a relationship that can grow substantially as a continuation of our expansion in Florida” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems. “We are pleased to have Carol (Craig) and her company join forces as part of our Dream Team, which includes top tier companies in over 30 states. Craig Technologies’ strong engineering capabilities and outstanding facilities along with their company values and passion are an ideal fit for SNC and our Dream Chaser program. We look forward to exploring ways in which we can continue to work together, returning jobs to the Space Coast and continuing our commitment to small business.”

In support of Craig Technologies continual growth as a leading U.S.-Owned, Minority-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO), Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), SNC has agreed to sponsor Craig in a mentor-protégé relationship, supporting a common vision of providing each of SNC’s and Craig Technologies’ customers with agile, innovative and cost-effective solutions from a richly diverse and passionately dedicated workforce, all committed to making history.

Craig Technologies recently invested in the renovation of an existing 161,000 square foot facility in Cape Canaveral.The company leveraged NASA’s investment by utilizing the heritage space shuttle depot facility formerly occupied by United Space Alliance and converting it to office and manufacturing space, including the latest high tech, high precision, manufacturing equipment.

“To partner with the SNC Dream Team who marries ‘innovation with passion for the mission’ provides us an opportunity to fulfill our vision to further strengthen the Space Coast community,” said Carol Craig, founder and CEO, Craig Technologies.

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 that has the ability to operate as an independent science platform, or as a logistics vehicle to retrieve, repair, replace, assemble or deploy items in space.

# # #

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

About Craig Technologies
Founded in 1999 by CEO Carol Craig, Craig Technologies is a U.S.-Owned, Minority-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO), Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) that is ISO 9001/AS9100 Certified and ITAR compliant.  Growing Craig Technologies from one person in 1999 to nearly 400 associates and $42M in revenues today, Craig leads nationwide operations with associates in over 20 different states with offices in Huntsville, Alabama and Orlando, Florida.

Craig Technologies supports projects from concept to real-world application with end-users in mind.  Our wide scope of award-winning engineering and technical solutions include Software Design/Development, Systems Engineering, Multidisciplinary Engineering, Training and Courseware Development, Modeling & Simulation, IT Support, and Integrated Logistics Support. More information can be found at http://www.craigtechinc.com.


About Craig Technologies Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Center (ADMC)
Under the direction of President Mark Mikolajczyk, Craig Technologies’ nationally-recognized Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Center (ADMC) is ISO 9001/AS9100 Certified and ITAR compliant and offers a unique end-to-end design-to-production capability that includes specialty manufacturing, custom avionics, precision machining and fabrication, and test and evaluation services. We engineer, design, prototype, manufacture and test a wide variety of mission-critical systems for a diverse range of customers all under one roof in our 161,000 square foot Cape Canaveral facility that is supported with over 2,000 pieces of specialty manufacturing and test equipment, experienced engineers, and certified technicians.  More information can be found at http://www.ctadmc.com.

Craig Technologies Media Contact:  [email protected] or Carey Beam, APR at 321-613-5620


About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, 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 at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems.

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


About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, 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 at Facebook/Sierra Nevada Corporation.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Go4TLI on 06/12/2014 02:59 pm
"Founded in 1999 by CEO Carol Craig, Craig Technologies is a U.S.-Owned, Minority-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO), Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)"

Ah yes.  The all-important "trifecta win" when dealing with government contracts. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 06/13/2014 04:49 pm
Sierra Nevada Corp Dream Chaser Development Highlights Video

Sierra Nevada Corp Dream Chaser Development Highlights Video

Video Credit: Sierra Nevada Corporation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntr8sRINWRA
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 06/13/2014 04:54 pm
Video follow up to Chris's post above:

Sierra Nevada Corporation Adds Craig Technologies to Dream Chaser "Dream Team"

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announces it has selected Craig Technologies of Cape Canaveral, Florida, to join its expanding list of 'Dream Team' organizations selected to support SNC's Dream Chaser® program. SNC is developing the Dream Chaser spacecraft as a commercial transportation vehicle to low-Earth orbit.

Craig Technologies will provide multiple contracted products and services to SNC. The announcement was made at a press conference today at Craig Technologies Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Center in Cape Canaveral.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWXivPOkbmk
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 06/13/2014 06:58 pm
Interesting note about Craig from another article:
Quote
In 2012, Craig also brokered a five-year Space Act Agreement with NASA for the agency to let it use 1,600 pieces of equipment that were once used to maintain and repair the shuttle.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jim on 06/13/2014 07:15 pm
Interesting note about Craig from another article:
Quote
In 2012, Craig also brokered a five-year Space Act Agreement with NASA for the agency to let it use 1,600 pieces of equipment that were once used to maintain and repair the shuttle.

They took over the shuttle logistics depot and all it equipment.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 06/13/2014 08:04 pm
From the Craig Technologies announcement video:

28:35: planning 5-9 atmospheric test flights once the FTV returns to service.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lar on 06/15/2014 06:08 pm
Update thread... in any case, how to pronounce Nevada is off topic. Trimmed.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 07/08/2014 09:55 pm
SNC Press Release, Milestone 9A completed.

Quote
Sparks, Nev., July 8, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announces it has completed a major Main Propulsion System (MPS) and Reaction Control System (RCS) risk reduction milestone for the Dream Chaser® Space System, maturing the design of each system close to Critical Design Review (CDR). The milestone positions SNC one step closer to restoring U.S. crew transportation to low-Earth orbit (LEO).

SNC completed the work for milestone 9a under its Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) agreement with NASA. In total, SNC has received over 80 percent of the total award value of the CCiCap agreement having successfully completed 10 of 13 milestones.

The Main Propulsion System is based on SNC’s patented rocket motor technology. To date, SNC has performed hundreds of rocket motor test firings at its Poway, California, facility advancing the motor technology with each test. The Dream Chaser MPS will not only power the spacecraft in orbit, it also offers a unique abort capability while on the launch pad and throughout the flight trajectory, unlike human space transportation capsules. The MPS technology used on the Dream Chaser results in a safe runway landing during an abort scenario, further reducing risk to the crew, spacecraft and payload.

The RCS, which is being designed by Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC), will provide precise on-orbit control of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. The RCS will provide maneuvering capability to allow for the accurate docking of the Dream Chaser to destinations in low-Earth orbit. Dream Chaser is a multi-mission capable spacecraft that has the ability to operate as an independent science platform or as a logistics vehicle to retrieve, repair, replace, assemble or deploy items in space.

“Safety is paramount in the design of the Dream Chaser Space System,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems. “It is driven by reliability, rigorous quality assurance, consistent performance and extensive testing and analysis. In passing this milestone we are able to validate our safety and performance, while decreasing the risk for each of these systems. Completing this milestone moves the Dream Chaser closer to the Critical Design Review of our complete system.”

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 LEO.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/10/2014 05:59 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Successfully Completes the Acquisition of Orbital Technologies Corporation of Wisconsin

Sparks, Nev., July 10, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announces it completed the acquisition of Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC), headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The company will continue its operations in Madison, while supporting SNC’s Space Systems in Louisville, Colorado.

The acquisition comes as the result of the previous successful working relationship between the two firms. The combined capabilities and products of SNC’s Space Systems and ORBITEC provide SNC’s customers with a comprehensive set of green space propulsion technology options with both hybrid solid/liquid and bipropellant liquid rocket motors. SNC Space Systems provides world class components and subsystems to space contractors, including gimbal mechanisms, power subsystems, solar array drives, release mechanisms, integrated solar panel assemblies and flight control actuators.   

"We're pleased to formally welcome ORBITEC to the SNC family," said SNC President Eren Ozmen. "It was a natural progression for our two companies to come together after years of teaming on SNC's Dream Chaser® spacecraft program.  Our complementary technologies, depth in space systems leadership and steadfast commitment to developing safe, human spaceflight, are consistent with both our business plans for significantly growing our aerospace and commercial markets.” 

As previously announced by SNC, the ORBITEC acquisition extends SNC’s subsystems portfolio to include Environmental Control Life Support Subsystems (ECLSS) and advanced thermal management for human spaceflight vehicles and orbiting habitats. The excellent performance characteristics and value of ORBITEC’s ECLSS and Reaction Control Subsystem (RCS) technology made these the clear choice for SNC’s Dream Chaser winged Commercial Crew Transport for the International Space Station. SNC is committed to continuing ORBITEC’s excellent relationships with its government and commercial customers.

ORBITEC’s decades of experience in strong liquid rocket propulsion systems, human spaceflight life support and thermal systems, automated life science systems, and fire suppression systems portfolio will provide substantial enhancements to SNC’s Space Systems’ broad product line,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC Space Systems.

ORBITEC started in Wisconsin as a 3-person company. Over the past 26 years ORBITEC has leveraged the great intellectual and resource capacity in Wisconsin. The company recently added over 30 high tech jobs to the state. “ORBITEC will continue to expand its capabilities to deliver the next generation of products with improved viability and efficiency, meeting and ensuring customer satisfaction in challenging and cost-sensitive markets,” said Tom Crabb, chief operations officer of ORBITEC. “We know that the State of Wisconsin has a significant heritage in aerospace. ORBITEC is committed to expanding Wisconsin’s valuable high tech economy that could potentially include becoming a launch or landing state for the Dream Chaser,” said Crabb. Crabb will continue to lead and manage ORBITEC, as an SNC subsidiary.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JasonAW3 on 07/10/2014 07:00 pm
Looks like if Serria Nevada doesn't have the expertise in a particular field they need to get into, rather than outsource the work, they buy the company and keep it all inhouse.  Pretty clever, and keeps overall costs down.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 07/10/2014 07:39 pm
And they keep emphasizing ORBITEC's liquid engine techs. Makes one wonder about the future of their hybrids, especially if the Vortex engine pans out.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Alpha Control on 07/10/2014 09:37 pm
From the Craig Technologies announcement video:

28:35: planning 5-9 atmospheric test flights once the FTV returns to service.

I think he was referring to the ETA (as the actual vehicle). But he labeled it as a flight test vehicle.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/22/2014 04:00 pm
Dream Chaser passes CCiCAP Milestone 9. Please let me write this one up for later. Posting pressers kinda defeats the purpose ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/22/2014 08:35 pm
Here you go:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/07/dream-chaser-major-ccicap-challenge/

And check out Lee Archambault!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/23/2014 04:39 pm
Oh, another release the day after! Short, so will get away with adding a few paras to the current article :)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sean Wilson
(O) 832-864-3518
[email protected]

Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces Cooperative Understanding with
Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency for the
Dream Chaser® Space System

Sparks, Nev., July 23, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announced today the expansion of its Dream Chaser® Space System’s global partnership to include Asia and the Pacific Rim through a recently signed memorandum of cooperative understanding with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). SNC will work with JAXA on potential applications of Japanese technologies and the development of mission concepts for the Dream Chaser spacecraft.  Additionally, SNC and JAXA will explore the possibility of launching and landing the Dream Chaser spacecraft in Japan. This international collaboration will widen the breadth of the global capabilities offered by SNC’s Dream Chaser reusable, lifting-body spacecraft.

Currently, the Dream Chaser is undergoing development and flight test preparations to transport astronauts from the United States and partner nations to low-Earth orbit (LEO) destinations, such as the International Space Station (ISS).  The first Dream Chaser orbital launch is scheduled for November 2016.  Beyond the technical collaboration, the cooperation seeks to maintain and strengthen the existing global space partnerships established between Japan and the U.S.

JAXA joins the expanding SNC international team that includes the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Space Agency (DLR).  SNC is confident that the expertise the Japanese bring will further advance the development of the Dream Chaser spacecraft, while providing JAXA access to Dream Chaser flights to advance its space technologies, flight opportunities and space interests in LEO.

“We are excited about the potential of this new relationship with Japan,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems. “This expands our global Dream Chaser Space System partnerships to include another major ISS partner with demonstrated capabilities that significantly advance space education and exploration. Japan, like the United States, has the infrastructure to support both launch and landing of the Dream Chaser spacecraft within its own borders.”

SNC’s Dream Chaser Space System is at the forefront of the commercial human spaceflight industry offering safe, reliable and cost-effective crew and critical cargo transportation services to LEO. As the only lifting-body, low-g reentry spacecraft with the capability to land on commercial runways, anywhere in the world, Dream Chaser is uniquely adaptable to meet a variety of mission requirements to retrieve, repair, replace, assemble or deploy items in space, making it the only multi-mission space utility vehicle in the world.   

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Nomadd on 07/23/2014 04:49 pm
 Looking more and more like they intend to have a future that doesn't depend on a a couple of flights a year to the ISS.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/23/2014 05:30 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces Cooperative Understanding with Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency for the Dream Chaser® Space System

[...] Additionally, SNC and JAXA will explore the possibility of launching and landing the Dream Chaser spacecraft in Japan.

This sounds more interesting that the DLR/ESA agreement. It would be cool to see DC launch from Japan and the United States. This is exactly what commercial crew should be abound: finding new markets for commercial spacecrafts.  Japan has always wanted an independent human spaceflight program. It is still not clear if they will go ahead with their HTV-R.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 07/23/2014 06:03 pm

Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces Cooperative Understanding with Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency for the Dream Chaser Space System

[...] Additionally, SNC and JAXA will explore the possibility of launching and landing the Dream Chaser spacecraft in Japan.

This sounds more interesting that the DLR/ESA agreement. It would be cool to see DC launch from Japan and the United States. This is exactly what commercial crew should be abound: finding new markets for commercial spacecrafts.  Japan has always wanted an independent human spaceflight program. It is still not clear if they will go ahead with their HTV-R.

Well it's going to be easier to buy an off the shelf solution to their human space flight requirements.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 07/23/2014 06:13 pm


Having an alternative LV that doesn't rely on Russian engines may help their case in the down selection process.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: arachnitect on 07/23/2014 07:34 pm
Having an alternative LV that doesn't rely on Russian engines may help their case in the down selection process.
"Downselect" is happening within a month or two. No time.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/23/2014 08:21 pm
Having an alternative LV that doesn't rely on Russian engines may help their case in the down selection process.
"Downselect" is happening within a month or two. No time.

We keep hearing that downslection is coming. But it has never officially been announced that it will occur in September. CCtCap is a two phased contract with a possibility of downselection in the second phase.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: arachnitect on 07/23/2014 10:41 pm
Having an alternative LV that doesn't rely on Russian engines may help their case in the down selection process.
"Downselect" is happening within a month or two. No time.

We keep hearing that downslection is coming. But it has never officially been announced that it will occur in September. CCtCap is a two phased contract with a possibility of downselection in the second phase.

Mulitple senior officials at NASA are on record multiple times saying that they expect at most two CCtCap awardees. CCtCap award is expected "this summer"/"later this year" depending who's talking. Could providers that don't win a CCtCap contract get on-ramped back in later? Possibly, but for now CCtCap is the gate providers must go through to survive (it is also possible for CCtCap awardees to not receive post-certification mission task orders).

Some theoretical foreign launch that SNC just announced they could maybe do someday if everything works out is not going to swing a massive contract apparatus that is lurching towards its conclusion. The proposals have long since been submitted.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/23/2014 11:08 pm
Mulitple senior officials at NASA are on record multiple times saying that they expect at most two CCtCap awardees. CCtCap award is expected "this summer"/"later this year" depending who's talking. Could providers that don't win a CCtCap contract get on-ramped back in later? Possibly, but for now CCtCap is the gate providers must go through to survive (it is also possible for CCtCap awardees to not receive post-certification mission task orders).

Some theoretical foreign launch that SNC just announced they could maybe do someday if everything works out is not going to swing a massive contract apparatus that is lurching towards its conclusion. The proposals have long since been submitted.

Officially, they have always said one or more providers will be selected. They have never officially stated that they would only select two. Unofficially, they have occasionally admitted that is likely to be two. In the FY 2015 Budget, the Administration said that it was looking into delaying downselection (by extending CCiCap). The amount of awardees will ultimately be decided by the selection officer. The time of the award is still in September. Given recent efforts to derail commercial crew, I suspect that NASA will stick to the September date for the CCtcap award in order not give detractors in Congress more time to further sabotage the program.

As far as the agreement with JAXA is concerned, I am guessing that SNC already included in their proposal that they are trying to find customers outside of NASA.  It adds credibility to their claim.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: arachnitect on 07/24/2014 01:11 am
Mulitple senior officials at NASA are on record multiple times saying that they expect at most two CCtCap awardees. CCtCap award is expected "this summer"/"later this year" depending who's talking. Could providers that don't win a CCtCap contract get on-ramped back in later? Possibly, but for now CCtCap is the gate providers must go through to survive (it is also possible for CCtCap awardees to not receive post-certification mission task orders).

Some theoretical foreign launch that SNC just announced they could maybe do someday if everything works out is not going to swing a massive contract apparatus that is lurching towards its conclusion. The proposals have long since been submitted.

Officially, they have always said one or more providers will be selected. They have never officially stated that they would only select two. Unofficially, they have occasionally admitted that is likely to be two. In the FY 2015 Budget, the Administration said that it was looking into delaying downselection (by extending CCiCap). The amount of awardees will ultimately be decided by the selection officer. The time of the award is still in September. Given recent efforts to derail commercial crew, I suspect that NASA will stick to the September date for the CCtcap award in order not give detractors in Congress more time to further sabotage the program.

As far as the agreement with JAXA is concerned, I am guessing that SNC already included in their proposal that they are trying to find customers outside of NASA.  It adds credibility to their claim.

Find me a quote where someone says that 3 might survive. It's gonna be 2 at most.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober on 07/24/2014 01:49 pm
Mulitple senior officials at NASA are on record multiple times saying that they expect at most two CCtCap awardees. CCtCap award is expected "this summer"/"later this year" depending who's talking. Could providers that don't win a CCtCap contract get on-ramped back in later? Possibly, but for now CCtCap is the gate providers must go through to survive (it is also possible for CCtCap awardees to not receive post-certification mission task orders).

Some theoretical foreign launch that SNC just announced they could maybe do someday if everything works out is not going to swing a massive contract apparatus that is lurching towards its conclusion. The proposals have long since been submitted.

Officially, they have always said one or more providers will be selected. They have never officially stated that they would only select two. Unofficially, they have occasionally admitted that is likely to be two. In the FY 2015 Budget, the Administration said that it was looking into delaying downselection (by extending CCiCap). The amount of awardees will ultimately be decided by the selection officer. The time of the award is still in September. Given recent efforts to derail commercial crew, I suspect that NASA will stick to the September date for the CCtcap award in order not give detractors in Congress more time to further sabotage the program.

As far as the agreement with JAXA is concerned, I am guessing that SNC already included in their proposal that they are trying to find customers outside of NASA.  It adds credibility to their claim.

Find me a quote where someone says that 3 might survive. It's gonna be 2 at most.

3 was Bolden selling before congress.  Don't think it worked :o
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/24/2014 04:13 pm
Remember this is an update thread. We have a discussion thread :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/01/2014 06:30 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation and Lockheed Martin Unveil
First Dream Chaser® Orbital Spacecraft Composite Structure 

Sparks, Nev., Aug 1, 2014 – In a joint press conference, Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems and Dream Chaser® program partner, Lockheed Martin unveiled the Dream Chaser orbital spacecraft composite airframe. This structure will be used to conduct the first orbital launch of the Dream Chaser spacecraft due to launch in November, 2016, atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

“As a valued strategic partner on SNC’s Dream Chaser Dream Team, Lockheed Martin is under contract to manufacture Dream Chaser orbital structure airframes,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems.  “We competitively chose Lockheed Martin because they are a world leader in composite manufacturing, have the infrastructure, resources and quality control needed to support the needs of an orbital vehicle and have a proven track record of leading our nation’s top aviation and aerospace programs. Lockheed Martin’s diverse heritage coupled with their current work on the Orion program adds an extra element of depth and expertise to our program.  SNC and Lockheed Martin continue to expand and develop a strong multi-faceted relationship.”

Earlier this year Lockheed Martin began fabrication of the Dream Chaser orbital spacecraft structure at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The MAF, which is owned and operated by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, has played a significant role in our nation’s space programs from Apollo to the space shuttle, and most recently, Orion spacecraft manufacturing. As each Dream Chaser structural component completes the fabrication and inspection process at MAF, it is transported to Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth, Texas for integration into the airframe and co-bonded assembly.

Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility manufactures and assembles the world’s top fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lighting II and the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Combined with technology mastered at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works®, the Dream Chaser team is able to leverage their extensive experience in the areas of composites and advanced manufacturing to ensure the Dream Chaser orbital structure is fabricated, built and assembled using best practices. In addition, Lockheed Martin is applying advanced 3D preform technology for joint assembly thereby reducing overall part and tooling count while improving assembly and integration time. Through these improved processes, SNC and Lockheed Martin are able to improve the overall durability, weight efficiency and affordability of the spacecraft.

“Lockheed Martin’s depth of aviation and aerospace experience brings a wealth of expertise to   the Dream Chaser composite structure development,” said Jim Crocker, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Space Systems Company Civil Space Line of Business. “We are able to tailor our best manufacturing processes, and our innovative technology from across the corporation to fit the needs of the Dream Chaser program.”

In addition to the current Dream Chaser airframe manufacturing work, Lockheed Martin is also supporting SNC in the areas of vehicle assembly, integration, environmental testing, ground support equipment, flight certification and spacecraft launch and recovery. This work is performed at various Lockheed Martin facilities in Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Colorado. 

Upon completion of manufacturing Lockheed Martin will transport the Dream Chaser airframe to SNC’s Louisville, Colorado, facility for final integration and assembly.

SNC is working with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program under an existing space act agreement to develop a safe, innovative, modern, flexible and highly-capable commercial space transportation system for the 21st Century. Once developed, Dream Chaser will provide 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 and from low-Earth orbit.

Photo Cutline: SNC's Dream Chaser® orbital structural airframe at Lockheed Martin in Ft. Worth. Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 08/04/2014 10:06 pm
And another partner for SNC/Dream Chaser:

Quote
SPARKS, Nev., Aug. 4, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems is pleased to announce it is expanding its relationship with the University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) through the signing of a letter of cooperation with CU-Boulder’s BioServe Space Technologies (BioServe). Through the cooperation, SNC and BioServe will jointly explore ways the Dream Chaser® Space Utility Vehicle (SUV) can serve as an orbital platform for scientific experiments in microgravity and space life science research

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/04/sierra-nevada-teams-bioserve-dream-chaser-micogravity-capabilities/#sthash.iZWMl5or.dpuf

SNC really is a savvy business developer for their spacecraft, if that was the only factor they would win the next phase easily.  Boeing and SpaceX should definitely take note.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Llian Rhydderch on 08/08/2014 04:57 pm
Sierra Nevada has announced a series of Dream Chaser test flights starting in the fall.

Sierra Nevada Eyes Dream Chaser Test Flights in Fall (http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/08/sierra-nevada-eyes-dream-chaser-test-flights-fall/)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 08/14/2014 12:13 am
Mark Sirangelo on DC in the 8 Aug show.

 http://www.thespaceshow.com/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/14/2014 02:11 am
Mark Sirangelo on DC in the 8 Aug show.

 http://www.thespaceshow.com/

At the end of the show, Sirangelo says that there will be a launch abort test as part of their CCtCap proposal. He also said that there was 18 to 22 RCS thrusters and that the RCS and the main motors would use the same type of fuel which is a non-toxic fuel system. The main motors are re-startable and throttable. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 08/14/2014 02:41 am
Mark Sirangelo on DC in the 8 Aug show.

 http://www.thespaceshow.com/

At the end of the show, Sirangelo says that there will be a launch abort test as part of their CCtCap proposal. He also said that there was 18 to 22 RCS thrusters and that the RCS and the main motors would use the same propellants which are non-toxic. The main motors are re-startable and throtable.

In a previous Space Show he said the reaction control would be ethanol based. Seems to indicate they'll be usin an ethanol Liquid Vortex.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/17/2014 11:39 pm
Another confirmation by Kathy Lueders of the Commercial Crew Office that DC has switched to liquid engines:
Quote
“SNC has also baselined a new propulsion system design (a pure liquid system design rather than a hybrid) in conjunction with their purchase of ORBITEC.”

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/cctcapnasa-wont-abandon-commercial-crew-loser/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: QuantumG on 08/17/2014 11:59 pm
Another confirmation by Kathy Lueders of the Commercial Crew Office that DC has switched to liquid engines:
Quote
“SNC has also baselined a new propulsion system design (a pure liquid system design rather than a hybrid) in conjunction with their purchase of ORBITEC.”

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/cctcapnasa-wont-abandon-commercial-crew-loser/

By the time anyone flies in it they'll have switched to EMDrives.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 08/18/2014 10:11 am
Another confirmation by Kathy Lueders of the Commercial Crew Office that DC has switched to liquid engines:
Quote
“SNC has also baselined a new propulsion system design (a pure liquid system design rather than a hybrid) in conjunction with their purchase of ORBITEC.”

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/08/cctcapnasa-wont-abandon-commercial-crew-loser/

By the time anyone flies in it they'll have switched to EMDrives.

Best not too mention anything like that or risk incurring the wrath of some.:)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 08/20/2014 12:20 am
Looks like it is official, they are changing to liquid motors.

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/19/snc-abandons-hybrid-motors-dream-chaser/#more-53194
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Avron on 08/20/2014 01:15 am
Looks like it is official, they are changing to liquid motors.

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/19/snc-abandons-hybrid-motors-dream-chaser/#more-53194

Still chasing .. .. its going to be a long dream  -  whats the risk to flight?  EM will be quicker
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: vt_hokie on 08/20/2014 01:20 am
How far they've come from the days of this hybrid propellant nightmare (http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/cms/dn8335/dn8335-1_488.jpg)!  :)

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 08/20/2014 05:36 am
Looks like it is official, they are changing to liquid motors.

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/19/snc-abandons-hybrid-motors-dream-chaser/#more-53194

The comments got interesting. Wasn't there a recent tweet or story that the liquid engines and thruster s would use the same fuel? Earlier reports put the thruster as using ethanol, but apparently not now. And it's the Vortex.

Quote
Terry Stetler 5 hours ago
The next question is what engine cycle, if pressure fed, or if it'll be ORBITEC s Liquid Vortex. Other sources say ethanol based. The speculation light is on.

Charles Lurio  @Terry Stetler an hour ago
No, it's off. The fuel is propane, the system is Orbitec's Vortex.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/20/2014 02:35 pm
Looks like it is official, they are changing to liquid motors.

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/19/snc-abandons-hybrid-motors-dream-chaser/#more-53194

The comments got interesting. Wasn't there a recent tweet or story that the liquid engines and thruster s would use the same fuel? Earlier reports put the thruster as using ethanol, but apparently not now. And it's the Vortex.

Quote
Terry Stetler 5 hours ago
The next question is what engine cycle, if pressure fed, or if it'll be ORBITEC s Liquid Vortex. Other sources say ethanol based. The speculation light is on.

Charles Lurio  @Terry Stetler an hour ago
No, it's off. The fuel is propane, the system is Orbitec's Vortex.

That would make sense. Orbitec used LOX-propane for many tests of its vortex engine.

http://www.gizmag.com/orbitec-vortex-liquid-fuel-rocket-engine/24807/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: guckyfan on 08/20/2014 04:02 pm

Quote
Terry Stetler 5 hours ago
The next question is what engine cycle, if pressure fed, or if it'll be ORBITEC s Liquid Vortex. Other sources say ethanol based. The speculation light is on.

Charles Lurio  @Terry Stetler an hour ago
No, it's off. The fuel is propane, the system is Orbitec's Vortex.

That would make sense. Orbitec used LOX-propane for many tests of its vortex engine.

http://www.gizmag.com/orbitec-vortex-liquid-fuel-rocket-engine/24807/

I do wonder though if the oxidizer is LOX can they keep it liquid during the 6 months loiter time as escape vehicle? Doable in deep space but six months attached to the ISS?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Alpha Control on 08/20/2014 04:19 pm

Quote
Terry Stetler 5 hours ago
The next question is what engine cycle, if pressure fed, or if it'll be ORBITEC s Liquid Vortex. Other sources say ethanol based. The speculation light is on.

Charles Lurio  @Terry Stetler an hour ago
No, it's off. The fuel is propane, the system is Orbitec's Vortex.

That would make sense. Orbitec used LOX-propane for many tests of its vortex engine.

http://www.gizmag.com/orbitec-vortex-liquid-fuel-rocket-engine/24807/

I do wonder though if the oxidizer is LOX can they keep it liquid during the 6 months loiter time as escape vehicle? Doable in deep space but six months attached to the ISS?

Do they need to?  Main engines are used to reach orbit or for the LAS, are they needed to de-orbit?

Yes, Dream chaser uses its twin engines both for final orbit insertion and for de-orbit. The SNC ConOps video shows this very well. If I can find it quickly I'll post the link to it.

Here you go:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.msg1008690#msg1008698
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars_J on 08/20/2014 04:26 pm
This is an update thread, guys. There is a DC discussion thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/20/2014 06:40 pm
From the comments section of the Parabolic Arc article (in answer to my question about the main engines):

Quote from: Charles Lurio
[...] nitrous-propane is what I was told and printed in my July Lurio Report. You can see the advantage…simpler changes than with LOX tanks.

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/19/snc-abandons-hybrid-motors-dream-chaser/#more-53194
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/24/2014 02:36 pm
I am confused, Sirangelo hasn't confirmed the switch of the propulsion system:
http://www.americaspace.com/?p=66192

Quote
Have you changed the Dream Chaser’s propulsion system from a hybrid solid/liquid system to an all liquid system as some have claimed recently, and readers asked in Part 1?

“We have not announced a change in propulsion systems and that was not a quote from us.”

“It was likely meant to refer to our acquisition of Orbitec as we now have an expanded base of propulsion solutions and are exploring their use for future Dream Chaser variants.”

Atlas V 412 is also officially confirmed (so it's no longer a 402):

Quote
What are the on orbit flight goals for Dream Chaser’s 2016 mission? It’s likely to be at least several orbits and perhaps even days long.

“For the Nov. 2016 flight it will be a full orbital flight. We are launching using a full Atlas V in the same flight configuration as we would use to go to the space station with. We are flying on an Atlas V 412. The first stage has one strap on solid. We are lighter [compared to CST-100] and don’t need a second solid. The second stage uses a dual engine Centaur.”

“We will do an orbital flight with a series of checkouts of important elements of the vehicle and then we are flying it back home.”
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 08/24/2014 05:53 pm
Mark Sirangelo stated following from America space interview.
 http://www.americaspace.com/?p=66192

 “We have not announced a change in propulsion systems and that was not a quote from us.”

“It was likely meant to refer to our acquisition of Orbitec as we now have an expanded base of propulsion solutions and are exploring their use for future Dream Chaser variants.”

“There is no schedule change related to engines.”

So the DC is staying with it's existing hybrid engines for the first orbital version at least.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 08/24/2014 07:51 pm
Mark Sirangelo stated following from America space interview.
 http://www.americaspace.com/?p=66192

 “We have not announced a change in propulsion systems and that was not a quote from us.”

“It was likely meant to refer to our acquisition of Orbitec as we now have an expanded base of propulsion solutions and are exploring their use for future Dream Chaser variants.”

“There is no schedule change related to engines.”

So the DC is staying with it's existing hybrid engines for the first orbital version at least.
He does not deny an engine change. He simply states they haven't announced it and he claims there's no schedule change related to engines.

 It's surprising to me that DC is lighter than CST-100.
 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 09/30/2014 11:58 pm
DC on Stratolaunch:
http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=636

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sean Wilson
(O) 832-864-3518
[email protected]

Sierra Nevada Corporation Develops Design
for Stratolaunch Air Launch System for Low Earth Orbit

SPARKS, Nev., Sept. 30, 2014 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) today announced a design for an integrated system for human spaceflight that can be launched to low Earth orbit (LEO) using Stratolaunch System’s air launch architecture and a scale version of SNC’s Dream Chaser® spacecraft.

The Dream Chaser is a reusable, lifting-body spacecraft capable of crewed or autonomous flight. Dream Chaser is the only lifting-body spacecraft capable of a runway landing, anywhere in the world. Stratolaunch Systems is a Paul G. Allen project dedicated to developing an air-launch system that will revolutionize space transportation by providing orbital access to space at lower costs, with greater safety and more flexibility.

As designed, the Dream Chaser-Stratolauncher human spaceflight system can carry a crew of three astronauts to LEO destinations. This versatile system can also be tailored for un-crewed space missions, including science missions, light cargo transportation or suborbital point-to-point transportation. The scaled crewed spacecraft design is based on SNC’s full-scale Dream Chaser vehicle which, for the past four years, has undergone development and flight tests as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Chuck Beames, president, Vulcan Aerospace Corp and executive director for Stratolaunch Systems said, “Combining a scaled version of SNC’s Dream Chaser with the Stratolaunch air launch system could provide a highly responsive capability with the potential to reach a variety of LEO destinations and return astronauts or payloads to a U.S. runway within 24 hours.”

“This relationship would expand our portfolio to include the highly flexible Stratolaunch system for launching reusable crewed or uncrewed spacecraft, or for rapid satellite constellation deployment,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems.

In addition to supporting development of human spaceflight capability, SNC studied satellite launch options and mechanisms, as well as point-to-point transportation options using the Stratolaunch launch system with a Dream Chaser spacecraft derivative. The Stratolaunch system is uniquely designed to allow for maximum operational flexibility and payload delivery from several possible operational sites, while minimizing mission constraints such as range availability and weather.

SNC and Stratolaunch Systems will present more detailed information on Dream Chaser-Stratolauncher at the 65th International Astronautical Congress in Toronto, Canada, on October 1, 2014 at 9:45 am ET in Room 701B.

# # #

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

About Stratolaunch Systems
Founded in 2011 by philanthropist and entrepreneur Paul G. Allen, Stratolaunch Systems is developing an air-launch system that will revolutionize space transportation by providing orbital access to space at lower costs, with greater safety and more flexibility. The system will allow for maximum operational flexibility and payload delivery from several possible operational sites, while minimizing mission constraints such as range availability and weather. The system is made up of three primary elements: a carrier aircraft, which is being designed by Scaled Composites; a multi-stage rocket system, which is being developed by Orbital Sciences; and an orbital payload. Initial efforts will focus on unmanned payloads, with human flights following as safety, reliability, and operability are demonstrated. Stratolaunch is based in Huntsville, Alabama with assembly facilities in Mojave, California.


About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, 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 at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems.

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


About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, 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 31 locations in 17 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 and among the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.” 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 at Facebook/Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: robertross on 10/01/2014 02:17 am
DC on Stratolaunch:
http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=636
...
SNC and Stratolaunch Systems will present more detailed information on Dream Chaser-Stratolauncher at the 65th International Astronautical Congress in Toronto, Canada, on October 1, 2014 at 9:45 am ET in Room 701B.

# # #

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

...

Sweet! Quite a scoop for Toronto & the 65th anniversary!
I wish I was there.
(Astronaut Chris Hadfield is attending in Toronto as well)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 10/01/2014 01:38 pm
Anyone find a live stream for the event. All I could find was one for Bill Nye being there...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 10/01/2014 04:09 pm
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fscience%2Fspace%2Fsierra-nevada-stratolaunch-team-dream-chaser-space-plane-n215386&tw_i=517039780992131075&tw_p=tweetembed
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 10/01/2014 04:21 pm
Quote
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust  ·  28m 28 minutes ago
Beames (Stratolaunch): we haven't made a decision to go forward, still thinking through a path forward. #IAC2014
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/01/2014 05:02 pm
Quote
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust  ·  28m 28 minutes ago
Beames (Stratolaunch): we haven't made a decision to go forward, still thinking through a path forward. #IAC2014

So it's not official yet.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/517358461491752960

Quote
Beames said after the presentation that we should start seeing some announcements by the end of the year. Up to Paul Allen.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/24/2014 01:06 pm
SNC reveal the DC4Science Dream Chaser variant:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/10/snc-reveal-dc4science-dream-chaser-variant/

Will give it a standalone thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/31/2014 11:54 pm
SNC was not involved in the new SS2 engine:
http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/643
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/05/2014 11:07 pm
Would have been nice if they provided WHAT the findings were.....Ah, AM has found it. Great!

Sierra Nevada Corporation to Present Progress on
Evaluating Dream Chaser® Landing at Public Use Airports

SPARKS, Nev. (Nov. 5, 2014) – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems and partner organization RS&H, Inc., presented findings regarding the challenges and opportunities of landing the Dream Chaser® reusable spacecraft at public-use airports during the Space Traffic Management Conference at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Daytona Beach, Florida, campus today.

The Dream Chaser is a unique lifting-body commercial orbital vehicle designed for crewed or uncrewed missions in low-Earth orbit (LEO) that is capable of a runway landing nearly anywhere in the world. The SNC and RS&H, Inc. team has been analyzing the applicable standards and unique requirements that must be addressed to receive approval for Dream Chaser to land either at a spaceport or commercial airport.

Today’s presentation summarized the capabilities of the Dream Chaser spacecraft and described present efforts to land at commercial airports with minimal impact to existing operations. Presenters discussed next-steps including how SNC plans to ensure that the Dream Chaser meets safety and environmental requirements, as well as operates within, or exceeds, existing and future procedures and policies.

SNC’s Dream Chaser is a multi-mission space utility vehicle. It is the only reusable, lifting-body spacecraft with commercial runway landing capability, all non-toxic propellants, no unique landing or navigation aids and responsive mission, ground, and transportation operations. The space system is on the forefront of the commercial spaceflight industry, offering safe, affordable, and reliable crew and cargo transportation to LEO space destinations.

###

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, 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 at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems and Twitter @SNCspacesystems.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is among the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.” Over the last 30 years, under the leadership of President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC has become one of America’s fastest-growing private companies and the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. With a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 17 states, SNC has a reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy.

SNC has six unique business areas that are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to its dynamic customer base. SNC has a proven track record of success spanning more than five decades. It is focused on providing its customers with the very best in diversified technologies and continues to focus its growth 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.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 11/05/2014 11:38 pm
SNC's Conference paper:

Challenges and Opportunities Related to Landing the Dream Chaser® Commercial Reusable Space Vehicle at a Public-Use Airport
Space Traffic Management Conference  Nov 5th, 2:00 PM
http://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=stm (http://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=stm)

(copy also attached)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 11/06/2014 12:50 am
I believe these images (from the above paper) are the first we've seen of the Nitrous/Propane main propulsion system and RCS:



Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/08/2014 03:01 pm
And a write up of the public airport landing evaluations. I'll give it a standalone thread as there may be a decent discussion of this:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/dream-chaser-network-public-airport-landing-options/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: wtrix on 11/11/2014 12:22 pm
I believe these images (from the above paper) are the first we've seen of the Nitrous/Propane main propulsion system and RCS:

Why propane, not ethane?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: SWGlassPit on 11/11/2014 01:33 pm
I'm guessing the higher boiling point has something to do with it, but that's pure speculation.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: wtrix on 11/11/2014 07:50 pm
I'm guessing the higher boiling point has something to do with it, but that's pure speculation.

With ethane one would have pretty good pressure in chamber for self-pressurizing motor. With propane one needs something to rise the pressure with.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: mr. mark on 11/24/2014 08:53 pm
Sierra Nevada has just shut down it's rocket engine test facility and laid off workers.
Source:parabolicarc.com http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/11/24/sierra-nevada-shuts-poway-lays-100/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/26/2014 02:37 pm
SNC, Stratolaunch expand on proposed Dream Chaser flights - by Chris Gebhardt:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/snc-stratolaunch-dream-chaser-flights/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 12/03/2014 11:01 am
SNC Tests Dream Chaser Propulsion System
December 2, 2014

Sierra Nevada Corporation, one of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program partners through the agency’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, recently performed incremental tests of its reaction control system, which will help maneuver its Dream Chaser spacecraft in space. The company’s Milestone 15a built on SNC’s previous propulsion system development efforts by implementing a compact prototype thruster operating in a vacuum chamber to simulate an on-orbit environment.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2014/12/02/snc-tests-dream-chaser-propulsion-system (https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2014/12/02/snc-tests-dream-chaser-propulsion-system)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/03/2014 02:57 pm
Here is SNC's press release:
http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=419
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/03/2014 03:06 pm
SNC Tests Dream Chaser Propulsion System
December 2, 2014

Sierra Nevada Corporation, one of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program partners through the agency’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, recently performed incremental tests of its reaction control system, which will help maneuver its Dream Chaser spacecraft in space. The company’s Milestone 15a built on SNC’s previous propulsion system development efforts by implementing a compact prototype thruster operating in a vacuum chamber to simulate an on-orbit environment.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2014/12/02/snc-tests-dream-chaser-propulsion-system (https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2014/12/02/snc-tests-dream-chaser-propulsion-system)

So the only remaining CCiCap milestone for SNC is the ETA test flight. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/24/2014 12:59 am
Some details of the SNC protest:
http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/12/23/sierra-nevada-alleges-boeing-benefitted-commercial-crew-criteria/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-may-have-benefited-from-alleged-change-in-nasa-contract-scoring-1419290299
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ChrisWilson68 on 12/28/2014 05:59 am
Some details of the SNC protest:
http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/12/23/sierra-nevada-alleges-boeing-benefitted-commercial-crew-criteria/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-may-have-benefited-from-alleged-change-in-nasa-contract-scoring-1419290299

I'm skeptical of SNC in a lot of ways.  But it sounds like SNC has a valid basis for its protest.  If NASA doesn't list schedule risk as a high priority in their solicitation of bids, they can't really use that to override the much lower cost of SNC's bid.

Maybe NASA should have listed schedule risk as important.  But they didn't.  It seems to me SNC is right that it's wrong for that to trump much lower cost.

I sure hope they don't have to re-bid the whole contract if the protest is successful.  That would be a disaster for U.S. human spaceflight.  I wonder if it's possible for them to simply switch the award to SNC and cancel the Boeing contract if SNC wins the protest.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rokan2003 on 12/28/2014 01:29 pm
It's not as simple as that.  Obviously, it's a matter of degrees, and that's what the ruling will turn on. But if the bid documents made clear that schedule was a big priority, and that slips, which are common place in this industry, couldn't be tolerated, then the bidders could have put measures in place in their bids to mitigate against such slips. Clearly SNC didn't understand this to be so. If they are right and the bid documents didn't make it clear that schedule would play a major role in the decision, it would be unfair to make the award based on the ability to deliver on schedule. Take the engine decision: if SNC understood they'd have to deliver on schedule or else, they might not have made the decision to move away from their initial plan. Of course, we have to remember that these are all just allegations by SNC and perhaps schedule was not given too much weight in the decision. We'll know soon enough.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: baldusi on 12/28/2014 01:56 pm
Schedule was the leading factor. The discussion is if the Mission Suitability was taken as a set of independent variables, or one of such variables was almost binary (i.e. they can do it by 2017 or they can't).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 12/28/2014 03:31 pm
Schedule was the leading factor.
We know this isn't true. It's public information that price was weighted the same as all the other metrics combined.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: joek on 12/28/2014 06:04 pm
... Maybe NASA should have listed schedule risk as important.  But they didn't.  It seems to me SNC is right that it's wrong for that to trump much lower cost.

Risk (schedule or otherwise) is an inherent part of the evaluation and results in a confidence level; it is not something that stands apart with the arguable exception of the past performance evaluation.  And what baldusi said.
Quote from: CCtCap RFP
C.1 SPECIFICATION/STATEMENT OF WORK
The purpose of the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost effective access to and from low Earth orbit (LEO) including the International Space Station (ISS) no later than 2017.
M.2.I. Technical, Crew Safety and Mission Assurance Subfactor
The Offeror’s technical approach to obtain NASA certification of a Crew Transportation System (CTS) with a goal of NLT 2017; to plan and execute Post Certification Missions; to perform ISS integration; and to incorporate safety and risk mitigation in all CCtCap activities will be evaluated for compliance with contract requirements.
Similar is repeated at the beginning of several other key sections of the RFP; 2017 is obviously an important date, and is hard to miss.

... It's public information that price was weighted the same as all the other metrics combined.
Nit: not "all other metrics combined".  Also, "weighted the same" suggests numerical or comparable scoring across all evaluation factors, which is not the case (only Mission Suitability is numerically scored).  The relationship between price, mission suitability and past performance is adjectively (not numerically) defined with consequent ambiguity.

For more information on source selection and evaluation, see NASA FAR Supplement NFS-1815 (http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/1815.htm)

In any case, I believe we have had these discussion previously in the other thread Dream Chaser shows her fight - SNC protest CCtCap decision (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=35728.0).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: erioladastra on 01/02/2015 05:16 pm
Some details of the SNC protest:
http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/12/23/sierra-nevada-alleges-boeing-benefitted-commercial-crew-criteria/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-may-have-benefited-from-alleged-change-in-nasa-contract-scoring-1419290299

I'm skeptical of SNC in a lot of ways.  But it sounds like SNC has a valid basis for its protest.  If NASA doesn't list schedule risk as a high priority in their solicitation of bids, they can't really use that to override the much lower cost of SNC's bid.

Maybe NASA should have listed schedule risk as important.  But they didn't.  It seems to me SNC is right that it's wrong for that to trump much lower cost.

I sure hope they don't have to re-bid the whole contract if the protest is successful.  That would be a disaster for U.S. human spaceflight.  I wonder if it's possible for them to simply switch the award to SNC and cancel the Boeing contract if SNC wins the protest.

Schedule risk is a manifestation of technical risk.  It is EXTREMELY unlikely that SNC will win the protest.  If that did happen you likely would have the tanker contrac fight again if they tried to just switch it.  And remember who won that in the end.   
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ugordan on 01/05/2015 04:00 pm
U.S. GAO has denied Sierra Nevada bid protest of NASA's Commercial Crew contract awards to Boeing, SpaceX.

GAO "found no undue emphasis" on NASA’s consideration of proposed schedules or likelihood of meeting 2017 goal.

https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/552142421979824128
https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/552142881314844672
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ugordan on 01/05/2015 04:03 pm
Full statement here: http://www.gao.gov/press/pr_statement_sierra_nevada_bid_protest.htm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/05/2015 08:46 pm
SNC Press release on GAO decision:

http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=422
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: simpl simon on 01/06/2015 12:00 am
SNC Press release on GAO decision:

http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=422

That link did not work for me, but this one did:
http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/685
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/07/2015 04:31 am
http://spacenews.com/gao-denies-sierra-nevada-protest-of-commercial-crew-contract/

This part of the article is reassuring:

Quote
Sierra Nevada spokesperson Krystal Scordo said that the company would continue working on the final milestone of an earlier NASA commercial crew award, involving a second glide flight of a Dream Chaser engineering test vehicle. That test is planned for 2015, but she said the company has not set a more specific date.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/13/2015 03:24 pm
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust  ·  46m 46 minutes ago
Gerst: Sierra Nevada planning to do drop test of Dream Chaser under their CCiCap award in "early spring" timeframe, perhaps March.

--

We're not hearing things as positively....but what Gerst says, goes - officially.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: jacqmans on 01/13/2015 03:46 pm
Sierra Nevada Vows To Continue Dream Chaser Development

Jan 12, 2015  Frank Morring, Jr. | Aviation Week & Space Technology:

http://aviationweek.com/space/sierra-nevada-vows-continue-dream-chaser-development
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: woods170 on 01/13/2015 03:49 pm
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust  ·  46m 46 minutes ago
Gerst: Sierra Nevada planning to do drop test of Dream Chaser under their CCiCap award in "early spring" timeframe, perhaps March.

--

We're not hearing things as positively....but what Gerst says, goes - officially.
I will note that Gerst is NASA, not SNC. Wouldn't be the first time that according to NASA something will happen and according to the contractor it might happen.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/13/2015 04:28 pm
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust  ·  46m 46 minutes ago
Gerst: Sierra Nevada planning to do drop test of Dream Chaser under their CCiCap award in "early spring" timeframe, perhaps March.

--

We're not hearing things as positively....but what Gerst says, goes - officially.
I will note that Gerst is NASA, not SNC. Wouldn't be the first time that according to NASA something will happen and according to the contractor it might happen.

The contractor said the same thing a few days ago. See my post directly above Chris' post.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/14/2015 08:47 pm
There is value is conducting the next ALT from an engineering standpoint as well as PR for any future variant...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 01/15/2015 04:33 pm
SNC debuts on instagram: http://instagram.com/sncspacesystems/ 

I'm really not sure what to read into the timing of this... It's hardly something you'd do with a program that's slowly fading into the night.

And apparently there was a DC Snow Globe holiday gift: http://instagram.com/p/wfLxF8K95t/?modal=true I guess that counts as an update, right?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/03/2015 09:52 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Successfully Completes Dream Chaser® Study with German Aerospace Industry Partners:
http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/749
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ChrisWilson68 on 02/03/2015 10:04 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Successfully Completes Dream Chaser® Study with German Aerospace Industry Partners:
http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/749

Maybe it's just me, but I find it very annoying when people talk about things that are under development as if they already exist.  This press release talks about Dream Chaser in the present tense as if it already existed.  "SNC’s Dream Chaser is a multi-mission-capable space utility vehicle that is able to flexibly operate as an independent science platform, ...".  If you didn't know anything about Dream Chaser and just read this press release, you'd think it was flying today.  There's not a word about the fact that it's under development, let alone that there's uncertainty about whether it's going to get the huge amount of funding it would take to reach operational status.  They could at the very least use the future tense.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Surgeon on 02/04/2015 01:29 am
Sierra Nevada Corporation Successfully Completes Dream Chaser® Study with German Aerospace Industry Partners:
http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/749

Maybe it's just me, but I find it very annoying when people talk about things that are under development as if they already exist.  This press release talks about Dream Chaser in the present tense as if it already existed.  "SNC’s Dream Chaser is a multi-mission-capable space utility vehicle that is able to flexibly operate as an independent science platform, ...".  If you didn't know anything about Dream Chaser and just read this press release, you'd think it was flying today.  There's not a word about the fact that it's under development, let alone that there's uncertainty about whether it's going to get the huge amount of funding it would take to reach operational status.  They could at the very least use the future tense.

Oh Hell yeah! I remember back in '04 I got very confused reading about how the Falcon 9 was a 'Reusable Rocket operated by SpaceX, returning to earth on parachutes and also available in a heavy version that launches up to 32t to LEO'.... thanks Wikipedia!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 03/17/2015 08:15 pm
http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=426

SPARKS, Nev. (March 17, 2015) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC)  unveiled a new Dream Chaser® mission variant today, the Dream Chaser Cargo System, SNC’s complete system solution for NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract.

The Dream Chaser Cargo System features include: an innovative folding-wing design which allows the Dream Chaser spacecraft to fit inside existing fairings, making it compatible with a suite of launch vehicles; the ability to exceed all of NASA’s cargo requirements for pressurized and unpressurized cargo during flights to the International Space Station (ISS); high reusability, allowing it to serve the required number of missions for the full life expectancy of the ISS; non-toxic, non-hypergolic propulsion system and other fluids; low-g entry to a runway landing with immediate access to cargo.

“SNC is proud to offer NASA a complete system that exceeds all criteria set forth by NASA in the proposal,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “The autonomous and upgraded Dream Chaser Cargo System is a mission variant of the Dream Chaser Space System, whose heritage includes over 10 years of development and maturation, the last five of which were complete as part of an ongoing public-private partnership between SNC and NASA.  Our Dream Chaser Cargo System provides unrivaled capability for pressurized and unpressurized cargo transportation, including accelerated return of cargo and critical science on every mission. It also enables a wide portfolio of other space exploration capabilities, including servicing/construction for future space stations, satellite servicing and deployment, as well as retrieval and orbital debris removal.  SNC continues to grow its U.S. team which has expanded to 30 states.  We are also expanding our international partnerships, and have agreements in place with many of the current ISS partners and global space agencies.  Our SNC team looks forward to becoming a cargo transportation provider for NASA missions.”
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/24/2015 12:32 am
NASA agrees to aid Dream Chaser development to CDR level:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/03/nasa-agrees-dream-chaser-development-cdr/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/24/2015 11:36 pm
More on landing options:
Sierra Nevada Corporation and Houston Airport System Announce New Agreement

SPARKS, Nev. (March 24, 2015) – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems and the Houston Airport System (HAS) announce a new follow-on agreement to utilize Ellington Airport’s Spaceport as a future landing site for SNC’s Uncrewed Dream Chaser® spacecraft - SNC’s solution for NASA’s Cargo Resupply needs and other critical space operations.

“Entering into this new agreement with HAS will lead to enabling all variants of the Dream Chaser spacecraft to land in Houston, offering the ability to return cargo and science to Houston directly from space,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems. “Through this agreement, we want to promote broad awareness of the importance of utilizing low-Earth orbit as a source of research, science and the expansion of space flight that are critical to Houston’s ongoing position as a ‘Space City.’ Houston has earned its place at the forefront of space exploration with such institutes as NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Rice Space University, the Texas Medical Center, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and many other organizations.”

The objectives of this new agreement include exploring the applications and opportunities between HAS and SNC utilizing the Uncrewed Dream Chaser spacecraft to serve the needs of government, science, research, consumer and commercial enterprise while also building awareness of the positive economic impact of the Ellington Airport/Spaceport to the state of Texas. The new agreement is in anticipation of HAS receiving its spaceport license approval for Ellington Airport.

“The Houston Airport System is pleased to continue working with Sierra Nevada Corporation as a landing site for their Dream Chaser spacecraft,” said Arturo Machuca, general manager, Ellington Airport. “As we move into the final phase of receiving our spaceport license it is important that HAS work with private industry to ensure the sustainability of the Houston Spaceport. The Dream Chaser spacecraft, with its unique horizontal runway landing capability, low-g entry and use of non-toxic propulsion, makes it an ideal test bed for biomedical, pharmaceutical, cellular and genetic research payloads. Houston, a leader in space-based biomedical research, is eager to work with SNC to sustain and advance these research opportunities in low-Earth orbit, then gently return them directly to Houston for immediate unloading.”

The Dream Chaser Cargo System is an autonomous system developed to provide cargo transportation services to the International Space Station (ISS). The Dream Chaser Cargo Systems is a mission variant of the Dream Chaser Space System that exceeds NASA’s goals for cargo transportation to the ISS, including rapid return of critical science.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 04/07/2015 01:17 am
Dream Chaser® Cargo System Launches on Atlas V Concept of Operation Video

Published on Apr 6, 2015
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser® Cargo System is a mission variant of the Dream Chaser Space System that exceeds all NASA cargo transportation requirements to the International Space Station (ISS). The Dream Chaser Cargo System utilizes a reusable, lifting-body spacecraft and is capable of transporting pressurized and unpressurized cargo concurrently - returning cargo and sensitive science payloads to a low-g and gentle runway landing.

https://youtu.be/uHJ2QV0nPEA
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/16/2015 12:41 am
An update on scaled DC:

http://spacenews.com/stratolaunch-considering-using-multiple-launch-vehicles/

Quote
That near-term focus on alternative launch options means Stratolaunch is deferring work on a crewed vehicle that would launch on the Orbital ATK booster. At the International Astronautic Congress in Toronto in October, Stratolaunch and Sierra Nevada Corp. announced they were studying the development of a 75-percent-scale version of Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser spacecraft.

“What we’ve decided to do is kind of take a pause on further development of that,” he said, as Stratolaunch examines alternative launch options. Beames said that human spaceflight remained a long-term goal of the company, and that it still considered Dream Chaser the best spacecraft option. “Once those plans are solid going forward, we will re-engage with Sierra Nevada specifically on the modified Dream Chaser,” he said.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/16/2015 10:25 pm
More MOU stuff.

Sierra Nevada Corporation and the German Aerospace Center Announce New Dream Chaser® Program Cooperation

SPARKS, Nev. (April 16, 2015) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC’s) Space Systems and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) announce the signing of a new Dream Chaser® program cooperation during the U.S. German Aerospace Roundtable (UGART) at the 31st annual Space Symposium hosted by the Space Foundation in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“We highly value our partnership with the German Aerospace Center,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president, SNC’s Space Systems. “This relationship is a great example of the best-in-industry and government agency partnerships, both domestic and international, that we have sought.  Our Dream Team will continue the advancement of the Dream Chaser, which is a true global program. We look forward to the next phase of our cooperation with DLR as we enter this new agreement.”

The cooperation, which was entered into today, builds upon the successful one-year Dream Chaser technical agreement signed in 2013.  The new agreement, which extends through 2017, will continue the valuable developmental work completed while identifying new and advanced technologies to pursue in order to further advance the crewed and uncrewed Dream Chaser spacecraft as a flexible low-Earth orbit (LEO) space transportation system for a variety of missions and customers. One of the cooperative activities completed this year was the Dream Chaser for European Utilization (DC4EU) study performed by SNC, OHB Systems AG (OHB) and DLR.

“We are pleased to continue to work together with SNC as part of their Dream Chaser team,” said Prof. Jan Woerner, chairman of the executive board of DLR. “We recognize the significant value of the Dream Chaser, especially for LEO and we look forward to working together for new applications. The versatility of the Dream Chaser – crewed or uncrewed - allows for multiple applications such as transportation of cargo and humans as well as direct use for activities such as removing space debris.“

SNC’s Dream Chaser is a multi-mission-capable space utility vehicle that is able to flexibly operate as an independent science platform, logistics enabler or orbital servicing vehicle with the ability to deploy, retrieve, repair, replace, refuel or assemble items in space. Dream Chaser provides the only reusable, lifting-body spacecraft with a commercial runway landing capability, anywhere in the world - offering safe, affordable, flexible and reliable transportation to space.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2015 02:52 pm
DLR German Aerospace Center, Corporate Communications, Linder Hoehe, 51147 Koeln, Germany

Press release, 17 April 2015

Sierra Nevada Corporation and the German Aerospace Center announce New Dream Chaser Cooperation 


Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC's) Space Systems and the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) announce the signing of a new Dream Chaser® cooperation during the U.S. German Aerospace Roundtable (UGART) at the 31st
annual Space Symposium hosted by the Space Foundation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

"We highly value our partnership with the German Aerospace Center," said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC's Space Systems. "This relationship is a great example of the best-in-industry and government agency partnerships, both domestic
and international, that we have sought. Our Dream Team will continue the advancement of the Dream Chaser, which is a true global programme. We look forward to the next phase of our cooperation with DLR as we move forward with this new agreement."

Cooperation secured until 2017

The cooperation, which was entered into today, builds upon the successful one-year Dream Chaser technical agreement signed in 2013. The new agreement, which extends through 2017, will continue the valuable developmental work completed while identifying
new and advanced technologies to pursue in order to further advance the crewed and uncrewed Dream Chaser spacecraft as a flexible low-Earth orbit (LEO) space transportation system for a variety of missions and customers. One of the cooperative activities
completed this year was the Dream Chaser for European Utilization (DC4EU) study performed by SNC, OHB Systems AG (OHB) and DLR.
 
"We are pleased to continue to work together with SNC as part of their Dream Chaser team,” said Jan Wörner, Chairman of the DLR Executive Board. “We recognise the significant value of the Dream Chaser, especially for LEO, and we look forward to working
together for new applications. The versatility of the Dream Chaser – crewed or uncrewed – allows for multiple applications such as transportation of cargo and humans, as well as direct use for activities such as removing space debris."

SNC's Dream Chaser is a multi-mission-capable space utility vehicle that is able to flexibly operate as an independent science platform, logistics enabler, or orbital servicing vehicle with the ability to deploy, retrieve, repair, replace, refuel,
or assemble items in space. Dream Chaser provides the only reusable, lifting-body spacecraft with a commercial runway landing capability, anywhere in the world offering safe, affordable, flexible and reliable transportation to space.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: HIP2BSQRE on 04/19/2015 03:49 pm
Does anyone really feel that Dreamchaser will ever get finished?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 04/19/2015 04:45 pm

Does anyone really feel that Dreamchaser will ever get finished?

I think that's still very much up in the air at the moment.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/19/2015 05:12 pm

Does anyone really feel that Dreamchaser will ever get finished?

I think that's still very much up in the air at the moment.

Actually, up in the air would be a step in the right direction ... for a lifting-body...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Patchouli on 04/21/2015 02:56 am

Actually, up in the air would be a step in the right direction ... for a lifting-body...


Pretty much is for any spacecraft.

Still I hope it gets built as it's a very capable vehicle plus I feel landing like an aircraft is probably the safest and more practical way for a LEO crew vehicle to return.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: SWGlassPit on 04/21/2015 02:55 pm

Actually, up in the air would be a step in the right direction ... for a lifting-body...


Pretty much is for any spacecraft.

Still I hope it gets built as it's a very capable vehicle plus I feel landing like an aircraft is probably the safest and more practical way for a LEO crew vehicle to return.



Landing like an aircraft has its advantages, but I would strongly disagree with calling it the safest.  That style of reentry and landing requires a much finer degree of control and has more failure modes than other methods. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/21/2015 03:12 pm
Parachutes+water landings will stay in the lead safety-wise for the foreseeable future, but if you wish to consider other EDL methods (because you value the advantages they bring sufficiently to trade a little safety) it's a really unclear to me what's the next best method.

For more see a poll and discussion here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36856.msg1335263#msg1335263
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Patchouli on 04/22/2015 05:19 am


Landing like an aircraft has its advantages, but I would strongly disagree with calling it the safest.  That style of reentry and landing requires a much finer degree of control and has more failure modes than other methods. 

I degree on the grounds that statistics says otherwise.
The avionics on a space plane are probably more reliable then everything else in a space transportation system as they're more or less the same kind of technology millions of people trust their lives with every day when they fly on a commercial jet.

The shuttle's two LOC events were stack interaction related vs a failure of the landing systems.
It had a fragile TPS ,no LAS, and was in the debris stream of the launch stack.
Other then the two accidents the shuttle has not caused any injuries esp during landing.

Since Dream Chaser sits on top of it's LV and has a LAS the type of LOC events that happened on STS 51L would not have been a loss of crew event and the failure that happened on STS 107 would be impossible as there are no tanks ahead of the vehicle to shed debris.

I think DC on Atlas V could in fact be one of the safest spacecraft designed so far.
When it lands it's at an airport vs in the middle of the ocean,or the wilderness.
One of these is a better situation to be in then the other two esp if the crew has been deconditioned from a long flight or a crew member needs medical attention.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: darkenfast on 04/22/2015 07:49 am
CST-100 will land at somewhere like Edwards AFB, which is hardly wilderness.  Dragon will eventually transition to landing sites like the one at Vandenberg.  The lower G-forces of DC for long-term returnees will only be of benefit if the person is riding in a seat moved to the supine position, as was done on the Orbiter's mid-deck.  Have we seen any renderings showing that in the small DC cabin?  Both capsules have equipment to handle a degraded landing, such as three chutes or landing rockets backed up by chutes, plus water-landing capability, if needed.   
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: SWGlassPit on 04/22/2015 04:52 pm

I degree on the grounds that statistics says otherwise.


There have not been enough space flights to make any sort of judgment with any real statistical significance.  Even at a fairly low confidence level, the margin of error with respect to the number of samples available is quite large.

Instead, you need to look at the designs themselves.  Capsules are more able to be made passively stable, which means they can still survive a reentry even with complete loss of attitude control -- see, e.g., the Soyuz ballistic reentry profile.  Even with the shuttle, the winged design meant that positive control had to be maintained at all times, as the vehicle could not withstand the aerodynamic forces if its angle of attack or sideslip angle went beyond a specific envelope.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/22/2015 05:00 pm
That reminds me that we rarely acknowledge that the DC shape should be passively stable; the forces on those canted fins placing the center of lift above the center of mass. I suspect (but don't know) that DC could be even more stable than a capsule were it loaded with heavy cargo.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 06/15/2015 05:31 pm
"Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser could make Huntsville the first commercial landing site for space craft"

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/06/sierra_nevada_announcement.html

Local leaders this morning announced Huntsville will study feasibility of landing the Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser spacecraft at Huntsville International Airport.

Depending on the results of the study, Huntsville could become the first commercial airport landing a space craft, Mayor Tommy Battle said at the announcement Monday morning.

The study will take about six months, and landings could begin as early as 2018 when Dream Chaser is expected to begin space flight. The spacecraft will launch to space on an Atlas rocket built by United Launch Alliance of Decatur.

"The Dream Chaser spacecraft is proposed by SNC in the current NASA competition to supply cargo to the International Space Station," a media advisory from the Chamber said last week. "SNC also plans to operate the vehicle on other missions, tailored to a variety of U.S. and International Customers."
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 06/19/2015 11:41 pm
Dream Chaser Prepares for Flight
Posted on June 19, 2015 at 2:42 pm by commercial-crew-program.

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser engineering test article is being prepped for its second free-flight test at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California later this year. The flight test is a milestone under NASA’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) agreement with SNC.  The wings, windows and landing gear are installed. The Dream Chaser’s the nose skid will have thermal protection system tiles on the vehicle, manufactured at Kennedy Space Center’s Thermal Protection System Facility, for the flight test. The performance of the tiles will be assessed following the touch down on the runway.

SNC will share their thermal protection system work and a status of the Dream Chaser spacecraft to media and social media attending CRS-7 activities at Kennedy Space Center next week.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2015/06/19/dream-chaser-prepares-for-flight (https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2015/06/19/dream-chaser-prepares-for-flight)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 06/27/2015 11:44 am
Tile Shop Prepping Heat Shields for Future Flights
Steven Siceloff, KSC June 26, 2015

Heat shield tiles are getting stronger to make the next generation of American spacecraft safer as they experience searing heat and plasma on their way back into Earth’s atmosphere for landing.

[…]

Jacobs Technology engineers are producing test samples that will be used to protect the Dream Chaser spacecraft under development by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) in partnership with the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. The facility is the same workshop that produced space shuttle heat shield tiles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for more than 30 years.

SNC continues to advance its development of the reusable Dream Chaser spacecraft that launches vertically atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and returns to Earth for a runway landing. Like the shuttle, the Dream Chaser will use several kinds of protective materials on the outside of the spacecraft to form a protective barrier. Tiles made from improved silica-based blocks will make up most of the belly and upper portion of the heat shield, while a new material developed at NASA’s Ames Research Center called “TUFROC” will cover the nose and leading edges. Those are the surfaces that must resist and mitigate the highest temperatures the spacecraft experiences from the friction of re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Another factor that makes the tiles desirable for a heat shield: they are mostly air. As a result, the tiles are extremely lightweight, a vital factor for spacecraft design in which weight is the primary driver of launch costs.

At first glance, the white blocks with a Styrofoam texture look no different than the thousands of blocks made for the space shuttle heat shields before being coated with a black ceramic material. But these new blocks incorporate advanced materials, making them stronger while maintaining the capability to prevent searing plasma from jeopardizing a spacecraft or its crew during the hazardous phase of a mission as the crew returns from orbit through Earth’s atmosphere on the way to a landing.

The nose skid of the Dream Chaser currently is outfitted with thermal protection system tiles to assess performance in preparation for a free-flight test of the spacecraft at the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center targeted for later this year.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2015/06/26/tile-shop-prepping-heat-shields-for-future-flights/ (https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2015/06/26/tile-shop-prepping-heat-shields-for-future-flights/)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rdale on 07/28/2015 06:09 pm
Stephen Clark @StephenClark1
NASA's Phil Mcallister says Sierra Nevada’s next Dream Chaser drop test in California hopefully by the end of the year.

1:55pm · 28 Jul 2015 · TweetDeck
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/10/2015 04:38 pm
Presser:

Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces New
Dream Chaser® Spacecraft – Designated Landing Site Program

SPARKS, Nev. (September 10, 2015) – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems announces the launch of a new program, the Dream Chaser®-Preferred Landing Site Program, in which SNC will work with spaceports and commercial airports to become a designated landing site for the Dream Chaser spacecraft.

“The number of applicants requesting spaceport licenses both domestically and internationally has increased dramatically over the past 24 months,” said John Roth, vice president of business development and strategy for SNC’s Space Systems. “SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft is the only commercial space vehicle that is capable not only of a runway landing, but landing on runways that already support commercial aircraft. SNC has created this program based on the tremendous interest we have received to date from spaceports and airports around the world that want to host Dream Chaser landings as a stimulant to their local economies.”

Through the Dream Chaser-Preferred Landing Site Program, SNC is offering three different levels of designation, with the highest level culminating in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing a re-entry license to SNC for the designated spaceport or airport.  This program was created based on similar work currently being done with Ellington Spaceport in Houston, Texas and the Huntsville International Airport Authority (HIA) in Huntsville, Alabama.

Recently, the FAA granted a launch site license to the Houston Airport System (HAS), allowing the launch of reusable vehicles from Houston.  HAS was only the tenth location to be granted such a license. SNC has worked with HAS for over a year to aid in the submittal of their license and to assess the feasibility of landing Dream Chaser in Houston, home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

As announced in June at the Paris Air Show, SNC is also working with the City of Huntsville to assess the feasibility of landing the Dream Chaser spacecraft at the Huntsville International Airport, a public-use airport. Huntsville plays a significant role in the national and global space community.

“Dream Chaser is poised to lead the commercial space industry in reusable, low-Earth orbital flight,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems. “The benefits of multiple landing sites would be significant to both the landing site community and to the Dream Chaser network of domestic and international partners. With each Preferred Landing Site designation, comes a greater opportunity to make commercial space an accessible reality.”

SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft requires only a 10,000 feet or longer runway and does not have any onboard toxic consumables, including propellants. Therefore, the vehicle has very limited environmental impact and affords immediate post-landing access to the spacecraft.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: llanitedave on 09/11/2015 05:05 am
Great that they can land.  Now if we can only find a way to get them to take off!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Phyto on 09/11/2015 04:58 pm
Great that they can land.  Now if we can only find a way to get them to take off!

Unfortunately this eagle has charlie-horses in its talons & can't get off the limb its perched on.
Good luck soon!  ;) ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Phyto on 09/11/2015 05:06 pm
Off Topic: Just bumped up against the 120 second Rule: Very good rule! Won't happen again.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/06/2015 05:34 pm
Just because we've not reported on here for a while, and SNC promoted their CRS2 ambitions via congratulating ULA on the 100th launch....

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/10/dream-chaser-fighting-her-place-space/

I think we need to keep this in the Commercial Crew section for now.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/07/2015 08:46 pm
Great news!

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser® Program Preparing for
Second Free-Flight Test and First Orbital Test

SPARKS, Nev. (October 7, 2015) – In anticipation of a second phase of flight testing, Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems has announced significant updates to two Dream Chaser®  spacecraft currently in development. The spacecraft are the atmospheric engineering test article (ETA) and the advanced composite orbital vehicle, which when tested will undergo a suborbital and orbital flight regimen, respectively. SNC’s Mark Sirangelo provided a program update at the International Symposium for Commercial and Personal Spaceflight (ISPCS) in New Mexico.

“The SNC team is readying the ETA in order to begin the second phase of atmospheric flight testing early next year and our strategic partner, Lockheed Martin, is leveraging best practices in tooling and composites to manufacture the first orbital Dream Chaser spacecraft,” said Mark. N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president, SNC’s Space Systems. “Both efforts have been ongoing simultaneously and we are very pleased with the progress to date.”

Since flight test phase one, in which SNC’s Dream Chaser ETA successfully returned trajectory data of the flight profile, SNC has made significant structural and systems improvements to the ETA including the composite wings and aeroshells. SNC also invested heavily in maturing the spacecraft orbital avionics, guidance navigation and control, the flight software, and employed a number of new processes, all of which will be used on the orbital vehicle as well. Finally, the advanced orbital Thermal Protection System (TPS), announced in June, was installed on the ETA skid in order to do advanced testing of the actual orbital TPS in this important area.

“The Dream Chaser ETA is currently scheduled to arrive at Armstrong Flight Research Center in early 2016 in order to begin the second phase of atmospheric flight test.”

In parallel to the ETA upgrade, SNC has made significant progress on the build of the first Dream Chaser orbital vehicle manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin is leveraging best-practices in composite manufacturing from the Skunk Works®, its advanced development programs division, as well as its extensive experience in manufacturing and assembly from the F-35 Lightning II.

Lockheed Martin recently completed the Dream Chaser orbital cabin assembly, marking a significant milestone in the construction of this vehicle.  This assembly is the largest high-temperature unitized structure ever fabricated at U.S. Air Force Plant 4. The assembly utilized three-dimensional woven joints, to integrate internal frames with external carbon skins in a single co-bond operation, meaning nearly all fasteners on this critical cabin assembly are eliminated. This state-of –the-art approach to design and manufacturing is a highly efficient and affordable design solution.

“Upon completion, the Dream Chaser orbital vehicle will be the most advanced composite structure ever built. We look forward to Dream Chaser becoming the world leader in this area and to its first orbital flight,” said Sirangelo.

SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft is the only reusable, lifting-body, multi-mission-capable vehicle with a commercial runway landing capability - anywhere in the world. The Dream Chaser is a safe, affordable, flexible and reliable system capable of crewed and uncrewed transportation services to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the International Space Station. SNC has designed the Dream Chaser Cargo System as a solution for NASA’s commercial transportation services needs under the Cargo Resupply Services 2 contract and for other fully autonomous orbital missions.

###

Photo Cutline: SNC technicians inspect the Dream Chaser ETA.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, 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 at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems and Twitter @SNCspacesystems.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 10/07/2015 10:14 pm
Great news!

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser® Program Preparing for
Second Free-Flight Test and First Orbital Test

SPARKS, Nev. (October 7, 2015) – In anticipation of a second phase of flight testing, Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems has announced significant updates to two Dream Chaser®  spacecraft currently in development. The spacecraft are the atmospheric engineering test article (ETA) and the advanced composite orbital vehicle, which when tested will undergo a suborbital and orbital flight regimen, respectively. SNC’s Mark Sirangelo provided a program update at the International Symposium for Commercial and Personal Spaceflight (ISPCS) in New Mexico.

“The SNC team is readying the ETA in order to begin the second phase of atmospheric flight testing early next year and our strategic partner, Lockheed Martin, is leveraging best practices in tooling and composites to manufacture the first orbital Dream Chaser spacecraft,” said Mark. N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president, SNC’s Space Systems. “Both efforts have been ongoing simultaneously and we are very pleased with the progress to date.”

Since flight test phase one, in which SNC’s Dream Chaser ETA successfully returned trajectory data of the flight profile, SNC has made significant structural and systems improvements to the ETA including the composite wings and aeroshells. SNC also invested heavily in maturing the spacecraft orbital avionics, guidance navigation and control, the flight software, and employed a number of new processes, all of which will be used on the orbital vehicle as well. Finally, the advanced orbital Thermal Protection System (TPS), announced in June, was installed on the ETA skid in order to do advanced testing of the actual orbital TPS in this important area.

“The Dream Chaser ETA is currently scheduled to arrive at Armstrong Flight Research Center in early 2016 in order to begin the second phase of atmospheric flight test.”

In parallel to the ETA upgrade, SNC has made significant progress on the build of the first Dream Chaser orbital vehicle manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin is leveraging best-practices in composite manufacturing from the Skunk Works®, its advanced development programs division, as well as its extensive experience in manufacturing and assembly from the F-35 Lightning II.

Lockheed Martin recently completed the Dream Chaser orbital cabin assembly, marking a significant milestone in the construction of this vehicle.  This assembly is the largest high-temperature unitized structure ever fabricated at U.S. Air Force Plant 4. The assembly utilized three-dimensional woven joints, to integrate internal frames with external carbon skins in a single co-bond operation, meaning nearly all fasteners on this critical cabin assembly are eliminated. This state-of –the-art approach to design and manufacturing is a highly efficient and affordable design solution.

“Upon completion, the Dream Chaser orbital vehicle will be the most advanced composite structure ever built. We look forward to Dream Chaser becoming the world leader in this area and to its first orbital flight,” said Sirangelo.

SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft is the only reusable, lifting-body, multi-mission-capable vehicle with a commercial runway landing capability - anywhere in the world. The Dream Chaser is a safe, affordable, flexible and reliable system capable of crewed and uncrewed transportation services to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the International Space Station. SNC has designed the Dream Chaser Cargo System as a solution for NASA’s commercial transportation services needs under the Cargo Resupply Services 2 contract and for other fully autonomous orbital missions.

###

Photo Cutline: SNC technicians inspect the Dream Chaser ETA.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, 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 at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems and Twitter @SNCspacesystems.

...and here's the image from the press release: http://www.sncspace.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/1923
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/07/2015 11:38 pm
Orbital Dream Chaser!!

SNC:

Lockheed Martin recently completed our Dream Chaser® orbital cabin assembly!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 10/08/2015 12:33 am
Found a picture on their site from a few months ago of a sample of their TPS being tested at Ames.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 10/08/2015 10:26 pm
And now we get a peek inside!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 10/18/2015 01:07 am
From Aviation Week

http://aviationweek.com/space/dream-chaser-readied-resume-flight-tests
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: jacqmans on 11/22/2015 05:30 pm
Bad landing ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 12/20/2015 01:47 am
Some bits in the news about allowing Dream Chaser to land at Huntsville. Talk about whether they'd actually land at an airport with scheduled commercial service aside there was some interesting info as to what they're assessing.

They did dynamic testing on the runway to simulate the skid plate and the airport described any negative effects as "negligible." The airport, FAA, and regional control centers would have to coordinate but it was deemed as feasible. Further testing is required and a commercial landing permit would be required from FAA.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/11/2016 03:26 pm
On his twitter account, Tory Bruno says that the SNC uncrewed flight is still on for mid-2017.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Kryten on 01/11/2016 05:13 pm
On his twitter account, Tory Bruno says that the SNC uncrewed flight is still on for mid-2017.
He's since replied with this;
Quote
@torybruno  22m22 minutes ago
@Hauerg Sorry, I was referring to Starliner.  Dreamchaser lives, but not yet manifested
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ethan829 on 01/11/2016 05:41 pm
And from SNC themselves:

https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/686618479277899777 (https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/686618479277899777)[/size]
Quote
Lots of chatter stemming from the article noting #SNCDreamChaser launch in 2016. @NASA #CRS2 award will set dates and more. Stay tuned!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: dglow on 01/14/2016 04:30 pm
Announcement today at 4pm ET:

http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-to-make-major-space-station-cargo-transport-announcement-today
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars-J on 01/14/2016 09:57 pm
A new DC image from today's Sierra Nevada press release, showing it berthed:

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?utm_medium=srs.gs-twitter&utm_content=api&pid=47688&utm_campaign=&utm_source=t.co
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 01/15/2016 12:50 am
SNC's Dream Chaser® Cargo System A Transportation System to Deliver Cargo to the ISS for NASA

Published on Jan 14, 2016
Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser spacecraft has been selected under the second phase of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract to ferry cargo, crew supplies and experiments to the International Space Station. (Video courtesy of Sierra Nevada Corporation).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHvBUqfWDRs (https://youtu.be/0mIlGw--e60)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/16/2016 01:59 am
There was a press conference today by SNC on their CRS2 award. Jeff Foust summarized the press conference in a series of tweets:

Sirangelo: earlier contract for 2016 Dream Chaser launch on Atlas V will now be used for CRS-2.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688077336906993664

Sirangelo: do expect a “gradual expansion” of SNC workforce thanks to CRS-2 contract.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688072111747936256

Sirangelo: plan to send the Dream Chaser test article to Edwards in first half of this year for atmospheric flight tests.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688070600770908160

Sirangelo: current plan is to built two Dream Chasers, in series, to meet cargo mission requirements.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688069211860647937

Lindsey: crew version of Dream Chaser “very much alive,” with 85% commonality between systems in cargo and crew versions.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688067187257556993

Sirangelo and Lindsey say the first orbital Dream Chaser flight will be the first operational cargo flight, with add’l on orbit tests.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688066953852882944

Sirangelo: expect to work with NASA later this year to start setting flight dates for Dream Chaser missions.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688064754875772928

Lindsey: with both docking and berthing options, can go to any port on the station, offer NASA flexiblity in traffic management.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688063473570414594

Steve Lindsey: each Dream Chaser vehicle can be reflown up to 15 times.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688062115752574976

Mark Sirangelo: proud to be a part of this CRS-2 contract; many things yet to be determined, though.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688060939069976577

Finally on a Sierra Nevada Corp. press conference to discuss yesterday’s #CRS2 contract win. Long line to get in…
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/688059891299303424
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/17/2016 02:46 am
SNC tweeted some of its own statements at its Friday press conference. Here is some of their tweets:

"All the things we do for the cargo system will lead to the crewed system" #SNCDreamChaser
#SteveLindsey
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688067522151616512

"Accelerated pressurized return, key discriminator in our proposal" #SNCDreamChaser #CRS2 #SteveLindsey
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688064337689313282

"#SNCDreamChaser is a flexible vehicle for not just the space station, but all sorts of LEO missions" #SteveLindsey during SNC press conf
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688063439512551424

#SNCDreamChaser is able to "Return critical cargo to critical laboratories, all in the same workday" #MarkSirangelo
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688066421679505408

"...as [with] an airliner program, the ability to have different variants from the core architects is a key feature" @SNCDreamChaser
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688068569968422912

Sirangelo:One of the things we're most proud of is continuing the legacy of the space shuttle and carrying that torch #SNCDreamChaser @NASA
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688070302270533632

Sirangelo: Not only will we grow, but our partners like @LockheedMartin and universities will grow #DreamTeam #SNCDreamChaser #CRS2
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688073223871664133

Here is a more recent tweet by SNC:
Americans will once again see a vehicle return from space & land in Florida–M Sirangelo #SNCDreamChaser #BackinBlack
https://twitter.com/SNCspacesystems/status/688402241892401152
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/19/2016 02:03 pm
An article based on Friday's teleconference on DC:
http://www.defensedaily.com/sierra-nevada-sets-sights-on-crew-opportunities-after-cargo-resupply-services-2-award/

Quote
Sierra Nevada Space Systems Corporate Vice President Mark Sirangelo told reporters Friday during a teleconference that NASA has an “on-ramp” to bring on additional vehicles for crew if they meet certain criteria. NASA spokeswoman Stephanie Schierholz confirmed this Friday.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/22/2016 03:18 am
Rare interview with the co-owner of SNC, Fatih Ozmen:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2016-01-22/sierra-nevada-the-new-star-shaking-up-the-space-race
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: woods170 on 01/22/2016 03:01 pm
ESA to provide the IBDM for cargo DreamChaser

http://spacenews.com/europe-to-invest-in-sierra-nevadas-dream-chaser-cargo-vehicle/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrianNH on 01/22/2016 03:37 pm
IBDM = International Berthing and Docking Mechanism
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Comga on 01/24/2016 02:57 pm
ESA to provide the IBDM for cargo DreamChaser

http://spacenews.com/europe-to-invest-in-sierra-nevadas-dream-chaser-cargo-vehicle/

Now I am really confused. 
How does the European Space Agency invest in a supplier to NASA for a program to which they are a contributing partner?
What do they own for their investment and how do they get paid back?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 01/24/2016 04:02 pm
ESA to provide the IBDM for cargo DreamChaser

http://spacenews.com/europe-to-invest-in-sierra-nevadas-dream-chaser-cargo-vehicle/

Now I am really confused. 
How does the European Space Agency invest in a supplier to NASA for a program to which they are a contributing partner?
What do they own for their investment and how do they get paid back?
The cargo pod maybe built by a European company.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Todd Martin on 01/24/2016 06:16 pm
ESA to provide the IBDM for cargo DreamChaser

http://spacenews.com/europe-to-invest-in-sierra-nevadas-dream-chaser-cargo-vehicle/

Now I am really confused. 
How does the European Space Agency invest in a supplier to NASA for a program to which they are a contributing partner?
What do they own for their investment and how do they get paid back?

From what I understand by reading the article, the ESA invests in SNC doing the design and development work on the IBDM.  SNC cost shares building the first IBDM and can use in on the 1st cargo DC flight.  At the end of the development, ESA owns the intellectual property of the IBDM and will earn revenue each time SNC builds another IBDM and ESA can choose to build their own IBDM if needed.  Since we are not privy to the contract details, the exact terms may be different than what I describe.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Baranquilla on 01/25/2016 10:20 am
ESA to provide the IBDM for cargo DreamChaser

http://spacenews.com/europe-to-invest-in-sierra-nevadas-dream-chaser-cargo-vehicle/

Now I am really confused. 
How does the European Space Agency invest in a supplier to NASA for a program to which they are a contributing partner?
What do they own for their investment and how do they get paid back?

From what I understand by reading the article, the ESA invests in SNC doing the design and development work on the IBDM.  SNC cost shares building the first IBDM and can use in on the 1st cargo DC flight.  At the end of the development, ESA owns the intellectual property of the IBDM and will earn revenue each time SNC builds another IBDM and ESA can choose to build their own IBDM if needed.  Since we are not privy to the contract details, the exact terms may be different than what I describe.

Well I actually thought this money will for a large part go to Qinetiq, a European (United Kingdom-Belgium) company that has been working on the IBDM for 10 years already, they have built prototypes (I've seen one recently but neglected to take a picture). For ESA this is more like a way to have an 'in' into this project, ISTM. Also ESA cannot exploit technology for 'revenue', they are supposed to develop risky stuff and then let industry take over.

Anyways I talked to a pm at that company and they were all very disappointed to hear the 5 November delay of announcement and they seemed pretty happy with the announcement that SNC was in on the game.

Meanwhile I'm happy for the space industry in Belgium, one I hope to find a job in next year.

Edit: found someone else who had a picture: cred to Kris Christiaens:

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: jgoldader on 01/25/2016 11:45 am
Probably OT, but after seeing Baranquilla's picture of the docking system, I was reminded that I've never been clear of how the "petals" in the docking system work.  Anybody got a ref or video or whatever to clue me in?  Thx!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars-J on 01/25/2016 04:25 pm
Probably OT, but after seeing Baranquilla's picture of the docking system, I was reminded that I've never been clear of how the "petals" in the docking system work.  Anybody got a ref or video or whatever to clue me in?  Thx!

The petals are there to correct rotation mis-alignment, and to help guide the two adapters together. Hopefully most dockings should be precise enough to not need it, though.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: whitelancer64 on 01/25/2016 04:45 pm
Probably OT, but after seeing Baranquilla's picture of the docking system, I was reminded that I've never been clear of how the "petals" in the docking system work.  Anybody got a ref or video or whatever to clue me in?  Thx!

There are three petals on the docking port, and three on the approaching spacecraft - but they are arranged 180 degrees from one to the other. They fit together like interlocking fingers.

The current standard for docking systems is the International Docking System Standard (Revision D) which can be read here:

http://www.internationaldockingstandard.com/download/IDSS_IDD_Revision_D_043015.pdf

Any docking system designed to be IDSS compliant should be capable of docking with any other system that is also IDSS compliant.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/25/2016 04:54 pm
Probably OT, but after seeing Baranquilla's picture of the docking system, I was reminded that I've never been clear of how the "petals" in the docking system work.  Anybody got a ref or video or whatever to clue me in?  Thx!
Just slowly bring your fingers together with both of your hands until they interlace up to your palms... :)
BTW: We should be using the discussion thread for this... ;)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/27/2016 06:26 am
Dream Chaser simulator NASA photo. Looks like air tow to launch behind C-17...Hmm... ;)

https://www.nasa.gov/center/armstrong/multimedia/imagegallery/Simulator/ED14-0009-03.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Prober on 01/28/2016 02:37 am
Europe Looks Toward NASA's Cargo Plane To Clean Up Space Junk
http://www.popularmechanics.com/space/news/a19123/europe-looks-toward-nasas-cargo-plane-to-clean-up-space-junk/

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Nibb31 on 01/31/2016 09:13 am
Launch DC on an Ariane 5 to bring down a derelict satellite? How does that make any sort of economical sense? And what kind of dead satellite could DC even reach that would decay naturally after a while.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/03/2016 04:50 am
Quote
Sirangelo: planning a 60-day turnaround for Dream Chaser between landing and next launch; enables 4-5 missions/yr with same vehicle.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/694528522216423424

Quote
Sirangelo notes their CRS2 contract with NASA was fully negotiated before last month’s announcement, so they could start immediately.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/694524889903030272
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: baldusi on 02/04/2016 03:09 pm
Quote
Sirangelo: planning a 60-day turnaround for Dream Chaser between landing and next launch; enables 4-5 missions/yr with same vehicle.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/694528522216423424
Where did I see those extremely aggressive turnaround times for a reusable space vehicle during the late 70s / early 80s?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: LaunchedIn68 on 02/04/2016 11:45 pm
Quote
Sirangelo: planning a 60-day turnaround for Dream Chaser between landing and next launch; enables 4-5 missions/yr with same vehicle.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/694528522216423424
Where did I see those extremely aggressive turnaround times for a reusable space vehicle during the late 70s / early 80s?

I'm not sure but I had no idea that DC has 21,000 tiles and 2.5 million moving parts, not to mention three complex LH2/LO2 engines!  I better look at their website again.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 02/05/2016 12:58 am
Dream Chaser prototype cockpit 2015.

http://vri.vlaanderen/nl/ruimtevaartdagen-2015/eyecatchers/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: baldusi on 02/05/2016 11:46 am
Quote
Sirangelo: planning a 60-day turnaround for Dream Chaser between landing and next launch; enables 4-5 missions/yr with same vehicle.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/694528522216423424
Where did I see those extremely aggressive turnaround times for a reusable space vehicle during the late 70s / early 80s?

I'm not sure but I had no idea that DC has 21,000 tiles and 2.5 million moving parts, not to mention three complex LH2/LO2 engines!  I better look at their website again.
And where did I write that DC had those? English might not be my mother tongue but I'm pretty sure I didn't write that.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/05/2016 01:50 pm
He was trying to make the point that DC doesn't have all of that complexity but Shuttle did. In other words, comparaing DC to the Shuttle isn't entirely fair. In any event, this should be posted in the discussion thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/05/2016 02:10 pm
Very good interview with John Roth of SNC on DC:
http://observer.com/2016/02/nasas-new-space-shuttle-is-a-work-of-futuristic-art/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 03/01/2016 03:41 pm
A full-scale engineering test article of Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser spacecraft is nearing completion leading to a second round of atmospheric evaluations at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The flight testing, which calls for the Dream Chaser to be released high over California’s Rogers Dry Lakebed and glide to a safe landing, will build upon an earlier free-flight test milestone that returned valuable data for the design team.  Photo credit: Sierra Nevada Corporation

KSC's Spaceport Magazine Vol. 3 No. 3
http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/mar2016.pdf (http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/mar2016.pdf)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/10/2016 08:35 pm
Quote
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla — The Thermal Protection System Facility Annex or “TPSF” served NASA’s Space Shuttle Program during the iconic spacecrafts’ 30-years of service. It is now being used by one of the newest entrants under the second phase of the agency’s Commercial Resupply Services contract – Sierra Nevada Corporation.

In terms of CRS, the facility has been used on Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser shuttle. One of the original versions of the spacecraft were planned for use on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. However, when it came time for the selection of the Commercial Crew transportation Capability (CCtCap) down select (in September of 2014) – NASA opted to go with the crewed version of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft and Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner.


http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/reusable-dream-chaser-set-to-expand-reuse-of-shuttle-programs-facilities/#TB0sEYejpo3KELRI.99
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 03/12/2016 03:24 pm
There is a bit of an update in this recent article:

http://magazine.onlineamd.com/article/march-2016-/dream-chaser-to-supply-cargo-to-the-international-space-station.aspx

Quote
He [Lindsey] adds that SNC is working collaboratively with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Orbital Technologies Corp. (ORBITEC), to mature, advance, and refine all of the non-toxic systems being used for the reaction control system (RCS) and environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) on the Dream Chaser spacecraft. [...]

Another former NASA astronaut, Lee “Bru” Archambault, who flew two shuttle missions – one as spacecraft commander – will serve as the Dream Chaser director of flight operations. [...]

Sirangelo says the Dream Chaser Cargo System is designed to be operated autonomously, with ground monitoring. “In the event of degraded systems, damage, or other issues, we do have ground control operations that exist as a back-up mode. The uncrewed Dream Chaser spacecraft does not require any unique navigational aids, remote systems, or special ground support equipment, beyond GPS signals, and standard navigational aids and systems.” [...]

Next comes building and assembling two orbital flight vehicles. Lockheed Martin in Colorado already has begun building the structure for the first orbital vehicle, and SNC will build cargo modules as customer demand requires.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 03/12/2016 08:22 pm
Dream Chaser ETA ships back to Edwards for flight testing in October 2016

from the article dated March 7, 2016 : http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/reusable-dream-chaser-set-to-expand-reuse-of-shuttle-programs-facilities/#TB0sEYejpo3KELRI.99

"Curry: We’re about to fly the entry test article again here at the end of this year or the first quarter of next year [2015-2016]. It’s ready to ship, we’re going to ship the engineering test article back out to Edwards Air Force Base in October [2016]."
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 03/12/2016 11:58 pm
Dream Chaser ETA ships back to Edwards for flight testing ihn October 2016

from the article: http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/reusable-dream-chaser-set-to-expand-reuse-of-shuttle-programs-facilities/#TB0sEYejpo3KELRI.99

"Curry: We’re about to fly the entry test article again here at the end of this year or the first quarter of next year [2015-2016]. It’s ready to ship, we’re going to ship the engineering test article back out to Edwards Air Force Base in October [2016]."
I think that quote originally referred to October 2015. If the quote implied they were trying to fly in Q4 2015 or Q1 2016 it would have needed to be out there by that timeframe.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 03/13/2016 04:57 pm
Dream Chaser ETA ships back to Edwards for flight testing ihn October 2016

from the article: http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/reusable-dream-chaser-set-to-expand-reuse-of-shuttle-programs-facilities/#TB0sEYejpo3KELRI.99

"Curry: We’re about to fly the entry test article again here at the end of this year or the first quarter of next year [2015-2016]. It’s ready to ship, we’re going to ship the engineering test article back out to Edwards Air Force Base in October [2016]."
I think that quote originally referred to October 2015. If the quote implied they were trying to fly in Q4 2015 or Q1 2016 it would have needed to be out there by that timeframe.
That could be, the article was dated March 7, 2016 - do you have a source for the older quote, a comparison of the articles would be telling?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 03/13/2016 05:05 pm
Dream Chaser ETA ships back to Edwards for flight testing ihn October 2016

from the article: http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/commercial/reusable-dream-chaser-set-to-expand-reuse-of-shuttle-programs-facilities/#TB0sEYejpo3KELRI.99

"Curry: We’re about to fly the entry test article again here at the end of this year or the first quarter of next year [2015-2016]. It’s ready to ship, we’re going to ship the engineering test article back out to Edwards Air Force Base in October [2016]."
I think that quote originally referred to October 2015. If the quote implied they were trying to fly in Q4 2015 or Q1 2016 it would have needed to be out there by that timeframe.
That could be, the article was dated March 7, 2016 - do you have a source for the older quote, a comparison of the articles would be telling?
Just the same one you quoted that says they wanted to refly the test article in late 2015/early 2016. Can't refly in that period if it gets out there 6 months late.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 03/14/2016 05:10 am
The good news is California is getting badly needed rain. The bad news is... How long will it take the lakebed to dry out? Even though they're targeting the runway, I'm sure they'd like to have a dry lakebed as a contingency.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/01/2016 12:13 am
Panel with John Olson of SNC on March 30th at a National Academies meeting:

Quote
John Olson, SNC: 92% of Dream Chaser components are reusable; vehicle has a design life of at least 15 missions.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/715186636338933760

Quote
Olson notes Dream Chaser is launcher “agnostic”, shows it on Atlas 5, Ariane 5, Falcon Heavy, and future H-3.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/715187797976608768

Quote
Olson: while NASA is currently our anchor customer, we envision flying 3-4X of our revenue will come from non-NASA customers.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/715194715847655424

Quote
Olson: we don't have a billionaire benefactor looking to become a millionaire. But we are putting >$500M into vehicle development.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/715196323054686208

Quote
Olson: for Dream Chaser missions, launch and insurance 2 biggest costs. Prorated cost of vehicle itself will be much lower.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/715199495009607681
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 04/03/2016 05:45 pm
Report claiming Dream Chaser will land in Huntsville Alabama:

http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/03/will_huntsville_be_a_spaceport.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/03/2016 06:02 pm
Perhaps for non-NASA-missions. But NASA said that they wanted their samples in Florida at the CRS-2 press conference.

See also this recent interview with John Roth of SNC who confirms that the SLF will be the landing site for CRS2:

Quote
What are the plans for launch and landing sites? Will the Kennedy Space Center play a major role?

The contract right now for the cargo missions is based on launches out of Kennedy and landing at the shuttle landing site facility at Kennedy. Obviously we’d have an option—if they wanted—to discuss with us launching and landing from somewhere else but that’s our baseline concept in the CRS2 proposal. We have been working with a lot of different airports and spaceports both in the US and internationally who are interested in being able to land Dream Chaser at their facilities. We have had a number of discussions with those airports and spaceports. We have a few that are public like Houston and Alabama and a few others that we have been working with that have elected not to go public yet.

We are moving forward towards plans to look at eventual FAA licensing for landing Dream Chaser at other places than Kennedy. That right now is not part of our cargo contract.

http://observer.com/2016/02/nasas-new-space-shuttle-is-a-work-of-futuristic-art/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Stan-1967 on 04/03/2016 07:01 pm
I have to admit that Dream Chase looks to be the most exciting of all cargo or crew vehicles. I'll reconsider that when Dragon V2 starts doing powered landings.

I could not find information on the SNC website or ULA, but according to the video , it looks like they will use the Atlas V 552?   I saw two engines on the upper stage, large fairing, as well as the fairing being jettisoned before MECO. ( 48s into the clip)   Is the 552 configuration at the edge of its limits to lift Dream Chaser plus cargo?   Early jettison of the fairing makes sense, as Dream Chaser should be plenty robust for some minimal atmospheric loading during ascent.

I also wonder if Dream Chaser missions to ISS are now possible with just F9 FT vs. FH?   SNC does mention missions of Dream Chaser using FH, but that is somewhat dated to the crewed proposal.  F9 FT to LEO with Dream Chaser could be pretty low cost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHvBUqfWDRs
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/03/2016 09:49 pm
This discussion should be moved to the DC discussion thread. But to answer your questions, SNC hasn't stated it officially but most think that it is indeed an Atlas V 552 in the video.

The fairing of the F9 might be too small for both DC and its trailer. Presumably, FH has an option for a taller fairing. There was a discussion on both of these points in the discussion thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AnalogMan on 04/22/2016 07:18 pm
KSC-20160414-PH_SNC0001_0001 & 0002

Dava Newman, NASA's deputy administrator, fifth from the left, and William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, second from right, toured the Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser facility in Louisville, Colorado. SNC’s engineering test article of the Dream Chaser spacecraft is being assembled for a free-flight test later this year at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The free-flight test is part of the company's developmental agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Photo credit: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/29/2016 02:36 pm
I missed this when it came out. But this article clarifies and confirms what I said above that DC will land in Florida for CRS2 missions:

http://spaceksc.blogspot.ca/2016/04/dreamsville.html

Quote from: SNC
On March 31, 2016 Sierra Nevada Corporation participated in a press briefing hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County regarding the feasibility of landing SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft at Huntsville International Airport. Following that briefing it was reported that Huntsville is the only community that SNC is considering to land its SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft. Huntsville International Airport was the first commercial airport to initiate a landing site study and licensing effort for Dream Chaser and SNC is currently working with the Huntsville community regarding potential future commercial missions. However, all NASA Commercial Resupply Services 2 contracted missions will land at the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center.

Quote from: blog article
The representative clarified that the CRS-2 contract gives NASA the option to specify the landing site. For now, all landings are planned for KSC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/29/2016 02:44 pm
This part of the article from Satellite Today is interesting:

Quote
Regarding influences for future SNC satellites, Roth said the company’s acquisition of Orbital Technologies Corporation (Orbitec) in 2014 could influence new propulsion systems. One of Orbitec’s specialties is upper stage engines and in‐space propulsion systems. SNC acquired Orbitec because the company was heavily involved in the development of Dream Chaser, SNC’s multipurpose spacecraft that resembles a “mini‐Space Shuttle.” SNC employees from the company’s satellite side collaborate with and support employees working on Dream Chaser. Roth anticipates green propellant systems will gain popularity in coming years, as well as electric propulsion. He said SNC has designs for incorporating electric propulsion into Non‐Geostationary (NGSO) small satellites as well as the company’s small GEO product.

http://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2016/03/30/sierra-nevada-corp-concentrating-more-on-defense-satellites/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/29/2016 03:00 pm
Interesting article on DC's guidance software. It also says that the landing test is now set for December of 2016:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/04/28/draper-another-drive-into-space/ruYyV9cyo9lQT7ufBOQS5L/story.html

Quote
Dream Chaser can be launched atop a commercial space rocket. It’s designed for totally automated flight, with Draper’s software guiding it all the way. Draper already makes the guidance software for another space station resupply vessel, the unmanned Cygnus capsules. [...]

At Draper in Cambridge, a flight simulator is already running make-believe landings on a virtual runway. Tuohy said visitors who have tried to steer the simulated spacecraft have almost always crashed; the computer gets it right every time. [...]

The next Dream Chaser drop test is set for December. There’s still a vast amount of work ahead before the first space launch in 2019. And unlike other Draper space efforts, Dream Chaser is a commercial enterprise, and NASA only pays for performance.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Antilope7724 on 05/13/2016 04:06 am
Planetary Society Podcast:

Dream Chaser: The Return of the Spaceplane
Air Date: May 10, 2016
Run Time: 28:50
http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0509-mark-sirangelo-dream-chaser.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 06/05/2016 03:14 am
From our friends at Parabolic Arc

Sierra Nevada Corporation

John Olson
Vice President of Space Exploration Systems

  . Inaugural Dream Chaser cargo flight to ISS scheduled for between October 2019 and April 2020
  . Two Dream Chasers to fly total of 30 times over 10 years
  . NASA has reserved a minimum of 6 flights under CRS-2 contract
  .  Commercial missions planned for 2020-2021 will carry experiments arranged by NanoRacks
  .  Initial flights on United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V and later ULA’s successor Vulcan launch vehicle
  .  Dream Chaser could be launched on Japan’s H-3 and Europe’s Ariane 6 boosters
  .  Working with six airports and spaceports as locations to land

- See more at: http://www.parabolicarc.com/2016/06/03/nsrc-day-2-summary/#more-58577
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 06/22/2016 04:26 pm
Space Station Live: Chasing a Dream

NASA Johnson

Published on Jun 22, 2016
NASA Commentator Lori Meggs speaks with John Olson, the vice president for space systems for Sierra Nevada Corp., to learn more about its “Dream Chaser.” The company is making its dream a reality in partnering with NASA to advance the development of a commercial crew and cargo transportation system. Sierra Nevada Corp., SpaceX and Orbital ATK were selected by NASA for cargo missions to fly between 2019 and 2024.

https://youtu.be/KKb75sZRsgw?t=001

https://youtu.be/KKb75sZRsgw
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/11/2016 05:00 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sierra Nevada Corporation Completes First Dream Chaser® Cargo Service Milestone under NASA CRS2 Contract

SPARKS, Nev. (July 11, 2016) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is pleased to announce the successful completion of ISS Integration Certification Milestone 1 for the Dream Chaser Cargo System under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract. Under this milestone, NASA approved SNC’s complete program implementation plan for the design, development, test and evaluation of the Dream Chaser Cargo System. This includes plans and processes for meeting technical performance and CRS2 integration schedules associated with execution of docking and berthing missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Details included supplier plans, integration schedules, organizational structure and status of program risks and risk mitigations. Under the CRS2 contract, Dream Chaser will provide a minimum of six cargo delivery services to and from the ISS between 2019 and 2024.

More Than a Milestone
“The accelerated completion of the first milestone under the CRS2 contract award marks significant progress for SNC and the Dream Chaser program”, said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “We are thankful for the support we’ve received from NASA. The prompt completion of this essential program milestone is a big step in bringing us closer to returning a winged, runway-landing vehicle to space. This momentum will carry us with confidence in developing a reliable and affordable solution for ISS cargo delivery, return and disposal.”

In addition to SNC internal program integration, the milestone review covers the strategic plan for the involvement of external entities including international agreements and plans for obtaining necessary licenses from U.S. agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration.

Flight Testing Continues
In parallel with the continued execution of CRS2 milestones, SNC plans to resume the next phase of flight testing for Dream Chaser later this year. This vehicle was originally developed and tested in partnership with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program through Space Act Agreements (SAA). It was previously flown at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center and is being prepared for its second flight test through the SAA. It has been significantly upgraded in multiple areas to allow for testing to advance and verify critical systems which will also be used in the next generation vehicle currently under development for the forthcoming NASA ISS cargo resupply missions.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/11/2016 10:25 pm
And an article:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/07/dream-chaser-next-flight-iss-crs2/

With a sprinkling of extra info and Nathan's amazing L2 renders :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/25/2016 05:12 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Passes Second Milestone – Dream Chaser® Spacecraft on Track to Supply Cargo to ISS

SPARKS, Nev. (June 25, 2016) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has passed the second Integration Certification Milestone under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract. NASA assessed and fully approved SNC’s detailed approach for getting the Dream Chaser Cargo System to the International Space Station (ISS). SNC’s approved strategy demonstrates a thorough understanding of design requirements and available resources on both a system and subsystem level.  Dream Chaser will provide a minimum of six cargo delivery missions to and from the ISS between 2019 and 2024.  The first milestone was passed several weeks ago and outlined technical, logistic and schedule procedures for the program.

“Successful completion of the second Integration Certification Milestone within six weeks of the first major milestone demonstrates that the Dream Chaser team is moving at full-speed to meet NASA’s cargo delivery needs,” said Steve Lindsey, senior director of programs for SNC’s Space Systems business area and Dream Chaser co-program manager. “We very much appreciate NASA’s help and support through this milestone and those to follow. Our collective SNC/NASA team is confident in our design and strategy for the future and look forward to completing the work necessary to bring our unique cargo services solution to the ISS as rapidly as possible.”

Milestone 2 Key Components
Completion of Milestone 2 means NASA and SNC collectively agree on the certification criteria used to confirm Dream Chaser designs meet CRS-2 mission requirements.  These qualification and verification plans will be utilized during future integrated design and test milestones to validate Dream Chaser Cargo System capabilities.

Dream Chaser Flight Tests Will Support CRS2 Progress
The current flight vehicle has been upgraded with several cargo system design components to support multiple test objectives - verifying the spacecraft’s performance during final approach and landing, directly supporting the CRS-2 Certification Plan approved during Milestone 2.  This will ultimately accelerate development of the first orbital mission and increase confidence through flight-tested systems. The vehicle was originally developed and tested in partnership with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which included a full-test campaign at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center leading up to the October 2013 approach and landing test.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/26/2016 02:54 am
Quote from: Jeff Foust
Gerst: extended Space Act Agreement with Sierra Nevada Corp. through mid-2017 to support Dream Chaser landing test around Dec 2016.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/757578335505362944
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/27/2016 12:29 am
Quote
McAlister: SNC planning Dream Chaser approach and landing test in December, but agreement extended to June 2017 to give them margin.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/757949653442711552
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: psloss on 07/27/2016 07:21 pm
Quote
McAlister: SNC planning Dream Chaser approach and landing test in December, but agreement extended to June 2017 to give them margin.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/757949653442711552
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/28/2016 09:05 pm
Look at Dream Chaser all repaired! :)

Dream Chaser® Spacecraft to Begin Phase Two Flight Testing

SPARKS, Nev. (July 28, 2016) – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser full-scale, flight test vehicle is ready for transportation to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) in California where Phase Two flight tests will be conducted in coordination with Edwards Air Force Base (AFB). Dream Chaser program upgrades and initial hardware testing were completed at the Louisville, Colorado spacecraft assembly facility, and within the next several weeks the same Dream Chaser vehicle that conducted Phase One flight testing will arrive at NASA’s AFRC. Upon arrival, SNC will begin a series of pre-flight ground evaluations to verify and validate the vehicle’s system and subsystem designs. After successful completion of all ground testing, Dream Chaser will begin its Phase Two free-flight testing. These activities are being conducted through a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP).

“Dream Chaser continues to make strong progress toward orbital flight,” said Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “In addition to Phase Two flight testing, our on-time completion of the first two milestones under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract in the last two months positions us well to be on-schedule for orbital operational flight. We are very grateful for all the support we have received from NASA and the U.S. Air Force, and are excited to continue the legacy of historic flight testing that is the hallmark of NASA AFRC and Edwards AFB.”

What Are We Testing?
The vehicle will undergo a series of tests building on those performed in Phase One, including tow-tests, pre-flight tests and ending with free-flight testing. SNC is also performing additional critical tests to validate the Dream Chaser’s orbital flight software and calculate the spacecraft's handling and performance characteristics. Along with other pre-flight and post-flight evaluations, this data will be used to confirm Dream Chaser’s subsonic aerodynamic properties as well as flight software and control system performance requirements.

“These tests are significant for us in multiple ways; building on our previous flight test, completing a significant milestone under our CCP agreement, as well as gathering crucial data that will help complete the design of the vehicle being built for our CRS-2 contract,” said Sirangelo.

CCP Testing Supports CRS-2 Development
The Phase Two flight test efforts will be highly supportive of, and executed in parallel with continued work being done by SNC under the NASA CRS-2 program. The Dream Chaser test vehicle has been upgraded to include several hardware and software components being integrated into the Dream Chaser Cargo System design for the CRS-2 program, allowing for actual flight testing of the new components. The flight tests will act as a bridge between previous work with CCP and the next-generation vehicle currently under development for the forthcoming International Space Station cargo resupply missions.

Photo Cutline: Dream Chaser test vehicle prepares to ship.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/28/2016 09:16 pm
Is that the orbital frame in the back?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 07/28/2016 09:25 pm
Does anyoone know if those are the old landing gear or the gear designed for the DC?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/28/2016 10:56 pm
Different angle photo.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 07/29/2016 01:53 pm
Is that the orbital frame in the back?

No.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/29/2016 04:48 pm
Is that the orbital frame in the back?

No.

OK. But what is it then?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 07/30/2016 01:12 am
Is that the orbital frame in the back?

No.

OK. But what is it then?

Not positive, but I think it's the structural test article.  I stood right next to it, but I can't remember which one was the structural test article and which one was the one they used for mocking up the human interfaces.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 08/03/2016 10:26 pm
Sierra Nevada lifts curtain on Dream Chaser space-cargo taxi
With short video:
http://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/28/sierra-nevada-lifts-curtain-on-dream-chaser-space-cargo-taxi/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Kansan52 on 08/03/2016 11:22 pm
If memory serves, the flight pressure vessel was being built in Michoud. Is it still there?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: drnscr on 08/04/2016 05:37 pm
Will the dream chaser missions be piloted or non-piloted flights?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: baldusi on 08/04/2016 06:38 pm
Will the dream chaser missions be piloted or non-piloted flights?
Non crewed for Cargo. But having the Cargo version flying will retire a lot of risk for a crewed version.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Zed_Noir on 08/05/2016 12:22 am
Will the dream chaser missions be piloted or non-piloted flights?
You do realize that the cargo Dreamchaser is flown within a payload fairing with main propulsion thrusters deleted.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 10/21/2016 06:43 pm
Dream Chaser: The Spacecraft That Will Transform Humanity’s Access to Space
http://observer.com/2016/10/dream-chaser-the-spacecraft-that-will-transform-humanitys-access-to-space/

I want this model! 8)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: bolun on 10/22/2016 03:55 pm
The Dream Chaser® for European Utilization Program Takes Flight with Memorandum of Understanding

http://www.telespazio.com/-/dream-chaser-memorandum
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/13/2016 12:45 pm
Midland International Air & Space Port Receives Dream Chaser® Spacecraft Compatible Landing Site Designation
http://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/snc-midland-spaceport-11-3-16.html

SNC Subsidiary Kutta Technologies Opens Office in Huntsville
http://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/snc-kutta-huntsville_11-4-16.html

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Kryten on 11/14/2016 10:33 pm
Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust  2h2 hours ago
Lueders: current plan is for Sierra Nevada Corp. to do next Dream Chaser glide flight test in March.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 11/15/2016 09:36 pm
from
CCP Status report
http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/nac-heoc

Approach & Landing Test 2 (ALT-2) is CCiCap Milestone 4B and CRS2
Integration Milestone 5
– Full scale Dream Chaser® engineering test article (ETA) unpowered approach & landing
test (ALT-2)
- Ship to AFRC Q1 2017 for Range and Taxi Testing then Approach & Landing Test 2
- Primary Objectives:
o Collect subsonic aerodynamic data to validate wind tunnel and CFD aero results
o Validation of spacecraft low-speed aerodynamic flying qualities – stability and control
o Validate subsonic orbital vehicle flight software and GN&C functionality.

Key Dream Chaser test vehicle Activities, Q3-Q4 2016
– Successfully executed a large number of offline, on-vehicle and integrated tests in
Louisville, CO facility to verify system design requirements and validate system function.
– Landing Gear tests identified nose/main landing gear (NLG/MLG) deploy sequence issue
– Remaining work planned in Colorado before Jan 2017 ship to AFRC/EAFB
- Complete Landing Gear hydraulic system modifications and acceptance testing
  Avionics Checkout with Flight Fault Tolerant Flight Computers using Flight Software ver. 3.0 (flight load)
   Polarity Test, Multi-Actuator Test, pre-Ship Day-In-The-Life Test, Radar Altimeter installs,
  Flush Air Data System Checkout, Rollout Ground Resonance Test
  Prep ETA for ship before Christmas, Ship to AFRC/EAFB 1st week January 2017

"Execute Free Flight Test (ALT2) March 2017, complete milestone NLT Aug
2017 (current CCiCap 5-year period of performance).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/27/2016 04:26 am
The Dream Chaser® for European Utilization Program Takes Flight with Memorandum of Understanding

http://www.telespazio.com/-/dream-chaser-memorandum

Here is the most relevant part of that press release:

Quote
In March 2015, ESA released a Call for Ideas (CFI) for ‎strategic partnerships with the private sector in the field of Space Exploration. In response, OHB System AG (Germany), Sierra Nevada Corporation (USA) and  Telespazio SpA (Italy) teamed to create what is now called Dream Chaser for European ‎Utilization (DC4EU). ESA has selected the DC4EU mission out of 60 partnership ideas for a pilot phase implementation.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/27/2016 04:27 am
See below:

Quote
preparing Europe for independent routine access and return from LEO with a reusable system able to transport payloads for several different applications through Space Rider (based on Vega C), and activities involving Dream Chaser (based on Ariane 64);

http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Ministerial_Council_2016/Media_backgrounder_ESA_s_Ministerial_2016_in_Lucerne

Neat.....
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/28/2016 03:23 pm
This presentation was posted a couple of weeks ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjJzJPbBSOw
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 12/31/2016 04:29 am
Some screen captures.

22 launches of something we built. Helped build Cygnus. Do the berthing adaptors. Protected Juno mission from radiation. 20 millions rads coming into Jupiter. Dreamchaser can land on any airport that can a B737 or A320. FAA certified Houston and Huntsville airports. 12 other airports working to get certified. By folding wings can return in C-5 cargo plane.

For Dreamchaser carho took out all things that are not needed for human spaceflight. Took out ECLSS and abort motors. 5500 kg cargo capacity. Cargo module burns up. 15 to 20 times reusability. None of this works if we don't do the primary mission well. Looking at what else we can do. That's a pretty interesting list. Provide a vehicle, rocket and training. Integration experience. Come home at  1.6g. Leave home at breakfast and be home at dinner. 6 to 10 hours. Created full interior mockup of vehicle in a module fashion. Be able to quickly change modules. Can carry up to 1500 kg of exterior payload in 500 kg bays.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/31/2016 11:53 pm
Some captures from the presentation.

NASA. We don't think we could have lost another one. We have contingency supplies. For CRS-2 its about the same. A little more oversight for reliability and launching on time. A lot of complaints of the delays which is a big cost expense for the payloads. Station was prepared. Commercial payloads hurt more. Redundancy in CRS2. We did not overbuy. Capability to add missions if we need to. Launch on need capability. Bring up another vehicle quickly. Right now go with the missions we have if everything went according to plan. Have an ability to surge.

In this presentation, it was confirmed that the first missions of cargo DC will berth (not dock). However, Angela Hart from NASA said "at least in the initial vehicles" which implies that it could change later on (at 5m40s of the video).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/26/2017 11:41 pm
She's back in California!!

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/features/dreamchaser_arrives_at_armstrong.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/26/2017 11:46 pm
More...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/31/2017 06:01 pm
Article to mark the build up to the Spring test by Chris Gebhardt:
 https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/01/sierra-nevada-spring-landing-dream-chaser/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/07/2017 01:50 pm
Quote
UN News: UNOOSA is looking to launch the first UN mission to outer space. Tell us about that.

Simonetta Di Pippo:
We have started to understand that access to space is really important for developing countries to be part of this space community and to get more and more benefits from being part of this process.

We are working with the Sierra Nevada Corporation, which has developed the Dream Chaser vehicle. This is quite an interesting spaceship because it goes up as a normal space object and comes back as a normal plane so it can land on a normal landing strip. What we are trying to do now is to put together a mission which should fly, we hope, by the end of 2021. The current baseline is for two weeks in orbit and it could bring between 25-30 experiments. So the announcement of opportunity, which I hope will be out in the second half of 2017, will be open essentially to developing countries, but also to others. The experiments will be selected with the main criteria being that they have to be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55960
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/13/2017 03:17 pm
Officials Mull Proposal for Manned Mission to Refurbish Hubble Telescope:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/officials-mull-proposal-for-manned-mission-to-refurbish-hubble-telescope-1486927198
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 02/13/2017 03:45 pm
Officials Mull Proposal for Manned Mission to Refurbish Hubble Telescope:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/officials-mull-proposal-for-manned-mission-to-refurbish-hubble-telescope-1486927198

WSJ is pay walled, so went looking and found this... while not directly related to Dream Chaser, as a tech demonstrator of potential instrumentation that could be uses on that space craft... it takes speculation from paper to hardware already existing...
https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/12/09/nasa-selects-builder-for-robotic-satellite-servicing-mission/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 02/13/2017 04:01 pm
Officials Mull Proposal for Manned Mission to Refurbish Hubble Telescope:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/officials-mull-proposal-for-manned-mission-to-refurbish-hubble-telescope-1486927198

Here's a non-paywall version of the story.

http://www.astronomy.com/news/2017/02/potential-hubble-repair-mission
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/13/2017 10:56 pm
Officials Mull Proposal for Manned Mission to Refurbish Hubble Telescope:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/officials-mull-proposal-for-manned-mission-to-refurbish-hubble-telescope-1486927198

Here are some of the relevant parts:

Quote from: Pasztor
President Donald Trump’s advisers are considering an industry proposal to send a manned spacecraft to repair and upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope within the next few years, according to people familiar with the matter. The discussions are still preliminary [...]

The Hubble repair proposal also has garnered administration officials’ attention because it appears to meet still other important White House criteria, according to these people. The goal is to put a lid on federal expenditures for space by fostering public-private partnerships, while devising projects that can be completed within the president’s current four-year term.[...]

The company twice presented its proposal to transition officials, according to one person familiar with the details.[...]

An administration representative declined to comment, except to say that transition officials lacked power to approve new projects and “it will be the responsibility of the NASA administrator to set NASA policy.” [...]

You can access the article through Twitter (but not through a direct link for some reason):
https://twitter.com/Ally_Abrams/status/831171520290492416
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/16/2017 07:15 pm
Quote
Dream Chaser at @NASAArmstrong for testing. The same hangar where the Shuttle Enterprise was housed! #SNCDreamChaser

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/832313664866639873 (https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/832313664866639873)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 02/17/2017 09:03 pm
SNC's Dream Chaser Arrives at NASA Armstrong

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

Published on Feb 17, 2017
Sierra Nevada Corporation delivered its Dream Chaser spacecraft Jan. 25, 2017, to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, located on Edwards Air Force Base. The spacecraft will undergo several months of testing at the center in preparation for its approach and landing flight on the base's runway.

The test series is part of a developmental space act agreement SNC has with NASA’s HYPERLINK Commercial Crew Program. The upcoming test campaign will help SNC validate the aerodynamic properties, flight software and control system performance of the Dream Chaser.

The Dream Chaser is also being prepared to deliver cargo to the International Space Station under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract beginning in 2019. The data that SNC gathers from this test campaign will help influence and inform the final design of the cargo Dream Chaser, which will fly at least six cargo delivery missions to and from the space station by 2024.

https://youtu.be/ISFfUGPTEsQ?t=001

https://youtu.be/ISFfUGPTEsQ
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/19/2017 05:46 am
Quote
Looking back at a gorgeous picture of Dream Chaser on its way to @NASAArmstrong!

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/832998274533580800 (https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/832998274533580800)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Patchouli on 02/26/2017 03:41 am
Officials Mull Proposal for Manned Mission to Refurbish Hubble Telescope:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/officials-mull-proposal-for-manned-mission-to-refurbish-hubble-telescope-1486927198
I take it this means a crewed version still might be possible in the future.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Arch Admiral on 03/28/2017 05:50 am
The problem with the crewed version is that it has to be launched inside a payload shroud with wings folded which vastly complicates the abort system.

The reason it has to be launched in a shroud is that otherwise the booster is highly unstable in pitch due to the lifting surface at the nose. Dyna-Soar tried to fix this problem with big tail fins on the boosters but wind tunnel tests revealed unpredictable interactions between the spacecraft wing and the booster fins.

Also, I think NASA would be scared stiff by the wing folding joints. The landing gear doors were a lot of trouble on Shuttle but the long wing joints on the "navalized" Dream Chaser are just asking for a burn-through.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars-J on 03/28/2017 06:39 am
EDIT: moved reply to discussion thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/06/2017 01:09 pm
[NAC slide on DC]

See slide 13:
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nac_ccp_status_march_28_2017_.pdf
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/06/2017 01:14 pm
Dream Chaser to use Europe's next-generation docking system:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Dream_Chaser_to_use_Europe_s_next-generation_docking_system
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/17/2017 04:09 pm
This French article from March 21st 2017 says that SNC has not yet decided on a LV for cargo DC except for its first flight (which will be on an Atlas V). In the running are the following LVs:

Ariane 6 with 4 boosters
Blue Origin's New Glenn
ULA's Vulcan
SpaceX's Falcon 9

The article says that SNC will make a decision this spring on its LV for DC.

http://www.futura-sciences.com/sciences/actualites/dream-chaser-ariane-6-lancera-t-elle-mini-navette-dream-chaser-66745/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/22/2017 07:59 pm
Quote
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Making Commercial Space Flight More Accessible

Draper Readies Dream Chaser for International Space Station

CAMBRIDGE, MA – Flight software developed by Draper is helping to bring routine commercial space flight one step closer to reality. The software will be on Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser® spacecraft for resupplying the International Space Station (ISS). When the un-crewed spacecraft launches to the ISS, its mission will be to deliver six tons of food, supplies and fuel to the orbiting laboratory.

As an un-crewed spacecraft, Dream Chaser presents a unique set of challenges in its design and navigation. SNC envisioned a spacecraft that could land on a runway, similar to the Space Shuttle, so that it could be reused and put back into space within 60 days. SNC also wanted Dream Chaser to be resilient so that it could meet its goal of flying a minimum of 15 times.

For the Dream Chaser Cargo System, Draper addressed these challenges by applying its flight-proven capabilities that also enable cargo delivery to the ISS aboard Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft. The capabilities include mission automation and guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) software, as well as the human-rated fault-tolerant flight computer.

Draper used these same capabilities during the Constellation Program (CxP), when NASA had the Moon as a stepping stone towards missions to Mars. Now the company has brought those capabilities to one of the few spacecraft designated by NASA for resupplying the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) contract awarded to SNC.

Seamus Tuohy, director of space systems at Draper, believes Dream Chaser represents a new chapter in space travel. “The future of routine commercial space flight is quickly approaching, promising to make a trip into space as routine as air travel. Dream Chaser is an important step by showing how we can get to the Space Station and back quickly, easily and safely, and provide the vital cargo for making living and working in space possible for humans.”

The next test for Dream Chaser—a free flight and landing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center—will help validate the systems specially designed by Draper. The test flight will help confirm elements of the flight software and the flight control computer. It will also validate the spacecraft’s handling and performance characteristics during landing.

“Dream Chaser enhances the American capability to deliver and return ISS cargo, decreasing our reliance on foreign providers,” added Tuohy. “It also has the potential to increase use of hosted payloads and deployment of CubeSats by more industry and university partners.”

http://www.draper.com/news/making-commercial-space-flight-more-accessible (http://www.draper.com/news/making-commercial-space-flight-more-accessible)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/23/2017 09:14 pm
Acting administrator Lightfoot visits SNC on April 6 2017:

https://nasa.tumblr.com/post/159311970834/space-missions-come-together-in-colorado/embed

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/albums/72157682214616866
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/06/2017 09:51 am
Quote
Gemini Software Heritage Shaping Human Spaceflight Today

Aviation Week, May 03, 2017 – When a United Launch Alliance rocket boosts Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Dream Chaser commercial cargo vehicle toward the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of this decade, it will find its way there with technology that has roots in the orbital rendezvous technology the government funded in the Gemini program more than a half-century ago.

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, used government-funded guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) techniques dating from Gemini to build and program the guidance computer for the Apollo program, and it will use that same basic technology—upgraded dramatically over the years—for Sierra Nevada’s reusable robotic spaceplane...

http://www.aviationweek.com/commercializing-space/gemini-software-heritage-shaping-human-spaceflight-today (http://www.aviationweek.com/commercializing-space/gemini-software-heritage-shaping-human-spaceflight-today) (subscription required for full article)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 05/09/2017 04:02 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/861704463362535425 (https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/861704463362535425)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/22/2017 04:03 pm
Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 16m16 minutes ago

Another day of tow tests @NASAArmstrong for our Dream Chaser® spacecraft. We obviously brought the fuzzy dice along for the ride!

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/866681514918125571 (https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/866681514918125571)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2017 07:35 pm
 

Dream Chaser® Spacecraft Passes Major Milestone
Completes Successful Integration Review for Space Station Resupply Mission

SPARKS, Nev. (May 25, 2017) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) successfully passed the third integration milestone for the Dream Chaser program under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS2) program, bringing it a major step closer to providing resupply services to the International Space Station (ISS).

CRS2 Integration Review #3 (IR3) confirmed SNC’s Dream Chaser Cargo System design meets NASA’s key requirements and maximizes probability of mission success during future flights.  The spacecraft is scheduled for at least six missions between 2019 and 2024. The reliability of the Dream Chaser design was also thoroughly reviewed as part of NASA’s Phase I Safety Review Process, which successfully demonstrated safety and mission assurance criteria.   The reviews covered all stages of mission operations including ground, launch, flight and landing.

“Passing the third CRS2 integration milestone is a really big deal for the program and its future,” said Steve Lindsey, vice president of Space Exploration Systems for SNC’s Space Systems business area. “We are proud of this accomplishment and  are well on our way towards completing the next critical milestone and the remaining developmental phases.  It’s a great feeling to be executing all our milestones on schedule and to be moving forward to our operational flight.”

The spacecraft’s unique cargo design transports more cargo mass (5,500 kilograms) to the ISS each mission.  In addition, a significant amount of cargo, almost 2,000 kilograms is directly returned from the ISS to a gentle runway landing at a pinpoint location. Dream Chaser’s all non-toxic systems design allows personnel to simply walk up to the vehicle after landing, providing immediate access to time-critical science as soon as the wheels stop. .

The complex and thorough review process found no significant design, build or system issues and underscored the Dream Chaser’s readiness for flight.

The major elements of Milestone 3 included:     

    Successful completion of the NASA Phase 1 Safety Review
    32 Hazard Reports and 16 Safety Data Packages approved by NASA
    Dream Chaser Architectural Design’s met all CRS2 requirements (hardware, software, flight dynamics, thermal control, etc.)
    More than 100 detailed design documents were delivered to NASA along with 30+ design reviews
    During the three-day IR3 review, more than 1,000 charts were briefed to the approximate 45 member NASA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) team, which demonstrated that Dream Chaser is at Preliminary Design Review level of maturity
    Launch vehicle operations, outside subcontracts and agreements
    Range safety plan, as well as FAA, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) licensing
    5 Safety Review Phase 1 meetings were conducted prior to the IR3 review and involved the delivery of 46 individual Safety Data Packages developed under our S&MA team.


In addition to completing this milestone, the Dream Chaser atmospheric test vehicle is in preparations for flight testing that will help verify these designs. The spacecraft is currently testing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, having just successfully completed Phase One ground testing leading up to its second free flight test later this year.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/25/2017 08:08 pm
Quote
Dream Chaser® spacecraft at dawn.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/867833578528284673 (https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/867833578528284673)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/02/2017 10:41 pm
Quote
Dream Chaser® sun bathing at @NASAArmstrong.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/870768252712046593 (https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/870768252712046593)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/30/2017 02:53 pm
http://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/sierra-nevada-corp-dream-chaser-review-060117/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/17/2017 03:04 pm
Something happening today?

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 49s50 seconds ago

Test days start very early! While it isn’t fun waking up this early to go to work, I am rewarded with an amazing view at sunrise!

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886964092405252096 (https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886964092405252096)

Edit to add: it would seem so

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 37m37 minutes ago

Hi space enthusiasts! Engineer Eric Cain here. SNC gave me keys to the account today, so expect some cool behind-the-scenes access!
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886957469414699008 (https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886957469414699008)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 07/17/2017 04:52 pm
Tow test !

 
Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏Verified account @SierraNevCorp 9m9 minutes ago

Today, we tow the Dream Chaser® spacecraft down the runway to ensure it steers straight on flight day.  All that math is coming in handy!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/17/2017 08:33 pm
Quote
I waited at the end of the runway to see Dream Chaser® spacecraft braking to a stop. I'm excited to see it stop in this spot on flight day!

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887045087473127426 (https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887045087473127426)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/17/2017 08:36 pm
Quote
We still have more testing to complete before the captive carry later this year.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046592968228864

Quote
The flight test is still scheduled for later this year.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046773696548865

Quote
The highest altitude will be approximately 10,200 ft above ground level.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046913060634624

Quote
Since @edwardsAFB is located about 2,300 ft above sea level, that would make it about 12,500 feet mean sea level.
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046950205435904
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/19/2017 02:08 pm
Quote
Eric Berger ‏Verified account @SciGuySpace 1m1 minute ago

Sierra Nevada makes it official: Will launch first two Dream Chaser missions to supply ISS on @ulalaunch's Atlas V rocket.

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/887674930854342657 (https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/887674930854342657)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/19/2017 02:11 pm
ULA press release:

Quote
United Launch Alliance Signs Contract with Sierra Nevada Corporation to Launch Dream Chaser® Spacecraft to Deliver Cargo to International Space Station

Centennial, Colo., (July 19, 2017) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) announced that it selected United Launch Alliance’s (ULA’s) commercially developed Atlas V rocket to launch the first two missions of its Dream Chaser cargo system in support of NASA’s Cargo Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract.

“ULA is pleased to partner with Sierra Nevada Corporation to launch its Dream Chaser cargo system to the International Space Station in less than three years,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Human and Commercial Systems. “We recognize the importance of on time and reliable transportation of crew and cargo to Station and are honored the Atlas V was selected to continue to launch cargo resupply missions for NASA.”

The two awarded Atlas V missions will carry pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). The first mission is set to lift off in 2020 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in Florida. The second contracted mission is scheduled to lift off in 2021. Dream Chaser will launch atop an Atlas V 552, with a dual engine Centaur upper stage.

“SNC recognizes the proven reliability of the Atlas V rocket and its availability and schedule performance makes it the right choice for the first two flights of the Dream Chaser,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC's Space Systems business area.  “ULA is an important player in the market and we appreciate their history and continued contributions to space flights and are pleased to support the aerospace community in Colorado and Alabama,” added Sirangelo.   

The Atlas V has received NASA’s highest and most rigorous Category 3 Certification, which allows the Atlas V family of launch vehicles to fly NASA’s most complex and critical missions.

The Dream Chaser spacecraft has been in development for more than 10 years, including six years as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and leverages more than 40 years of NASA spaceflight and space shuttle heritage. In 2016, Dream Chaser was selected by NASA under the CRS2 contract to transport pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the ISS with return and disposal services.

http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-signs-contract-with-sierra-nevada-crs2.aspx (http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-signs-contract-with-sierra-nevada-crs2.aspx)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/19/2017 02:46 pm
Quote
Paragon Named by Sierra Nevada Corp Supplier for Dream Chaser

Press Release From: Paragon Space Development Corporation
Posted: Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Paragon was recently selected by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to provide flight hardware for its Dream Chaser spacecraft. In 2016, NASA selected SNC’s Dream Chaser to transport pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS) with return and disposal services.

Paragon will provide the Thermal Control Radiators for the vehicle’s cargo module. The solution will leverage Paragon’s patented Extruded Radiator (xRAD™) technology, a state-of-the-art, cost-effective radiator solution which eliminates the structural and thermal inefficiencies associated with bonded radiators structures.  The xRAD™ technology also increases vehicle integration flexibility and reduces development time, manufacturing risks, and manufacturing costs.  Delivery of flight radiators is to commence in early 2019 with deliveries through 2022.  As a part of the disposable cargo module, the radiators will burn up during reentry at the end of each mission.

“Paragon’s offering was a result of years of Paragon’s directed internal R&D funding that brought the technique and practical application out of the laboratory and onto the factory floor to benefit our customers that are needing better-value radiator solutions,” said Grant Anderson, President & CEO of Paragon.  “This multi-unit and multi-mission order will be just the beginning of a decades-long relationship to provide high quality and competitively priced radiator hardware to Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser family of vehicles.”

Earlier this year, SNC successfully passed the third integration milestone for the Dream Chaser under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS2) program, confirming that the company’s Dream Chaser vehicle can meet NASA requirements for transporting cargo to and from the space station. The reliability of the Dream Chaser design was also thoroughly reviewed as part of NASA’s Phase I Safety Review Process, which successfully demonstrated safety and mission assurance criteria. The reviews covered all stages of mission operations including ground, launch, flight, and landing.

“SNC is pleased to be working with Paragon on the Dream Chaser program,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “Their radiator technology is a key component in SNC’s ability to deliver a safe, affordable, flexible and reliable system.”

For other news on Paragon, please visit www.paragonsdc.com. For more information on the Dream Chaser program, please visit: www.sncorp.com

Media Contact: Tracey Jaloma

520-382-4814 [email protected]

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51219 (http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51219)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 07/20/2017 01:16 am
Quote
Paragon Named by Sierra Nevada Corp Supplier for Dream Chaser

Press Release From: Paragon Space Development Corporation
Posted: Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Paragon was recently selected by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to provide flight hardware for its Dream Chaser spacecraft. In 2016, NASA selected SNC’s Dream Chaser to transport pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS) with return and disposal services.

Paragon will provide the Thermal Control Radiators for the vehicle’s cargo module. The solution will leverage Paragon’s patented Extruded Radiator (xRAD™) technology, a state-of-the-art, cost-effective radiator solution which eliminates the structural and thermal inefficiencies associated with bonded radiators structures.  The xRAD™ technology also increases vehicle integration flexibility and reduces development time, manufacturing risks, and manufacturing costs.  Delivery of flight radiators is to commence in early 2019 with deliveries through 2022.  As a part of the disposable cargo module, the radiators will burn up during reentry at the end of each mission.

“Paragon’s offering was a result of years of Paragon’s directed internal R&D funding that brought the technique and practical application out of the laboratory and onto the factory floor to benefit our customers that are needing better-value radiator solutions,” said Grant Anderson, President & CEO of Paragon.  “This multi-unit and multi-mission order will be just the beginning of a decades-long relationship to provide high quality and competitively priced radiator hardware to Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser family of vehicles.”

Earlier this year, SNC successfully passed the third integration milestone for the Dream Chaser under the NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS2) program, confirming that the company’s Dream Chaser vehicle can meet NASA requirements for transporting cargo to and from the space station. The reliability of the Dream Chaser design was also thoroughly reviewed as part of NASA’s Phase I Safety Review Process, which successfully demonstrated safety and mission assurance criteria. The reviews covered all stages of mission operations including ground, launch, flight, and landing.

“SNC is pleased to be working with Paragon on the Dream Chaser program,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “Their radiator technology is a key component in SNC’s ability to deliver a safe, affordable, flexible and reliable system.”

For other news on Paragon, please visit www.paragonsdc.com. For more information on the Dream Chaser program, please visit: www.sncorp.com

Media Contact: Tracey Jaloma

520-382-4814 [email protected]

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51219 (http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=51219)

Attached are two images from Paragon [ http://www.paragonsdc.com/thermal-control/ ] of the extruded radiators, note that the Stag150 is cylindrical.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/20/2017 03:40 pm
Quote
Steven Lindsey, SNC: planning Dream Chaser glide test this fall. Scheduling challenge is helicopter availability during fire season. #ISSRDC

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/888043420777717760

Quote
Lindsey: got unanimous approval from 84 UN nations in June to proceed with planned Dream Chaser free flight mission in 2021-22. #ISSRDC

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/888044188591206400
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/26/2017 12:15 am
In response to a query about last week's tow test:

Quote
Sierra Nevada Corp‏ Verified account @SierraNevCorp
Replying to @DutchSpace

This tow test had a top speed of 60mph. The 20/40/60 mph ranges have all been tested at this point.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/889990584525606913
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 08/01/2017 03:00 pm
From HEO July meeting, https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ccp_nac_july24_2017.pdf
Commercial Crew Update:

"Extended CCiCap Space Act Agreement to Aug 2022 and add 8 new unfunded milestones in support of continued
crewed capability development"

didn't list these milestones?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/02/2017 03:08 pm
The last SAA (NNK12MS03S) that I can find for them is updated to 2015:
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/CCiCap_SNC_508.pdf

But there is also these links which provides some details of the amendments since 2015:
http://government-contracts.insidegov.com/l/9683740/NNK12MS03S
https://govtribe.com/contract/award/nnk12ms03s
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/18/2017 11:20 pm
Quote
Smooth ride! The Dream Chaser® spacecraft comes to a stop after a successful tow test @NASAArmstrong.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/898666097313849344
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/19/2017 07:41 pm
MDA To Provide Communications Subsystem For Dream Chaser:
https://www.coloradospacenews.com/mda-to-provide-communications-subsystem-for-dream-chaser/

Quote
July 26, 2017 – MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA), a global communications and information company, today announced that it has received an Authorization to Proceed on a multi-million dollar contract from Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). MDA will provide a communications subsystem for on-board communication signal processing capabilities for the Dream Chaser Cargo System

See also:
http://mdacorporation.com/news/pr/pr2017072601.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/24/2017 12:28 pm
Some new pics dated 17 Aug from https://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/media-resources/ (https://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/media-resources/)

Edit: Doh! Only thumbnails downloaded - fixing now ... finally fixed; had connection problems
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/24/2017 06:24 pm
https://youtu.be/jeMndeNG7cw (https://youtu.be/jeMndeNG7cw)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/25/2017 02:56 pm
Huntsville/Madison County is another step closer to landing a space vehicle at the Huntsville International Airport:
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-hsv-intl-airport-landing-faa-licensing/

SNC welcomes the UN:

Quote
The first-ever United Nations space mission is intended to launch as early as 2021 and will allow United Nations Member States to participate in a 14-day flight to low-Earth orbit (LEO) on SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft.

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-un-sparks-visit/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/28/2017 05:26 pm
Yay for Dream Chaser content!

Chris Gebhardt rounds up where things are with some L2 info, including the change of chopper:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/dream-chaser-captive-carry-test-runway-tow-tests/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/29/2017 05:12 pm
CAPTIVE CARRY LIVE!!! Wednesday! :)
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/902576331208220672
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 01:16 pm
So it's supposed to be on this link in 15 mins:
https://www.facebook.com/SierraNevCorp/

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 01:32 pm
There's the different chopper to the one previously used on Captive Carry tests...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 01:46 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 01:54 pm
Giving proper credit to the BOR-4 as DC's ancestor.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 01:55 pm
Anybody wants a DC stack model?  ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 01:58 pm
APUs firing up.

20ft line.

Helicopter will hover over DC first.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 01:58 pm
"The Sassy, Greener, Leaner Little Sister to the Space Shuttle".
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:10 pm
Getting close to starting the rotors.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:13 pm
Engine start!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:18 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:20 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 02:20 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:22 pm
Liftoff!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 02:22 pm
Lift off!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:23 pm
Heading over to the lakebed.

Initializing GN&C next.

Then doing low-altitude passes to burn off some gas and start practicing.


Finally high-altitude passes for approach sims.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:23 pm
Nice banking.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 02:29 pm
That's all we're going to get, but it was more than we expected, so all is good!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: eeergo on 08/30/2017 02:30 pm
Did they mention the landing gear would drop automatically at 200 ft for this test, or were they talking in general? I was distracted when they mentioned it, and only half-heard the answer.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 08/30/2017 02:32 pm
Did they mention the landing gear would drop automatically at 200 ft for this test, or were they talking in general? I was distracted when they mentioned it, and only half-heard the answer.
Yes
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 08/30/2017 02:34 pm
Nice! :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 08/30/2017 02:48 pm
Full video
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/30/2017 07:04 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser® Spacecraft has
Successful Captive Carry Test

 

SPARKS, Nev. (August 30, 2017) — Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser engineering test article passed a successful Captive Carry test at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center on Wednesday as part of the Phase Two flight test efforts to advance Dream Chaser progress toward orbital flight.

 

“We are very pleased with results from the Captive Carry test, and everything we have seen points to a successful test with useful data for the next round of testing,” said Lee “Bru” Archambault, SNC’s director of flight operations for the Dream Chaser program.

 

These activities are being conducted through a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP), although the Phase Two flight tests will also be highly supportive of, and executed in parallel with continued work being done by SNC under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract. The Dream Chaser test vehicle has been upgraded to include several components being integrated into the Dream Chaser Cargo System design, allowing Phase Two tests to act as a bridge between previous work with CCP and the next-generation vehicle currently under development for cargo resupply missions.

 

During Captive Carry test #1, a Columbia Helicopters Model 234-UT Chinook helicopter successfully carried the Dream Chaser to the same altitude and flight conditions Dream Chaser experiences before release on a Free Flight test.

 

The SNC Mission Control Center team sent commands to Dream Chaser, monitored performance and collected critical test data designed to allow the team to refine Dream Chaser systems for peak performance on the actual Free Flight test day.

 

The Captive Carry test obtained data, evaluated systems such as radar altimeters, flush air data system, air data probes, navigation system, as well as overall system performance in a flight environment.

 

Successful data analysis, flight crew and flight control team proficiency, are critical ingredients needed for Certification of Flight Readiness.   All technical info from the Captive Carry flight tests will be evaluated by the SNC engineering team and shared with NASA counterparts.

 

This Captive Carry test is one of two scheduled for 2017.  Another Captive Carry test, designated Captive Carry #2, will incorporate fine tuning needs or lessons learned from today’s test flight.  A fully successful Captive Carry #2 test, once completed, clears the way for the Dream Chaser Free Flight test.

 

“This test is another indication the Dream Chaser is on track for meeting our key milestones on the way to orbital spaceflight.  We are excited to move through the remaining ground and flight testing to help inform our CRS2 orbital vehicle design and upcoming production,” said Steve Lindsey, vice president of Space Exploration Systems for SNC.

 

The Free Flight test is scheduled for later this year.

 

About Dream Chaser Spacecraft

Owned and operated by SNC, the Dream Chaser spacecraft is a reusable, multi-mission space utility vehicle. It is capable of transportation services to and from low-Earth orbit, where the International Space Station (ISS) resides, and is the only commercial, lifting-body vehicle capable of a runway landing. The Dream Chaser Cargo System was selected by NASA to provide cargo delivery and disposal services to the ISS under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS2) contract. All Dream Chaser CRS2 cargo missions are planned to land at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility.

 

About Sierra Nevada Corporation

Recognized as one of “The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space,” Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) provides customer-focused advanced technology solutions in the areas of space, aviation, electronics and systems integration. SNC’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, 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 has more than 25 years of space heritage, participating in more than 450 successful space missions and delivering 4,000+ systems, subsystems and components around the world.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Space Pete on 08/30/2017 09:38 pm
Great to see DC flying again!

Interestingly, N239CH's history shows that it only returned to the US this past May, after a stint of operations in Papua New Guinea.

Also interesting is that N239CH's "brother" at Columbia Helicopters is N242CH - which is Trump's former Chinook! :D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/30/2017 09:50 pm
Quote
Some post-flight closeups of Dream Chaser, back in its hangar.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/902967796220305408
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/30/2017 10:17 pm
Standalone Films have some images on flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/81789298@N05/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81789298@N05/)

A selection below (having to post one by one due to connectivity issues)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/30/2017 11:36 pm
Full video

The archived video of the captive carry test is also available here:
https://www.facebook.com/SierraNevCorp/videos/1402390566505929/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 08/31/2017 08:05 am
confirmation of the gear deployment

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/902922137849049089 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/902922137849049089)

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 08/31/2017 08:06 am
Chris, apparently press was around, can we get somebody in for the next one ? or we have nobody around the Edwards area ?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/01/2017 12:47 am
Quote
Who needs a moon to do an Eclipse... #DreamChaser #Eclipse2017 @SierraNevCorp @NASAArmstrong

https://twitter.com/dutchspace/status/903332819639967744
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: OV135 on 09/02/2017 10:37 pm
Will there be any drop tests with a pilot flying it? I'm curious to see how she handles in actual atmospheric flight. X-38 was before it was scrapped from ISS use as an ECRV for the crew.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 09/03/2017 03:48 pm
Automated, no pilot.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 09/03/2017 03:53 pm
Quote
While SNC is focused for now on developing the cargo version of Dream Chaser, the company has not closed the door on developing a crew version. Lindsey said the company recently signed a five-year unfunded extension of its CCiCap agreement with NASA to support potential future development of a crewed vehicle.

“We have some unfunded milestones where NASA will come in and look at our requirements and how we’re developing our cargo vehicle, look at the path or trace to the crewed vehicle, and help us out,” he said of the extended agreement with NASA. “We’re going to do cargo first, and do the best we can with cargo and prove out the vehicle,” he said, “but our intent some day is to go back to crew as well. How and when is TBD.”

http://spacenews.com/dream-chaser-completes-captive-carry-test-flight/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/12/2017 11:20 pm
https://youtu.be/hvhebFylZI0 (https://youtu.be/hvhebFylZI0)

Quote
Published on 12 Sep 2017
Watch as our Dream Chaser® spacecraft was carried beneath a Columbia Helicopter over Edwards Air Force Base in California on August 30, 2017. This test, also known as the Captive Carry, is one of many milestones happening at NASA’s Armstrong flight Research Center leading up to a free flight later this year.

Timestamps:
0:00 - 47:00: Analysis with Sierra Nevada Corporation's Kimberly Schwandt and Steve Lindsey/Facebook LIVE Q&A
47:00 - 58:50: Captive Carry lift-off
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 09/26/2017 04:01 am
Dream Chaser Completes Captive Carry Test at NASA Armstrong

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center
Published on Sep 25, 2017

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser completed an important milestone toward an orbital flight on Wednesday, Aug. 30, with a successful captive carry test at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, located on Edwards Air Force Base. A helicopter successfully carried a Dream Chaser test article, which has the same specifications as a flight-ready spacecraft, to the same altitude and flight conditions of an upcoming free-flight test.

https://youtu.be/nU7Sn98W_xY?t=001

https://youtu.be/nU7Sn98W_xY
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 09/27/2017 02:08 pm
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Announces Call for Interest for Dream Chaser Spacecraft Mission Payloads:
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-unoosa-dream-chaser-call-for-interest/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/02/2017 01:42 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation Announces Expansion of German Aerospace Center Partnership:
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-german-aerospace-partnership/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/03/2017 11:17 pm
Sierra Nevada corporation signs memorandum of understanding with Canadian Space- Agency:
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/sierra-nevada-corporation-signs-memorandum-of-understanding-with-canadian-space-agency/

Dream Chaser for Canada event on December 6th and 7th:
http://asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/events/2017/dream-chaser-for-canada.asp
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/07/2017 10:33 pm
We've gained NASA confirmation that the SNC Dream Chaser ETA vehicle recently completed a *second* Captive Carry test and is now preparing for the big milestone of the free flight Approach and Landing #2 (ALT-2) test in the second half of October!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 10/18/2017 12:04 am
Some new photos from NASA.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/19/2017 07:17 pm
Dream Chaser has won Popular Science magazine’s 2017 “Best of What’s New” award:

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dc-popsci-2017/ (https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dc-popsci-2017/)

Yes, you read that correctly. No, it’s not a piece in the Onion ...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/24/2017 11:21 pm
Draper and Sierra Nevada Corporation Announce New Agreement for Space Missions:
http://www.draper.com/news/draper-and-sierra-nevada-corporation-announce-new-agreement-space-missions
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/05/2017 11:19 am
Via L2 coverage from the NASA side, today (Sunday, November 5) is the latest NET for the big landing test, Approach and Landing Test 2 (ALT-2). Previous dates were delayed to an issue that required an updated test review and of course the big issue was the lack of a chopper due to fire fighting duties.

Chopper was making its way back last week. Issue was resolved. Test date set....for TODAY.

There is no word from SNC as of right now.

So, they will either have delayed to a later date. Won't webcast it (like they didn't webcast the previous landing test). Or just announce a good test after the event.

They webcast captive carry 1. They have greatly improved their social media. But they didn't even mention captive carry 2, which was a bit strange, as we know that was completed.

I would note I can understand them being silent, as the last test was really unlucky and they are a commercial company who need to control their image (just like SpaceX and the others, by the way).

Best we can do is for everyone keep an eye on Armstrong.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/05/2017 01:45 pm
WX looks good but gusts are going to pick up...
http://aviationweather.gov/adds/metars/index?submit=1&station_ids=KEDW&chk_metars=on&chk_tafs=on&hoursStr=1&std_trans=translated
https://www.globalair.com/airport/apt.weather.aspx?aptcode=edw
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/06/2017 05:39 pm
Where we stand as we wait for news:

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/11/dream-chaser-approach-landing-test/

- by Chris Gebhardt (and a bit from me).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/07/2017 01:31 pm
WX looks good today...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/08/2017 11:12 am
WX update for today, winds are light and variable for the time being with gusts very late in the day. So we have a window for a flight if all else is GO...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 11/08/2017 08:34 pm
NASA7 is orbiting Edwards, I would guess checking the weather for a possible attempt?

https://www.flightradar24.com/NASA7/f7884c2
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 11/08/2017 08:40 pm
and looks like another plane in the area, N865NA (registered to NASA)

https://www.flightradar24.com/N865NA/f788946
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/08/2017 08:53 pm
Both planes are now circling over a new area.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 11/08/2017 08:54 pm
Looks like NASA7 landed at the main runway, N865NA circling the southern runway
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/08/2017 09:01 pm
One is still circling right next to the runway.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/08/2017 09:02 pm
Just bolted straight out.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 11/08/2017 09:08 pm
Now making a pass over the northern main runway (STS-126 landed here!)

Edit: well looks like it landed, odd as the altitude was still at 2,600 ft!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/08/2017 09:08 pm
All quiet on Facebook and Twitter for SNC and Armstrong...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/08/2017 09:10 pm
SNC is pretty active on Twitter today, but mainly with totally irrelevant tweets. If I didn't know better, they are doing that on purpose. They follow me and will be seeing my tweets! ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 11/08/2017 09:11 pm
Looks like both aircraft landed
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/08/2017 09:11 pm
All aircraft in the area have now landed. Possibility that the test has been completed, but no way to know for sure.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/09/2017 08:15 am
While we await news, SNC uploaded some DreamChaser graphics a few days ago:

https://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/media-resources/ (https://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/media-resources/)

Thanks to @Dutchspace for the heads-up (https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/928546908825583616)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/09/2017 01:24 pm
Don't know if they have the ops and the range for today but here is the WX update, gusts expected to pick-up:
http://aviationweather.gov/adds/metars/index?submit=1&station_ids=KEDW&chk_metars=on&chk_tafs=on&hoursStr=1&std_trans=translated
https://www.globalair.com/airport/apt.weather.aspx?aptcode=edw
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/09/2017 02:33 pm
Quote
Looks like Gerst just disclosed the date of Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser glide test at Edwards: November 14.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/928646279147802625
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/11/2017 01:13 pm
WX forecast for today and into next week looks great for flying...
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/us/weather/california/mojave
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 11/11/2017 02:59 pm
NOTAM for EDW today!

Quote
M1038/17 - AERODROME UNCONTROLLED AIRFIELD OPERATIONS TAKING PLACE WITH
 AIRCRAFT CONDUCTING GLIDE OPERATIONS FROM 13,000 FEET MSL LANDING
 ON RUNWAY 22L. DAILY 1400Z - 2100Z. 11 NOV 14:00 2017 UNTIL 12 NOV 21:00 2017.
CREATED: 10 NOV 00:35 2017

https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/printRetrievalMapAction.do
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/11/2017 03:13 pm
Runways:
https://resources.globalair.com/dtpp/globalair_00500ad.pdf
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 11/11/2017 04:03 pm
Weather alert for dense fog until 1100.  http://www.intellicast.com/Storm/Severe/Bulletins.aspx?location=USCA0715

but it looks like it all burned off.


Weather link  http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Observation.aspx?location=USCA0715

CAVU with no wind.  C'mon, baby....

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/11/2017 04:29 pm
Light winds picking up should help clear any fog left...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/11/2017 05:13 pm
For what it's worth, the two NASA planes that we were monitoring as part of a potential test on November 8th returned to LAX later that night. So either they are not related to the Dream Chaster flight (which is completely possible), or they will have to fly back to Edwards today.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 11/11/2017 05:46 pm
Wind still light   http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Observation.aspx?chart=Wind


 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/11/2017 06:36 pm
REPORTS OF A SUCCESSFUL TEST!!!

Quote
Hearing that Dream Chaser successfully flew an approach and landing test today!

https://twitter.com/TheLurioReport/status/929431427233480704
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/11/2017 06:44 pm
Waiting for official confirmation...

Nothing showed up on the flight tracker. The helicopters usually don't show up, so that is not too much of a surprise. It's very possible that if there were some support aircraft, those too were helicopters. Additionally, they could have had planes which were a bit more stealth than commercial ones.  8)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/11/2017 09:17 pm
This isn't the video that you are waiting for but it is still of interest (posted by the UN):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlGy__k3M-8
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/11/2017 09:26 pm
More UN stuff (audio report):
https://tunein.com/radio/United-Nations-Radio-p533887/?topicId=117988047
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/11/2017 10:21 pm
Quote
More on today's Dream Chaser flight:

 - Supposed to be Press Release today but "slow about such things;"
 - Video is _awesome_ but if/when to release unclear.

Come on #SierraNevada!

https://twitter.com/TheLurioReport/status/929488553255604224 (https://twitter.com/TheLurioReport/status/929488553255604224)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/12/2017 12:09 am
SNC confirms a successful test. Still waiting for the full report.

https://twitter.com/b0yle/status/929499540792553472

Quote
.@SierraNevCorp confirms that it has good news relating to #DreamChaser space plane testing. Full report coming soon.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DaveS on 11/12/2017 12:48 am
And here's the official SNC tweet with photos: https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/929525013274923008

SNC is proud to announce the Dream Chaser® spacecraft had a successful free-flight test today @EdwardsAFB, with support of @NASAArmstrong. The Dream Chaser had a beautiful flight and landing!

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/12/2017 01:03 am
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/929527465646739456

Quote
On Monday SNC will share more information, photos and video from today's Dream Chaser free-flight test at @EdwardsAFB.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/12/2017 01:03 am
Dream Chaser wheels stop... Congratulations to all the teams, well done! :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 11/12/2017 01:10 am
Congrats to SNC!!!!!! Take Sunday off, you've earned it.


Somewhere, Dale Reed and Milt Thompson are smiling, I hope Joe Engle knows about it.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 11/12/2017 01:18 am
And we now have pictures:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/929525013274923008

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/12/2017 06:40 am
Quote
On Monday SNC will share more information, photos and video from today's Dream Chaser free-flight test at @EdwardsAFB.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/929527465646739456
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/13/2017 02:43 pm
Reminder: Video and additional info release today! Everybody put your feelers out...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 11/13/2017 02:55 pm
Reminder: Video and additional info release today! Everybody put your feelers out...

Chris and I should both get them later today.  I just got confirmation that I will, at least.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 11/13/2017 03:07 pm
Reminder: Video and additional info release today! Everybody put your feelers out...

Chris and I should both get them later today.  I just got confirmation that I will, at least.

I need a sticker for my hangar toolbox, if they're giving them out.

And Yes, I'm jealous!!!!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/13/2017 04:55 pm
NASA article on the test.
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/features/SNC_Dream_Chaser_Free_Flight.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/13/2017 08:10 pm
Quote
Mark Sirangelo, Sierra Nevada Corp., on media call: successful flight test Saturday a signal our program has moved closer to operations and orbital flight.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/930179747421786112 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/930179747421786112)

Quote
Sirangelo: initial analysis of data indicates we met or exceeded requirements for the milestone under NASA CCiCap award.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/930180196677844997 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/930180196677844997)

Quote
Sirangelo: released from altitude of 12,324 ft, flight time of 60 seconds. Top speed of 330 mph.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/930180587280846849 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/930180587280846849)

Quote
#DreamChaser touchdown at about 191 mph on concrete runway 22L. Veterans Day & 40 years since space shuttle Enterprise test flights.

https://twitter.com/spacecom/status/930180783158857728
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/13/2017 08:10 pm
Quote
Check out this video! The Dream Chaser® spacecraft completed an approach and landing test on Saturday at @EdwardsAFB, with support from @NASAArmstrong.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/930180794428952576 (https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/930180794428952576)

https://vimeo.com/242615668
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 11/13/2017 08:37 pm
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 11/13/2017 10:17 pm
Quote
Join us tomorrow at 4 p.m. MT for a live free-flight Q&A.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/930209924713508864
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/13/2017 11:36 pm
Quote
Wings. Are. Back.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/930232118491471872
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 11/14/2017 03:09 am
same as above but only on YouTube...

Dream Chaser spacecraft Free Flight Test, 11 November 2017

SciNews
Published on Nov 13, 2017


Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Dream Chaser spacecraft underwent a successful free-flight test on 11 November 2017 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 program, the Dream Chaser is preparing to deliver cargo to the International Space Station beginning in 2019.

Credit: NASA/Sierra Nevada Corporation
Dream Chaser spacecraft Free Flight Test 2017

https://youtu.be/4Q8tGVUnoZg?t=001

https://youtu.be/4Q8tGVUnoZg
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 11/14/2017 02:52 pm
Dream Chaser® Spacecraft Free-Flight Test Data Sheet:

Date: Saturday, November 11th 2017
Lift-off time: 8:30 am PT
Release time: 09:41 am PT
Release altitude: 12,324 feet, mean sea level
Release equivalent air speed: 66 miles per hour
Release angle of attack: -2.17 degrees
Release angle of sideslip: -0.76 degrees
Maximum speed: 330 miles per hour
Maximum angle of attack in flight: 16.5 degrees
Dream Chaser time in glide: approx. 60 seconds
Dream Chaser horizontal glide distance: 16,217 feet
Dream Chaser touch down time: 09:42 am PT
Landing speed: 191 miles per hour
Landing touchdown point: 1,250 feet down runway
Landing rollout distance: 4,200 feet
Helicopter type: Columbia Helicopters Model 234-UT Chinook
Length of helicopter suspension system: 200 feet
Runway: Edwards Air Force Base Runway 22 Left
Vehicle length: 30 feet long
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/14/2017 10:44 pm
Quote
Join us tomorrow at 4 p.m. MT for a live free-flight Q&A.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/930209924713508864

This is happening now by the way. I have asked a few questions myself.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/14/2017 11:45 pm
Here is a transcript of today's Q&A (on twitter) with Steve Lindsey of SNC:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/with_replies

Question: 1st: Congrats!!! 2nd: the left landing gear appeared to develop a, "wicked shimmy" shortly after landing. Did that actually occur or was it some kind of optical illusion or camera artifact?

Answer: I didn't see that; good rollout so maybe an artifact?

Question: Will the cargo DC still have windows (like the test article)?

Answer: No windows on the cargo version - sad for a pilot like me 😟

Question: Do you already have an aspirational target date for the demo/maiden flight of the actual (not the test article) DC?

Answer: We are currently in discussions with @Space_Station on when our first flight will occur

Question: Looking to the future: can/will Dream Chaser launch with several launch providers after its initial flights with @ulalaunch? Such as @SpaceX, @Arianespace or @blueorigin?

Answer: We are assessing multiple launch vehicles for future missions. 

Question: What are your plans for DC in the post-ISS world?

Answer: We are looking at many different types of missions, to include stand alone science missions, satellite servicing missions, and crewed missions ... just to name a few.  We intend to be flying Dream Chasers for a long, long time. 

Question: what rocket do you guys plan to launch with?

Answer: Our first mission will be on an Atlas V rocket @ulalaunch .

Question: How many Dream Chaser spaceplanes does SNC currently plan to build and operate?

Answer: Total number will depend upon the customers and types of missions we fly.  Hopefully a whole fleet of Dream Chasers!

Question: does the Dream Chaser still have the capabilities preform an ISS orbit boost?

Answer: Yes, we do. 

Question: First off, thank you for your contributions To the space program, Steve. My question to you is: What lessons were learned from drop test 1 and what changed between the first flight and now?

Answer: We learned so many lessons from the first flight, I can't possibly list them here.  The same will be true from this flight.  And this is exactly why we flight test; to make our orbital vehicle/system better. 

Question: What’s the maximum amount of time Dream Chaser could stay on orbit, docked to the ISS?

Answer: For cargo/science resupply flights, 45-75 days.  But that's based on what @Space_Station has requested in their visiting vehicle traffic manifest; we can stay docked or berthed longer than that if needed. 

Question: Do you have internships available for college students that will provide hands-on experience with projects like Dream Chaser?

Answer: YES!! Go check out the SNC website - http://sncorp.com 

Question: For crewed flights, what abort options will Dream Chaser have if an emergency occurs during launch?

Answer: We have designed the Dream Chaser to be able to abort anytime during ascent (including while sitting on the launch pad).  For missions to the @Space_Station, we also have the ability to land at runways up the east coast of the United States.

Question: What is the future of this particular Dream Chaser vehicle after its completed all testing? Donating it to a museum?

Answer: Right now we plan to keep it in 'flyable storage' so we can use it for future test flights if needed.  It is also human rated, so when we build a crewed version in the future we'll do additional atmospheric flight test.  Then maybe to a museum!

Question: Because I think all LV's in dev't now should have REUSABILITY as a basic feature, what's SNC's aspirational target for number of reuse w/ minimal refurbishment for each D.C. spacecraft?

Answer: Our design goal is 15 flight reuse -- we'll get better data on their actual life once we start flying missions

Questions: 1) Has all the CFD/Modeling been done for launch/stress atop the Atlas V? 2) Were other firms' launchers modeled/tested? 3) Time/issues if converting to Astronaut Ferry Mission?

Answers: We've done a lot of CFD/Modeling work on the Dream Chaser and our Launch Vehicle.  We are investigating several different launch vehicles; this will include similar work.  We maintain a 'path to crew' with our vehicle; crew and cargo vehicles are about 85% common

Question: I am wondering; If the successful atmospheric Free-Flight test of @SierraNevCorp's Dream Chaser, on November 12, did not included a test-routine for the folding-wing design, when and how will that be tested?

Answer: We'll test the wing deployment system on the ground and in a vacuum & thermal chamber.  The wings are deployed on orbit - so they'll already be fixed in place prior to entry.

Question: My dad noted many similarities (visually) between Dream Chaser and X-38. Was that program the starting point for this one?

Answer: Similar, but different heritage from the X-38.  The Dream Chaser comes from NASA's HL-20 Program, which came from the Russian BOR-4 Program.  How's that for an interesting heritage?!

Question: In mid flight during the drop test,  the DC seemed to wobble from left to right. Was this normal?

Answer: Great question!  That 'wobbling' was actually an intentional 'Programmed Test Input', or PTI.  This set of maneuvers was designed to assess the responsiveness and stability of the vehicle and provide us better aerodynamic data.  Worked Great!!

Question: Why the lag on getting video out? It's so much easier for folks like me to retweet stuff when it's there to retweet - and we're ALWAYS hungry for webcasts!

Answer: It was Veteran's day weekend.  We flew at a closed airfield (Edwards AFB) -- and the men and women of the USAF deserved the weekend off!  We processed the video as soon as we had access to it.

Question: how many test flights do you think there will be after the most recent one?

Answer: We're assessing the data from this most recent test - our decision to execute additional test flights will be based on whether or not we accomplished all of our test objectives from this flight. 

Question: Was #DreamChaser being flown strictly via computer or was a human involved?

Answer: The Dream Chaser flew autonomously (via computers and pre-programmed commands).  However, we also had a flight control team capable of commanding the vehicle and analyzing telemetry in real time.

Question: Will the U.N. mission in 2021 land in the United States or outside the U.S?

Answer: We haven't made a decision on this -- but we are working this question with  @UNOOSA

Question: What's the transition has been like btwn space shuttle nd dream chaser...does smaller means less complicated or the opposite...in reference to design, aerodynamics, propulsion etc..

Answer: We took all of the lessons learned from the Space Shuttle Program and applied them to our design; making the vehicle as robust and simple as possible.  This will make Dream Chaser more reliable and less expensive to operate.

Question: I noticed that even when #DreamChaser is in contact with the ground on all 3 landing gears it is still pitched up somewhat. Most aircraft are pitched down a little. Why is that?

Answer: Our nose skid strut is a little higher but when at rest the vehicle is pretty level.  The shuttle nose gear was much shorter, and that resulted in much firmer 'slapdown' forces.  Our derotation and nose strut touchdown is much gentler by comparison

Question: what are the 2 most important safety features redesigned in DreamChaser vs Space Shuttle?

Answer: 2 that come to mind are:- We went from toxic chemicals (such as hypergolic fuels and hydrazine) to non-toxic fuels, which make for easier access to the vehicle and safer ground processing - Improved, tougher heat shield
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: the_other_Doug on 11/15/2017 05:34 pm
Question: In mid flight during the drop test,  the DC seemed to wobble from left to right. Was this normal?

Answer: Great question!  That 'wobbling' was actually an intentional 'Programmed Test Input', or PTI.  This set of maneuvers was designed to assess the responsiveness and stability of the vehicle and provide us better aerodynamic data.  Worked Great!!

I noticed this wobble in the video, and was about to post about it in concern before I saw this post.  I recall the lifting bodies tested in the '60s tended to have a roll instability, which at times caused loss of vehicles.  I believe a large central vertical stabilizer was added to the HL-10 at one point, to try and reduce this instability.

Good to see that the DC design not only anticipated this instability as a potential problem (which has obviously been designed out), but also that they incorporated an intentional roll instability in this ALT in order to see how well the avionics damped it out.

Great to see!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/15/2017 09:44 pm
https://youtu.be/kFOOUnf2940 (https://youtu.be/kFOOUnf2940)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 11/15/2017 10:49 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFOOUnf2940 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFOOUnf2940)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN9xsFUsPqM

 ;D
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/15/2017 10:50 pm
Quote
Dream Chaser® spacecraft Free-Flight test by the numbers...

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/930944414452781057
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: DAZ on 11/16/2017 12:20 am
Question: In mid flight during the drop test,  the DC seemed to wobble from left to right. Was this normal?

Answer: Great question!  That 'wobbling' was actually an intentional 'Programmed Test Input', or PTI.  This set of maneuvers was designed to assess the responsiveness and stability of the vehicle and provide us better aerodynamic data.  Worked Great!!

I noticed this wobble in the video, and was about to post about it in concern before I saw this post.  I recall the lifting bodies tested in the '60s tended to have a roll instability, which at times caused loss of vehicles.  I believe a large central vertical stabilizer was added to the HL-10 at one point, to try and reduce this instability.

Good to see that the DC design not only anticipated this instability as a potential problem (which has obviously been designed out), but also that they incorporated an intentional roll instability in this ALT in order to see how well the avionics damped it out.

Great to see!

I believe it was the M2 F2.  It was susceptible to a phenomenon similar to a Dutch role at high angles of attack.  This led to an incident stemming from a temporary distraction from a helicopter that led to a late/overly aggressive pull-up which ended up producing the high angle of attack with the incident of instability.  This instability was quickly recovered from but resulted in a late landing gear deployment.  The landing gear was not fully deployed at touchdown and folded back into the aircraft.  As the M2 F2 did not have either wings nor a relatively flat bottom the resulting lack of deployed landing ended up in a rather spectacular series of ground loops.  With the last ground loop plopping the M2 F2 onto its back.  (This spectacular footage was used in the opening clips of the $6 million man).  The pilot suffered significant but not fatal injuries.  The injuries were not fatal because the cockpit stayed in essentially one piece.  Due to a design flaw in the original construction, the correction resulted in the cockpit being way overbuild to the original design specifications which would've been inadequate to save the pilot in this event.  Eventually, the program continued with a new lifting body design called the M2 F3 that had a 3rd center fin to correct the instability problem.`
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 11/16/2017 01:54 am
Question: In mid flight during the drop test,  the DC seemed to wobble from left to right. Was this normal?

Answer: Great question!  That 'wobbling' was actually an intentional 'Programmed Test Input', or PTI.  This set of maneuvers was designed to assess the responsiveness and stability of the vehicle and provide us better aerodynamic data.  Worked Great!!

I noticed this wobble in the video, and was about to post about it in concern before I saw this post.  I recall the lifting bodies tested in the '60s tended to have a roll instability, which at times caused loss of vehicles.  I believe a large central vertical stabilizer was added to the HL-10 at one point, to try and reduce this instability.

Good to see that the DC design not only anticipated this instability as a potential problem (which has obviously been designed out), but also that they incorporated an intentional roll instability in this ALT in order to see how well the avionics damped it out.

Great to see!

I believe it was the M2 F2.  It was susceptible to a phenomenon similar to a Dutch role at high angles of attack.  This led to an incident stemming from a temporary distraction from a helicopter that led to a late/overly aggressive pull-up which ended up producing the high angle of attack with the incident of instability.  This instability was quickly recovered from but resulted in a late landing gear deployment.  The landing gear was not fully deployed at touchdown and folded back into the aircraft.  As the M2 F2 did not have either wings nor a relatively flat bottom the resulting lack of deployed landing ended up in a rather spectacular series of ground loops.  With the last ground loop plopping the M2 F2 onto its back.  (This spectacular footage was used in the opening clips of the $6 million man).  The pilot suffered significant but not fatal injuries.  The injuries were not fatal because the cockpit stayed in essentially one piece.  Due to a design flaw in the original construction, the correction resulted in the cockpit being way overbuild to the original design specifications which would've been inadequate to save the pilot in this event.  Eventually, the program continued with a new lifting body design called the M2 F3 that had a 3rd center fin to correct the instability problem.`
Aren't we being naughty discussing in the update thread? To cap it off the M2 series was the inverted "half-cone" and the most radical of the lifting bodies. The X-24A/B (flat bottom) and HL-10 (cambered bottom) were more benign in handling especially after the glove was fitted to the HL-10 two outer vertical stabilizers... It was these two that led there design evolution to the X-38 and HL-20... The BOR-4/SPIRAL were not a true lifting body designs from entry to landing as their vertical stabilizers folded down to a conventional wing position in order to land. The HL-20 and Dream Chaser proved that the pure lifting body concept was sound aerodynamically subsonically to touchdown as we saw...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lar on 11/16/2017 02:31 am
Yeah guys, there IS a discussion thread.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: pargoo on 11/16/2017 06:06 am
    Hopefully we'll get those approach/touchdown pics in hi-res sometime soon..?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 11/16/2017 01:16 pm
High-res photos available here: https://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/media-resources/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: pargoo on 11/16/2017 08:47 pm
     Well found :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 11/18/2017 02:41 pm
An SNC Update that slipped under the radar (which is why it refers to a free flight test later in the year).

Quote
Here is a brief overview of several tests that have been completed to date on the Dream Chaser at NASA’s AFRC:

Tow Testing

The Dream Chaser must undergo several tow tests to validate the performance of the spacecraft’s nose skid, brakes, tires and critical elements of the Guidance, Navigation and Control system of the Dream Chaser. During these tow tests, the vehicle is towed by a pickup truck to various speeds. Once the top speed is reached, Dream Chaser is then released from the tow hitch and the vehicle’s braking system is then used to bring it to a complete stop. Include link to new tow test video?

    20/30/40 mph Tow Tests: March 15 and May 2, 2017
    These tests were performed as part of a ramp-up approach to higher speed tow tests. Objectives included:  Verify ground navigation, verify control, verify differential braking capability, verify simultaneous braking capability and verify tire/rolling friction models.

    60 mph Tow tests: May 20, 2017
    These tests were performed as part of a ramp-up approach to the Captive Carry and Free Flight tests later this year. After three successful tow tests at this speed, the avionics and brakes operated as expected and the vehicle is ready for the Free Flight later this year. One final 60 mph tow test will be completed before the Free Flight Test.

Moments of Inertia (MOI) Tests: March 22 to April 1, 2017


SNC partnered with the Flight Loads Laboratory at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center to perform mass properties measurement testing on the Dream Chaser. The vehicle mass properties were successfully characterized allowing the team to better estimate the flight performance. Testing the vehicle in multiple configurations over multiple test runs reduced the testing uncertainty and provided accurate results.

Airborne - Ground Resonance Test: April 24-26 2017

SNC, again partnering with the AFRC Flight Loads Lab, measured the structural response of the Dream Chaser spacecraft to programmed flight control system sweeps at various frequencies. This test was performed with the Dream Chaser in an airborne configuration (landing gear retracted) and resting on the Flight Loads Lab "soft support" system to simulate an airborne environment. This test was the sister to the Rollout - Ground Resonance Test performed in Louisville, Colorado in December 2016.

Radar Altimeter Calibration: April 28-29, 2017

These tests were completed in Hangar 4833 (the former Space Shuttle hangar used for Enterprise) at AFRC. This test involved two cranes lifting the test article at three different pitch angles and deploying the gear at the max crane height during each test case. The main objective of this test was to demonstrate the integrated functionality and performance of the radar altimeters with the landing gear stowed, during landing gear deployment, and after landing gear deployment. Additional objectives included demonstrating that the radar altimeters worked simultaneously as well as independently.

Ground and Airborne - Gain Margin Tests (GMT): May 15 and May 22-24, respectively

Our Guidance, Navigation and Control System engineers designed specific software filters to ensure the Dream Chaser structure responds well to flight control surface inputs.  Gain Margin Tests were performed in both ground and airborne configurations to evaluate specific flight control surface inputs and verifying fundamental laws of aerodynamics.  The airborne gain margin tests were performed on the flight loads lab and ground testing was performed while Dream Chaser was on its landing gear.

Additionally, the team just completed their first Captive Carry Test, allowing them to refine helicopter crew techniques, gather a wide variety of additional data on the vehicle and provide an opportunity for the flight control team to train prior to the Free Flight Test.

https://www.sncorp.com/blog/snc-dream-chaser-armstrong-test-overview/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/24/2017 06:51 pm
FEATURE ARTICLE: Dream Chaser through critical landing test, prepares for orbital flights - https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/11/dream-chaser-test-prepares-orbital-flights/

By Chris Gebhardt

Epic Uncrewed Dream Chaser L2 Renders - including the lead render - via NSF's Nathan Koga
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/01/2017 11:15 pm
New video (highlights of the drop test) has just been released by SNC:
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/936384381765201920

https://vimeo.com/244883945?ref=tw-share
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Yeknom-Ecaps on 12/09/2017 11:58 pm
What was the date of the August tow test - 8/17 or 8/18?

per SNC media photo page - there are a number of pics of Dream Chaser including one that shows it braking on a taxiway with a date of 8/17 ..... https://www.sncorp.com/news-resources/media-resources/

while the SNC Twitter posts are on 8/18 ..... https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/898666097313849344

which is the correct date?

Thanks.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/17/2017 04:54 pm
AZUR SPACE Selected by Sierra Nevada Corporation to Build DREAM CHASER Spacecraft Solar Panels

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3591087

The solar panels are on the cargo module that is attached to DC.

Quote
The 3G30C-Advanced solar cells will be manufactured at AZUR SPACE’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Heilbronn, Germany. For AZUR SPACE, the Space Equipment business of Airbus Defence and Space will produce the completed solar panels in Ottobrunn, Germany, using decades of product heritage, engineering expertise and manufacturing experience.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/02/2018 09:19 pm
Triumph Expands Space Applications with Contract for Dream Chaser Spacecraft Landing Gear System:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180102005862/en/Triumph-Expands-Space-Applications-Contract-Dream-Chaser/

Quote
The contract for work was signed with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), and includes the main and nose landing gear as well as integrated actuation solutions for the landing gear and gear door systems manufactured at Triumph’s Redmond, Washington site.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/05/2018 04:51 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser spacecraft passes major NASA milestone after free-flight test:
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dream-chaser-passes-milestone-4b/

Quote from: SNC
Milestone 4B validated the spacecraft’s design for a safe and reliable return of cargo services to Earth through a gentle runway landing, signaling the program is one step closer to orbital operations. [...] The NASA Commercial Crew Program reviewed the data, confirming it fully met or exceeded all requirements and authorized full payment of the milestone.  Additionally, SNC collected a significant amount of additional information that will be used for the final vehicle design. [...]

The approach and landing test included intentional maneuvers both to assess the responsiveness of the Dream Chaser to control inputs and to measure the resulting stability of the vehicle under very dynamic, stressful conditions.  This showcased the aerodynamic capability of the Dream Chaser as well as performance of the integrated computer system that autonomously returned the vehicle to a safe runway landing. These are critical components for orbital missions to and from the International Space Station.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: deruch on 01/06/2018 01:41 am
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser spacecraft passes major NASA milestone after free-flight test:
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dream-chaser-passes-milestone-4b/

The press release also included the following:
Quote from: SNC
The vehicle’s next milestone will be the CRS2 Dream Chaser Critical Design Review, scheduled for 2018.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: john smith 19 on 01/09/2018 02:53 pm
So in summary.

They got the milestone payment from NASA for this.

They have contracts in for solar panels to extend their duration on orbit (potentially allowing them to serve as a free flying laboratory)

They have contracts in to a landing gear supplier to ensure that's taken care of, which is pretty important given the trouble their first landing test had with landing gear re-purposed from an old plane (although a perfectly reasonable strategy to keep down costs for an experimental vehicle)

They are still in the running for NASA CRS contracts.

Which all together is pretty exciting. 2018 should be quite a years for SNC and DC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/09/2018 03:36 pm
So in summary.

They got the milestone payment from NASA for this.

They have contracts in for solar panels to extend their duration on orbit (potentially allowing them to serve as a free flying laboratory)

They have contracts in to a landing gear supplier to ensure that's taken care of, which is pretty important given the trouble their first landing test had with landing gear re-purposed from an old plane (although a perfectly reasonable strategy to keep down costs for an experimental vehicle)

They are still in the running for NASA CRS contracts.

Which all together is pretty exciting. 2018 should be quite a years for SNC and DC.
Just to jog you memory John, the F-5 landing gear was an artifact of what NASA selected for the HL-20 test vehicle and just a continuation thereof... The orbital will use a new system.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: brickmack on 01/09/2018 04:32 pm
They have contracts in for solar panels to extend their duration on orbit (potentially allowing them to serve as a free flying laboratory)

They have contracts in to a landing gear supplier to ensure that's taken care of, which is pretty important given the trouble their first landing test had with landing gear re-purposed from an old plane (although a perfectly reasonable strategy to keep down costs for an experimental vehicle)

They are still in the running for NASA CRS contracts.

They already won a CRS2 slot, not "in the running" anymore. Solar panels are needed for the Cargo variant as well. Landing gear was replaced after the first test flight
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/09/2018 06:30 pm
We really all should be discussing this in the proper threads as to not upset the villagers... ;)
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44297.40
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.1960
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/07/2018 07:25 pm
Quote
Mark Sirangelo, Sierra Nevada Corp.: NASA has given us authority to proceed for first Dream Chaser cargo mission to the ISS, planned for late 2020. #FAACST2018

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/961332699351977985
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Michael Baylor on 02/07/2018 07:37 pm
Quote
SPARKS, Nev. , February 07, 2018 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) received NASA’s Authority to Proceed for the Dream Chaser spacecraft’s first mission, with a launch window for late 2020. The mission will provide cargo resupply to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services Contract 2 (CRS2).

“SNC has been successfully completing critical design milestones as approved by NASA, and having a timetable for the first launch is another important step achieved for us,” said Fatih Ozmen, owner and CEO of SNC. “The team has worked so hard to get to this point and we can’t wait to fulfill this mission for NASA.”

Key Mission Capabilities:

- Delivers up to 5,500 kg (12,125 lb) of pressurized and unpressurized supplies and scientific research payloads
- Remains attached to the space station for extended periods so crew can transfer cargo and perform science laboratory operations 
- Flying laboratory that allows scientists to send commands, receive data in real-time
- Powered payload science experiments can operate continuously during the mission
- Critical science is conducted from the pressurized cabin (crew-tended or autonomous)
- Unpressurized cargo/experiments are transferred to or from the space station via robotic operations
- Returns up to 2000kg of cargo via pinpoint landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) for -
immediate post-landing handover to customer, maximizing the integrity of data collected on-orbit     

“The Dream Chaser is going to be a tremendous help to the critical science and research happening on the space station,” said Mark Sirangelo, executive vice president of SNC’s Space Systems business area. “Receiving NASA’s Authority to Proceed is a big step for the program. We can’t wait to see the vehicle return to Kennedy Space Center to a runway landing, allowing immediate access to the science payloads being returned from the station.”

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-nasa-dream-chaser-launch-window/

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/07/2018 10:00 pm
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/02/dream-chaser-date-maiden-mission-iss-crs2/

First article for NSF by John Rumpf.


With L2 renders by Nathan Koga of course! :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/07/2018 10:32 pm
New free-flight video:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/961367594858106880


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niupPzdZa6M

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 02/08/2018 05:17 pm
I found a bit of my answer about orbital DC's landing gear...

http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2018/01/03/triumph-build-landing-gear-system-dream-chaser/
http://ir.triumphgroup.com/news-releases/news-release-details/triumph-expands-space-applications-contract-dream-chaser

From this I'm going to assume that the ALT-2 test still retained the hydraulic main gear from the F-5 as used in ALT-1 until someone can provide evidence otherwise...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: woods170 on 02/09/2018 07:51 am
I found a bit of my answer about orbital DC's landing gear...

http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2018/01/03/triumph-build-landing-gear-system-dream-chaser/
http://ir.triumphgroup.com/news-releases/news-release-details/triumph-expands-space-applications-contract-dream-chaser

From this I'm going to assume that the ALT-2 test still retained the hydraulic main gear from the F-5 as used in ALT-1 until someone can provide evidence otherwise...

Different landing gear:

http://spaceflight101.com/sierra-nevadas-dream-chaser-aces-critical-approach-to-landing-test-on-second-try/

Quote from: spaceflight101.com
Between the 2013 and 2017 tests, a number of systems have changed on the Dream Chaser ETA including the main gear that is more advanced than that flown on the first test and is closer to the flight hardware.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 02/28/2018 02:52 am
Quote from: Jeff Foust
John Roth, Sierra Nevada Corp.: we still hope in the future to move from cargo to crew with Dream Chaser. If that means bringing in investors to develop a crew version, we would be open to that.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/968567887895105538

SNC mentioned the same thing a few days after winning CRS2. So that likely means that they have yet to find any investors for crewed DC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/11/2018 08:45 pm
Quote
Gregg Burgess, Sierra Nevada Corp.: 85–95% of Dream Chaser mission costs is the launch. Various companies, including ULA, working to reduce launch costs. “Multiple companies” around the world proposing to do future Dream Chaser launches after the first two on Atlas 5.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/972938342760361984?s=21
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: WindnWar on 03/12/2018 12:43 am
Given the size and weight, I can't think there are that many vehicles you could launch it on. Falcon 9, Ariane 5 or 6, maybe the H-2b or H-3 successor? Not sure on H-3's time table. NGL and Vulcan of course.

Given the launches are for NASA would it matter if it launches from a foreign spaceport?

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 03/12/2018 04:09 am
Given the size and weight, I can't think there are that many vehicles you could launch it on. Falcon 9, Ariane 5 or 6, maybe the H-2b or H-3 successor? Not sure on H-3's time table. NGL and Vulcan of course.

Given the launches are for NASA would it matter if it launches from a foreign spaceport?
NASA may require there money be spent on domestic LV. NASA does use foreign LVs for some missions but that is typically a barter agreement with their partners eg ESA providing Ariane 5 for JWST.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: AncientU on 03/12/2018 10:08 pm
Given the size and weight, I can't think there are that many vehicles you could launch it on. Falcon 9, Ariane 5 or 6, maybe the H-2b or H-3 successor? Not sure on H-3's time table. NGL and Vulcan of course.

Given the launches are for NASA would it matter if it launches from a foreign spaceport?
NASA may require there money be spent on domestic LV. NASA does use foreign LVs for some missions but that is typically a barter agreement with their partners eg ESA providing Ariane 5 for JWST.

I think the Europeans are thinking of launching Dream chaser for themselves, not NASA/ISS.  Japanese likely the same. 
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 03/14/2018 11:20 pm
Just came across this of what might have been or will be... Who knows? Enjoy! 8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-6RoZ4lfMk
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/16/2018 06:48 pm
See below for an update and a rare interview by the Ozmens:

Why Sierra Nevada’s owners are betting big on Dream Chaser

Quote
To Fatih and Eren Ozmen, Dream Chaser is more than a spaceplane. It’s a vehicle to transform the entire industry.

http://spacenews.com/why-sierra-nevadas-owners-are-betting-big-on-dream-chaser/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Star One on 04/16/2018 07:11 pm
See below for an update and a rare interview by the Ozmens:

Why Sierra Nevada’s owners are betting big on Dream Chaser

Quote
To Fatih and Eren Ozmen, Dream Chaser is more than a spaceplane. It’s a vehicle to transform the entire industry.

http://spacenews.com/why-sierra-nevadas-owners-are-betting-big-on-dream-chaser/

I was worried this wouldn’t be considered an update that’s why I posted in the discussion thread instead.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/17/2018 12:11 am
VP Pence visited DC at the space symposium (see the third picture):
https://twitter.com/VP/status/986033263616589824

See also this video:
http://www.9news.com/video/news/local/science/pence-tells-space-summit-trump-wants-a-man-on-moon-again/73-8098149

https://twitter.com/9NEWS/status/985976177776037895
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/17/2018 11:02 pm
VP Pence and the Ozmens:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/986281596994183168

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/18/2018 09:28 pm
Quote
Sierra Nevada weighing options for launching future Dream Chaser missions
by Jeff Foust — April 18, 2018

COLORADO SPRINGS — As Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) prepares its Dream Chaser cargo vehicle for a first launch on an Atlas 5 in late 2020, the company expects to make a decision by the end of this year on the rocket that will launch later missions.

[...]

He declined to discuss specific vehicles under consideration but said SNC received “really great response from all the major providers.”

http://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-weighing-options-for-launching-future-dream-chaser-missions/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/19/2018 02:39 am
Video of DC at the space symposium:
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/986659488827617280
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 04/19/2018 03:35 pm
From: http://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-weighing-options-for-launching-future-dream-chaser-missions/

"SNC held the briefing in front of the Dream Chaser engineering test article that performed a glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California in November. That test article, developed under earlier NASA commercial crew awards, will now be placed in “flyable storage” at the company’s Colorado facilities.

Lindsey said the company will likely keep the test article in storage until the company is ready to resume development of a crewed version of Dream Chaser. “We’re going to keep it in a condition ready to fly,” he said. “We’ll modify it for flying crew, put a pilot in there and do some testing in the future.” "

Previous statements made this week indicated that 80% of the 0.75 cargo version will be compatible with the potential manned Dream Chaser - it would be wonderful in my opinion if a paying customer came forward to complete the development of a manned Dream Chaser.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Alpha Control on 04/19/2018 08:32 pm
From: http://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-weighing-options-for-launching-future-dream-chaser-missions/

"SNC held the briefing in front of the Dream Chaser engineering test article that performed a glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California in November. That test article, developed under earlier NASA commercial crew awards, will now be placed in “flyable storage” at the company’s Colorado facilities.

Lindsey said the company will likely keep the test article in storage until the company is ready to resume development of a crewed version of Dream Chaser. “We’re going to keep it in a condition ready to fly,” he said. “We’ll modify it for flying crew, put a pilot in there and do some testing in the future.” "

Previous statements made this week indicated that 80% of the 0.75 cargo version will be compatible with the potential manned Dream Chaser - it would be wonderful in my opinion if a paying customer came forward to complete the development of a manned Dream Chaser.

Hi,

Why do you think the DC Cargo version is .75 the size of the Crew version? I thought they were identical in size.

I thought the .75 version was only ever talked about for potential use with Stratolaunch.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 04/19/2018 08:34 pm
From: http://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-weighing-options-for-launching-future-dream-chaser-missions/

"SNC held the briefing in front of the Dream Chaser engineering test article that performed a glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California in November. That test article, developed under earlier NASA commercial crew awards, will now be placed in “flyable storage” at the company’s Colorado facilities.

Lindsey said the company will likely keep the test article in storage until the company is ready to resume development of a crewed version of Dream Chaser. “We’re going to keep it in a condition ready to fly,” he said. “We’ll modify it for flying crew, put a pilot in there and do some testing in the future.” "

Previous statements made this week indicated that 80% of the 0.75 cargo version will be compatible with the potential manned Dream Chaser - it would be wonderful in my opinion if a paying customer came forward to complete the development of a manned Dream Chaser.

Hi,

Why do you think the DC Cargo version is .75 the size of the Crew version? I thought they were identical in size.

I thought the .75 version was only ever talked about for potential use with Stratolaunch.
The cargo version presently being funded by NASA will fit inside a shroud on the Atlas V, it is 25% smaller than the manned version.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars-J on 04/19/2018 08:36 pm
From: http://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-weighing-options-for-launching-future-dream-chaser-missions/

"SNC held the briefing in front of the Dream Chaser engineering test article that performed a glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California in November. That test article, developed under earlier NASA commercial crew awards, will now be placed in “flyable storage” at the company’s Colorado facilities.

Lindsey said the company will likely keep the test article in storage until the company is ready to resume development of a crewed version of Dream Chaser. “We’re going to keep it in a condition ready to fly,” he said. “We’ll modify it for flying crew, put a pilot in there and do some testing in the future.” "

Previous statements made this week indicated that 80% of the 0.75 cargo version will be compatible with the potential manned Dream Chaser - it would be wonderful in my opinion if a paying customer came forward to complete the development of a manned Dream Chaser.

Hi,

Why do you think the DC Cargo version is .75 the size of the Crew version? I thought they were identical in size.

I thought the .75 version was only ever talked about for potential use with Stratolaunch.
The cargo version presently being funded by NASA will fit inside a shroud on the Atlas V, it is 25% smaller than the manned version.

No. It is the folding wings that makes it fit. Not a scale down.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 04/19/2018 08:58 pm
From: http://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-weighing-options-for-launching-future-dream-chaser-missions/

"SNC held the briefing in front of the Dream Chaser engineering test article that performed a glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California in November. That test article, developed under earlier NASA commercial crew awards, will now be placed in “flyable storage” at the company’s Colorado facilities.

Lindsey said the company will likely keep the test article in storage until the company is ready to resume development of a crewed version of Dream Chaser. “We’re going to keep it in a condition ready to fly,” he said. “We’ll modify it for flying crew, put a pilot in there and do some testing in the future.” "

Previous statements made this week indicated that 80% of the 0.75 cargo version will be compatible with the potential manned Dream Chaser - it would be wonderful in my opinion if a paying customer came forward to complete the development of a manned Dream Chaser.

Hi,

Why do you think the DC Cargo version is .75 the size of the Crew version? I thought they were identical in size.

I thought the .75 version was only ever talked about for potential use with Stratolaunch.
The cargo version presently being funded by NASA will fit inside a shroud on the Atlas V, it is 25% smaller than the manned version.

No. It is the folding wings that makes it fit. Not a scale down.
Good to know - my mistake.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 04/19/2018 09:05 pm
From: http://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-weighing-options-for-launching-future-dream-chaser-missions/

"SNC held the briefing in front of the Dream Chaser engineering test article that performed a glide flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California in November. That test article, developed under earlier NASA commercial crew awards, will now be placed in “flyable storage” at the company’s Colorado facilities.

Lindsey said the company will likely keep the test article in storage until the company is ready to resume development of a crewed version of Dream Chaser. “We’re going to keep it in a condition ready to fly,” he said. “We’ll modify it for flying crew, put a pilot in there and do some testing in the future.” "

Previous statements made this week indicated that 80% of the 0.75 cargo version will be compatible with the potential manned Dream Chaser - it would be wonderful in my opinion if a paying customer came forward to complete the development of a manned Dream Chaser.

Hi,

Why do you think the DC Cargo version is .75 the size of the Crew version? I thought they were identical in size.

I thought the .75 version was only ever talked about for potential use with Stratolaunch.
The cargo version presently being funded by NASA will fit inside a shroud on the Atlas V, it is 25% smaller than the manned version.

No. It is the folding wings that makes it fit. Not a scale down.
Good to know - my mistake.
Here is the Chris G. article of the version you had in mind:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/snc-stratolaunch-dream-chaser-flights/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 04/20/2018 09:12 pm
From Aviation week April 19th, 2018

"COLORADO SPRINGS—Sierra Nevada expects to receive aeroshell panels next month for the first orbital Dream Chaser, marking a key milestone in the run-up to the start of spaceplane assembly at the company’s Louisville, Colorado"
The rest of the article is behind the Aviation Week paywall.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 04/26/2018 05:39 pm
From: https://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/sakor-technologies-selected-to-build-test-system-for-dream-chaser-atmospheric-flight-control-system-

SNC has now contracted for a TOA to surface flight control simulator.

SAKOR Technologies, Inc., a recognized leader in the implementation of instrumentation products for dynamometer testing, announces that it has supplied a test system to Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) to be used to test the atmospheric flight control system for the Dream Chaser® spacecraft. Dream Chaser is a lifting-body, reusable, crewed or uncrewed horizontal-landing vehicle. It is owned and operated by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and is designed as a space utility vehicle for low-Earth orbit.

SwRI, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the oldest and largest independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organizations in the United States. Contracted by SNC to design and build the atmospheric flight control system, SwRI selected SAKOR to build a sophisticated system to exercise Dream Chaser’s new control system and simulate flight from atmospheric interface to landing. The system characterizes overall design performance as well as dynamic response to physical forces typically experienced in standard and extreme flight conditions.

The Dream Chaser spacecraft features seven control surfaces and the SAKOR-designed test system features seven dynamometers, each simulating dynamic loads on a specific control surface.

SAKOR’s DynoLAB™ data acquisition and control system controls the entire test stand, acting as a space craft emulator. Sending test profiles to the atmospheric flight controller as well as simulating force feedback from each control surface, DynoLAB communicates directly with the atmospheric flight co
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/26/2018 06:14 pm
Fixed a glitch in the url:

https://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/sakor-technologies-selected-to-build-test-system-for-dream-chaser-atmospheric-flight-control-system-40011288
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 04/27/2018 01:50 am
Sierra Nevada Corporation Overview 2018
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Published on Apr 26, 2018

https://youtu.be/cG2wTYziuVI?t=001

https://youtu.be/cG2wTYziuVI
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/28/2018 04:31 am
It looks like only one cargo DC will be made:
http://spacenews.com/nasa-will-pay-more-for-less-iss-cargo-under-new-commercial-contracts/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JAFO on 04/28/2018 06:48 am
It looks like only one cargo DC will be made:
http://spacenews.com/nasa-will-pay-more-for-less-iss-cargo-under-new-commercial-contracts/ (http://spacenews.com/nasa-will-pay-more-for-less-iss-cargo-under-new-commercial-contracts/)

Probably all the capital they want to risk is tied up with the single OTA.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 04/28/2018 07:59 am
It looks like only one cargo DC will be made:
http://spacenews.com/nasa-will-pay-more-for-less-iss-cargo-under-new-commercial-contracts/ (http://spacenews.com/nasa-will-pay-more-for-less-iss-cargo-under-new-commercial-contracts/)

Probably all the capital they want to risk is tied up with the single OTA.
Perhaps factor in the current administration plans to splash ISS in 2025 instead of the expected extension the partners were believing to happening...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: deruch on 04/28/2018 10:11 am
It looks like only one cargo DC will be made:
http://spacenews.com/nasa-will-pay-more-for-less-iss-cargo-under-new-commercial-contracts/ (http://spacenews.com/nasa-will-pay-more-for-less-iss-cargo-under-new-commercial-contracts/)

Probably all the capital they want to risk is tied up with the single OTA.
Perhaps factor in the current administration plans to splash ISS in 2025 instead of the expected extension the partners were believing to happening...

Also, they are still looking ahead to possibly building a crewed version.  If they don't think they would be able to afford building 3 (2 cargo, 1 crew), I wouldn't be surprised to learn they had forgone the second version to still keep the crewed hope alive.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/28/2018 09:21 pm
See below:

Some interesting stuff on DC:

Quote from: page 20 of the OIG report
Specifically, Sierra Nevada has committed to using Atlas V launch vehicles for its first two cargo resupply missions but the company is considering alternative launch vehicles currently under development to lower their costs for future NASA missions. Public statements from launch vehicle providers have proposed prices ranging from roughly $90 million to $120 million per launch. While the Atlas V is highly reliable with a 100 percent success rate after more than 70 launches, it has a list price of $175 million for the configuration needed for Sierra Nevada’s missions. Because Sierra Nevada’s cargo flights are procured under a fixed-price contract, any reduction in its launch costs accrue to Sierra Nevada’s benefit. However, the CRS-2 contract allows NASA to renegotiate mission pricing if a contractor uses an alternative vehicle. Any renegotiation would need to be finalized by early 2019 should Sierra Nevada plan to use an alternative launch vehicle for its third CRS-2 mission, which could occur as early as 2022. NASA’s CRS-2 contract with Orbital ATK has similar contract language to negotiate lower per-mission prices to reflect cheaper launch costs if the company uses ULA’s Vulcan launch vehicle instead of the Atlas V.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/28/2018 09:23 pm
See below:

More on DC:

Quote from: pages 27 and 28 of the OIG Report
Sierra Nevada’s plan to build a single Dream Chaser spacecraft for CRS-2 missions is a single point-of-failure that represents substantial technical and schedule risks for the ISS Program.[69] During a visit to Sierra Nevada in June 2017, company officials told us they had no plans to build a second Dream Chaser. In August 2017, ISS Program officials said Sierra Nevada was considering building a second Dream Chaser to be completed by 2021, but no decision had been made as of October 2017. In the event of a failure, Sierra Nevada officials told us in June 2017 that a second spacecraft could be built from spare parts without additional costs to NASA.

[69] For the first CRS-2 mission, the Dream Chaser will be required to demonstrate additional orbital maneuvers before approaching the ISS. Other cargo vehicles such as the Cygnus, European cargo spacecraft, and Japanese cargo spacecraft were allowed to berth with the ISS on their maiden flight after performing similar maneuvers.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/15/2018 02:27 am
Dream Chaser Departs NASA Armstrong:
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/features/dreamchaser_departs_afrc.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/15/2018 02:30 am
HyperSizer Helps With Weight And Design Time For Dream Chaser:
https://www.pddnet.com/news/2018/05/hypersizer-helps-weight-and-design-time-dream-chaser-spacecraft
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 06/03/2018 03:31 am
Quote
Simonetta di Pippo, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs: when we issued a call for interest in flying experiments on SNC’s Dream Chaser last year, it was open only 6 weeks, but we received 150 responses from 75 countries. #DPSS18

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1003018612045688833
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 06/03/2018 05:07 pm
Quote
Simonetta di Pippo, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs: when we issued a call for interest in flying experiments on SNC’s Dream Chaser last year, it was open only 6 weeks, but we received 150 responses from 75 countries. #DPSS18

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1003018612045688833

Simonetta di Pippo's presentation is at 7h10m of this video (discussion of DC' UN mission is at 7h29m):
https://livestream.com/accounts/9198012/events/8226938/videos/175748661
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 06/03/2018 06:12 pm
Simonetta di Pippo mentioned that the UN mission should happen in 2021 or 2022 depending on when the first flight of DC happens. It would last between 2 to 3 weeks but would not go to the ISS. There would be about 25 to 30 micro-gravity experiments plus some experiments outside of DC. Each experiment must have at least one sustainable development goal. It's open to developed countries but there is a focus on developing countries. Working with SNC on the announcement of opportunities.  It's a triangular cooperation between one or more developed country, developing or emerging countries and the UN Office for space affairs.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 06/30/2018 02:56 am
Here is an update on DC:

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/06/15/dream-chaser-space-plane-international-space-station-647113

Here is an article on a license to land DC in Huntsville:

https://www.rocketcitynow.com/news/huntsville-airport-closer-to-getting-license-so-dream-chaser-can-land/1272181429

Mockup of the cockpit at the University of Colorado:
http://www.dailycamera.com/cu-news/ci_31943361/dream-chaser-cu-aerospace-building
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: su27k on 07/01/2018 03:08 am
Mark Sirangelo is leaving SNC: http://spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=51562
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/07/2018 03:48 pm
More on this:

Sirangelo leaving Sierra Nevada Corporation
http://spacenews.com/sirangelo-leaving-sierra-nevada-corporation/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/15/2018 04:26 am
See the article linked below:

Article focused on Erin Ozmen.  I didn't notice anything new about Dream Chaser.  That said, I found it to be an interesting read.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesdigitalcovers/2018/07/11/meet-the-unknown-immigrant-billionaire-betting-her-fortune-to-take-on-musk-in-space/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/14/2018 03:31 am
A recently posted video of DC:
https://www.forbes.com/video/5808189232001/#33a95c661f0d
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 08/30/2018 11:16 pm
SNC Dream Chaser Capabilities Overview - 2018
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Published on Aug 30, 2018

https://youtu.be/AxjzHgrzhoc?t=001

https://youtu.be/AxjzHgrzhoc
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/01/2018 04:53 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1046803354427568129
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 11/11/2018 06:04 pm
Ground control telemetry  systems have been delivered to Sierra Nevada for the Dream Chaser cargo system:
https://www.prweb.com/releases/amergint_delivers_dream_chaser_serial_and_virtual_front_end_processors_to_sierra_nevada_corporation/prweb15902818.htm

https://www.amergint.com/products/front-end-processors/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/08/2018 04:03 am
DC4EU study awarded to OHB:
https://www.ohb.de/en/news/ohb-awarded-esa-contract-for-dream-chaser-spacecraft-study/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Joseph Peterson on 12/18/2018 11:02 pm
Quote
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has won NASA approval to begin full-scale production of its Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft scheduled to make its first flight in about two years.

The company announced Dec. 18 that it completed a milestone in its Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) 2 contract called Integrated Review 4. With that milestone, the company is cleared to move ahead into assembly of the Dream Chaser vehicle that will deliver cargo to the station.

https://spacenews.com/dream-chaser-cleared-to-begin-full-scale-production/ (https://spacenews.com/dream-chaser-cleared-to-begin-full-scale-production/)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/19/2018 12:04 am
Here is SNC's press release on this:

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dream-chaser-nasa-milestone-4/

Quote from: SNC
Subject matter experts from NASA and SNC thoroughly reviewed the Dream Chaser spacecraft design and its integrated performance with launch, ground and flight elements. Based on system capabilities, design maturity and the extensive data products presented, SNC and NASA jointly concluded the Dream Chaser program was ready to move to full-scale spacecraft manufacturing and testing.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 12/21/2018 04:04 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1076145491400949761
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/23/2019 06:24 pm
Some cool tweets. We think related to late loading.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1088134419595083778

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1088149511749492736
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 03/01/2019 11:17 pm
https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine/status/1101302637964648448
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars-J on 03/11/2019 09:13 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1103349053243510789

Quote
SNC was honored to host @NASA Administrator @JimBridenstine at our Louisville, CO facilities. Our team updated him on the products & programs SNC is developing, showed him our Dream Chaser free flight test vehicle & took him to our production floor.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1104056719125213185

Quote
Our cargo module design is huge!  It’s being used for both our Dream Chaser spacecraft and our lunar Gateway design.  Here is @JimBridenstine taking a look at its large cargo capacity.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: docmordrid on 03/21/2019 07:28 pm
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dream-chaser-nasa-milestone-5/

SPARKS, Nev., March 21, 2019 (SNC PR) – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser spacecraft passed NASA’s Integrated Review Milestone 5 (IR5), a key status check on SNC’s performance of a variety of ground and flight operations.

IR5 demonstrates that the Dream Chaser team is on track to operate the space vehicle in advance of the first mission to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services Contract 2 (CRS-2).

“This milestone is a great accomplishment for the team focused on operations development and demonstration. It shows we can operate the Dream Chaser from the ground, including getting critical science in and out of the vehicle,” said John Curry, CRS-2 program director within SNC’s Space Systems business area.

The review included development of the vehicle’s flight computers and software, mission simulator and Mission Control Center.  SNC also performed cargo demonstrations using high fidelity mock-ups of the vehicle and its cargo module, showing loading and unloading time and efficiency.

Milestone testing took place at SNC’s Louisville, Colorado and NASA Kennedy Space Center facilities.  Data was also used from the Dream Chaser 2017 free-flight test at Edwards Air Force Base, California, with the help of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center.

“Our Dream Chaser team continues to successfully execute milestones as we move closer to getting this spacecraft into space,” said Fatih Ozmen, SNC’s owner and CEO.  “The orbital spacecraft is being built and this milestone demonstrates the vehicle keeps passing key reviews and is making great strides.”

Dream Chaser continues to meet technical and scheduled milestones on its way to first flight in spring 2021. The Dream Chaser will conduct at least six orbiting flights to the space station, delivering equipment and supplies to advance space exploration and then safely return life science and other time-critical items on a conventional runway.
>
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 03/22/2019 12:43 am
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dream-chaser-nasa-milestone-5/

Dream Chaser continues to meet technical and scheduled milestones on its way to first flight in spring 2021.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: libra on 03/24/2019 12:01 pm
I had completely forgotten they had got a CRS-2 contract for the cargo variant. Nice to see that vehicle progressing.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: mainmind on 04/07/2019 05:30 pm
SNC tweeted that they've updated the tile configuration:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1114936030707310592 (https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1114936030707310592)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/07/2019 10:08 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1115011424475127811
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: b0objunior on 04/07/2019 10:11 pm
Now it's really looking like a small space shuttle, nice. I wonder if the manned version would look the same.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TripD on 04/08/2019 06:22 am
@yg1968 That is one sleek design!  I want one.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/08/2019 06:44 am
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1115056679115161602

Quote
The materials that make up Dream Chaser® spacecraft’s Thermal Protection System tiles can survive temperatures up to 3,200F while maintaining the underlying structure temperature below 350F, protecting the spacecraft from re-entry heat.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Zed_Noir on 04/09/2019 03:06 am
Think those new Cargo Dreamchaser pictures is a bit misleading.

It is my understanding that the vehicle travels tail first. Since the vehicle's rear RCS thrusters exhaust infringes both the solar arrays and the cargo module.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lars-J on 04/09/2019 03:19 am
Think those new Cargo Dreamchaser pictures is a bit misleading.

It is my understanding that the vehicle travels tail first. Since the vehicle's rear RCS thrusters exhaust infringes both the solar arrays and the cargo module.

That's just your left-to-right bias talking  ;D , no motion is implied in those images.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/22/2019 08:46 pm
First sight of the new vehicle:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1120365299914526720
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/30/2019 02:17 am
OZMENS’ SNC TEST-FIRES NEXT-GEN ROCKET ENGINE IN PREP FOR U.S. LAUNCHES:

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-test-fires-next-gen-rocket-engine/

See also these videos:

https://www.facebook.com/SierraNevCorp/videos/336147230407824/

https://www.facebook.com/SierraNevCorp/videos/678826839233295/

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1133758208718364672
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/30/2019 03:21 am
Their website seems to have been updated with more info on the Vortex engine:

Quote from: SNC
SNC has successfully developed products from RCS systems and large abort engines to successful flight-like system tests.

https://www.sncorp.com/media/2722/snc-propulsion-and-environmental-systems-2019.pdf

Quote from: SNC
SNC has a wide variety of capabilities in propulsion and human environmental systems. We are focused on the development and demonstration of innovative, low-cost components for liquid and hybrid propulsion systems, including the patented VORTEX® engine.

https://www.sncorp.com/media/2720/snc-space-systems-2019.pdf

See also this link for some more info on the Vortex engine:

Quote from: SNC
Our propulsion team has designed, manufactured and tested multiple thrust chamber assemblies in the 1 lbf to 35,000 lbf thrust class range with a variety of propellant combinations such as Peroxide/RP1, LOX/kerosene, LOX/propane, LOX/Hydrogen, and N2O/propane.

https://www.sncorp.com/what-we-do/rocket-engines-propulsion/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/07/2019 04:26 pm
https://twitter.com/spacecom/status/1137029489290932226

Quote
[Steve] Lindsey: plan for 1st Dream Chaser cargo flight in 2021. Still have agreement in place on commercial crew. Completed all milestones. Continue to brief NASA on path from cargo to crew. 100 laser focused on cargo version. Start looking at crew after cargo is abt ready to fly.

https://twitter.com/spacecom/status/1137031153469104130

Quote
Lindsey: primary structure of first orbital cargo Dream Chaser should come in this month or in July.

https://twitter.com/spacecom/status/1137031511557853184

Quote
Lindsey: Crew Dream Chaser will depend upon the market. Confident they will have a crew version because people will want to fly the vehicle once they see it land on a runway.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/20/2019 03:53 pm
Includes Starliner:

FEATURE ARTICLE: Station mission planning reveals new target Commercial Crew launch dates -

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/06/station-planning-new-crew-launch-dates/

- By Chris Gebhardt


https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1141733691565191168
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/26/2019 06:09 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1143942143440035840

Quote
Welcome to our control room for ground operations! It serves as a communications hub where SNC employees will be able to monitor & control the subsystems of the Dream Chaser® spacecraft, like flight computers & its electrical wiring, as we perform final checks before launch.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/31/2019 11:04 pm
Interview with SNC CEO Fatih Ozmen:
https://www.sncorp.com/in-the-news/in-the-news-fatih-ozmen-on-cnbc

SNC’s vice president of SNC’s Space Exploration Systems Steve Lindsey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIxCuBmHS_U&feature=youtu.be&t=2m13s
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 08/13/2019 11:15 am
SNC has scheduled a live broadcast for August 14 at 18:00 UTC on its YouTube channel. The thumbnail suggests it might have something to do with Dream Chaser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rccd05zx9JE
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: lucspace on 08/14/2019 04:19 pm
The announcement has been removed... rescheduled for 30 min later.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 08/14/2019 04:27 pm
The announcement has been removed...

They did a 6-minute stream with a photo of the Milky Way, and then deleted it (along with two other shorter streams). There is a new stream scheduled for 18:30 UTC. I still don't know if they're just testing something on YouTube or if they're going to do some real stream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfM2VLvN9Ow
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: GWH on 08/14/2019 04:41 pm
The announcement has been removed...

They did a 6-minute stream with a photo of the Milky Way, and then deleted it (along with two other shorter streams). There is a new stream scheduled for 18:30 UTC. I still don't know if they're just testing something on YouTube or if they're going to do some real stream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfM2VLvN9Ow

I would guess some announcements are coming soon...
https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1161617265781030913
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/14/2019 05:23 pm
Longest and most overblown Embargo ever ;) (Seriously, so many EMBARGO!!! e-mails).....finally:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1161687920610291712
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 08/14/2019 06:29 pm
Heads up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfM2VLvN9Ow
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/14/2019 06:36 pm
As expected:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNC Selects ULA for Dream Chaser® Spacecraft Launches

NASA Missions to Begin in 2021

SPARKS, Nev. (August 14, 2019) – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security leader, owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, selected United Launch Alliance (ULA) as the launch vehicle provider for the Dream Chaser® spacecraft’s six NASA missions to the International Space Station.  The Dream Chaser will launch aboard ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rockets for its cargo resupply and return services to the space station, starting in 2021.

“Dream Chaser can launch from any conventional rocket so we had great options,” said SNC CEO Fatih Ozmen.  “SNC selected ULA because of our strong collaboration on the Dream Chaser program, their proven safety record and on-time performance.  This is bringing America’s spaceplane and America’s rocket together for best-of-breed innovation and exploration.”

Under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract, the Dream Chaser will deliver more than 12,000 pounds of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the space station and remains attached for up to 75 days as an orbiting laboratory.  Once the mated mission is complete, the Dream Chaser disposes about 7,000 pounds of space station trash and returns large quantities of critical science, accessible within minutes after a gentle runway landing.

SNC’s Louisville, Colorado-based Space Systems division is proudly partnering with Centennial, Colorado’s ULA, boosting the already strong aerospace economic footprint in the state.

“In this very competitive launch vehicle market, we feel privileged that SNC chose to launch this block of six missions to the ISS with ULA,” said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. “This is one of the first contracts for our new Vulcan Centaur rocket, and the first of the six missions will serve as the rocket’s second certification flight. We are excited to bring our more than 120 years of combined launch experience with our Atlas and Delta rockets, which build on a progressive history of technology development and advancement, to Vulcan Centaur.”

Vulcan Centaur’s flight proven design, coupled with innovative technology, is transforming the future of space launch. The new rocket will provide higher performance and greater affordability while continuing to deliver unmatched reliability and precision. Approximately 90 percent of all of Vulcan Centaur’s components will be flown first on Atlas V missions, so that its first flight will have reduced risk. Vulcan Centaur is a new class of space launch vehicle with the performance of a heavy launch vehicle in just a single core.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/14/2019 06:49 pm
Tory's comments:

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1161710579763073024

And we had Lee Jay there for NSF:

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1161711371215626240
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/14/2019 06:53 pm
All six missions will be berthing, not docking, missions.

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1161713274880180224
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/14/2019 07:02 pm
Lee Jay is unstoppable! :)

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1161713723897274369

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1161714377281691654
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Tywin on 08/14/2019 07:06 pm
Really interesting presentation...

Watch out Aerojet, SNC is coming for you contract of the US engines of the Vulcan!...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/14/2019 07:06 pm
And one more from Lee Jay :)

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1161715614861406208
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: JEF_300 on 08/14/2019 07:11 pm
The most interesting things I heard.

 - The cargo Dreamchaser still has the full suite of life support systems, and theoretically could be used to bring crew back to Earth in an emergency.

 - A Dreamchaser on Vulcan's SECOND flight. That seems like a major vote of confidence to me.

 - Thrusters can throttle to 3 different thrust levels.

 - SNC may be working on a RL-10 replacement?

And maybe most importantly:

 - It was repeatedly said that Vulcan was very competitively priced.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rzeppa on 08/14/2019 07:16 pm
Interesting that they're planning on flying all six NASA missions on a LV that hasn't even flown yet. When I was up there earlier this year (they're a customer of mine) they had told me that they had a contract for the first two mission would be flown on an Atlas V. I guess that contract must have been subsequently modified.

The picture below is a 1/3 scale model they have hanging in their lobby.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/14/2019 08:26 pm
Article on this:

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/08/cargo-dream-chaser-solidifies-ula-deal-vulcan/

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1161732260296568834

(Moved a bunch of posts to Dream Chaser discussion) :)
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Sam Ho on 08/14/2019 09:04 pm
The specific Vulcan configuration SNC is using:  (Note that per ULA, 4 SRBs is a mission-unique variant.)
Quote
The #VulcanCentaur rocket that will launch these 6 missions will have a 5.4-m-diameter fairing that will surround the @SierraNevCorp  #SNCDreamChaser, four additional solid rocket motors and two RL10 upper stage engines to deliver Dream Chaser to the ISS.
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1161714597763715073
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Thunderscreech on 08/14/2019 09:06 pm
From the Q&A, is it correct to understand that they use an H2O2/RP-1 mix for RCS?!  If so, that's bonkers, I wonder what the ignition system for it looks like. 

Or did I misunderstand his answer to the question?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: whitelancer64 on 08/14/2019 09:09 pm
The specific Vulcan configuration SNC is using:  (Note that per ULA, 4 SRBs is a mission-unique variant.)
Quote
The #VulcanCentaur rocket that will launch these 6 missions will have a 5.4-m-diameter fairing that will surround the @SierraNevCorp  #SNCDreamChaser, four additional solid rocket motors and two RL10 upper stage engines to deliver Dream Chaser to the ISS.
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1161714597763715073
I thought that the SRB compliment for Vulcan was going to be 0-2-4-6. So 4 would still be a standard amount.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: e of pi on 08/14/2019 09:30 pm
From the Q&A, is it correct to understand that they use an H2O2/RP-1 mix for RCS?!  If so, that's bonkers, I wonder what the ignition system for it looks like.

Or did I misunderstand his answer to the question?
From my understanding, some H2O2/RP-1 systems can be implemented to be hypergolic. You basically decompose the peroxide in such a way it ignites, then feed in the RP-1 just after the peroxide catalyst so it burns with the extra oxygen in the elevated ambient conditions.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: dglow on 08/14/2019 10:04 pm
I took particular note of this from one of John Curry's answers:

Quote from: SNC's John Curry
As you probably know, we started as a crew vehicle under the Commercial Crew Program and we came very close to winning that contract – closer than most people realize probably

Rather telling given the scuttlebutt surrounding the announcement of the CCtCap awards in 2014.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: IanO on 08/14/2019 10:05 pm
Is there still a plan for a test launch of the Dream Chaser on an Atlas before the CRS contract launches?  or has the Dream Chaser completely replaced Atlas with Vulcan?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Thunderscreech on 08/14/2019 10:07 pm
Is there still a plan for a test launch of the Dream Chaser on an Atlas before the CRS contract launches?  or has the Dream Chaser completely replaced Atlas with Vulcan?
In the Q&A someone asked if it was going to be an Atlas/Vulcan mix and it sounds like the plan is for it to be pure Vulcan with Atlas V as the 'backup rocket' because slips happen.  That's what I heard, at least, I welcome correction.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: dglow on 08/14/2019 10:55 pm
Friendly reminder: this is the UPDATE thread
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/15/2019 03:54 am
The announcement has been removed...

They did a 6-minute stream with a photo of the Milky Way, and then deleted it (along with two other shorter streams). There is a new stream scheduled for 18:30 UTC. I still don't know if they're just testing something on YouTube or if they're going to do some real stream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfM2VLvN9Ow

The video of the press conference has benn archived (see the link above, it starts at 13m).
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rocket Science on 08/15/2019 09:22 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFBM6wdRFCE
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/20/2019 06:39 pm
The SNC & ULA press conference

https://youtu.be/zHLgauc0o5Y
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 09/06/2019 11:09 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1169987005226373120
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/25/2019 09:57 pm
Quote
KSC-20190920-PH-KLS01_0074
A mockup of the cargo logistics module for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser, the company’s reusable spaceplane, arrived at the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in August. On Sept. 20, 2019, senior leadership had the opportunity to view the cargo module in the SSPF high bay. From left are Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro; Steve Lindsey, vice president, Space Exploration Systems, Sierra Nevada Corporation; and Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical. The SSPF is providing support for current and future NASA and commercial provider programs, including Commercial Resupply Services, Artemis 1, sending the first woman and next man to the Moon, and deep space destinations including Mars. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

https://flic.kr/p/2hkNKDS
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 10/14/2019 07:40 pm
SNC has scheduled a live stream event for 2019-10-15 16:00 UTC.

The video description doesn't say much.

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Join us for an exciting announcement on Tuesday, 10/15 at 10 AM MT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=206KQCRxjGk
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/14/2019 11:36 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1183886268976906240

Quote
It’s here! The primary structure for Dream Chaser® spacecraft!  Check out this drone footage of her arrival to our CO facilities in the snow - so exciting! We’re hosting a press conference Tuesday at 10am MT. Watch here: bit.ly/31fQr3q. Questions? Use #AskSNCDreamChaser
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 03:53 pm
Bit of a giveway with the webcast going live early :)
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184136403380330496
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 04:09 pm
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184139117086593024
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 04:12 pm
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184139717505368064
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 04:17 pm
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184142108774539264
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 04:29 pm
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184144109373706247
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 04:35 pm
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184147287683031042
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Rondaz on 10/15/2019 04:49 pm
Dream Chaser will ship to @NASAglenn in April of 2021 for three months of environmental testing. Then, off to Kennedy Space Center for final processing ahead of launch on a @ulalaunch Vulcan rocket by the end of 2021.

https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1184145117218779136
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 04:54 pm
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184149705007214592
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 04:54 pm
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184150505720897537
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/15/2019 04:56 pm
Nice photo

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1184142975221321728

Quote
SNC designed the primary structure & subcontractor @LockheedMartin helped build it. We are happy we partnered w/them to create the most
advanced, high-temperature, composite spaceframe! It builds off heritage manufacturing work that Lockheed has performed over the last 15 yrs
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/15/2019 05:30 pm
I did ask two more questions after the event.

Do you do a propellant depletion burn after the de-orbit burn?  Yes, primarily to reduce landing weight.

How do you assure the wings deploy?  System is motor-driven and single-fault tolerant.  More concerned about latching at each end (open and closed) than about the deployment itself.  If wings deploy after spacecraft separation but one or both fail to latch, would ask NASA for permission to approach the station anyway.  If one pin fails to come back out, that's primarily a ground processing issue.  If a wing can't be latched open, that's a crit-1 failure for EDL (as expected).

As always, SNC were gracious hosts.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 06:40 pm
Lee Jay close up view of Dream Chaser!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfPI6Absink
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2019 08:43 pm
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/10/dream-chaser-path-flight-primary-structure-snc/

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1184207792015581185
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 10/16/2019 02:28 am
Full program video:

Sierra Nevada Corporation - Dream Chaser Primary Vehicle Structure Press Conference - Live Stream


Sierra Nevada Corporation
Streamed live Oct 15, 2019

https://youtu.be/206KQCRxjGk
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/17/2019 03:32 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1184854108165021703

Quote
To celebrate the arrival of our primary structure, we have released a Dream Chaser® spacecraft CRS-2 program patch! To learn about its symbolism & how you can buy one for yourself, click on this link: bit.ly/2IWBZY2

Quote
Symbols in the Dream Chaser CRS-2 program patch include:

Six large stars represent the six minimum missions to the Space Station which will be completed for NASA under the CRS-2 program by 2024.

A star over Colorado signifies where Dream Chaser is designed, built and operated.

The International Space Station is our destination for each mission under CRS-2. Dream Chaser will stay mated to the space station for up to 75 days during each mission.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/17/2019 03:59 pm
I forgot to mention something that I found interesting.

Do you know why parts of the structure (especially the top and bottom) are brown/gold in color, when the thing is mostly black carbon fiber?  It's copper mesh embedded into the composite to help with lightning strike protection.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/17/2019 07:13 pm
Oh yeah...they gave me one of those patches!  Told you they were gracious hosts!

Here's what the real thing looks like.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/23/2019 03:05 am
UNOOSA and Sierra Nevada announce Call for Interest to provide landing site for Dream Chaser spacecraft mission carrying experiments from UN Member States:
https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/unoosa-snc-call-for-interest-dream-chaser-landing-site/

See also this link:
http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/psa/hsti/FreeFlyer_Orbital_Mission.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Zed_Noir on 10/23/2019 05:06 pm
UNOOSA and Sierra Nevada announce Call for Interest to provide landing site for Dream Chaser spacecraft mission carrying experiments from UN Member States:
....

Does ITAR restrictions applied for the landing site?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: russianhalo117 on 10/23/2019 05:11 pm
UNOOSA and Sierra Nevada announce Call for Interest to provide landing site for Dream Chaser spacecraft mission carrying experiments from UN Member States:
....

Does ITAR restrictions applied for the landing site?
Certain planned orbits restrict landing sites. Not sure on ITAR.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/31/2019 05:55 pm
New ConOps video:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1189977612623302657
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: jacqmans on 11/05/2019 09:06 am
November 04, 2019
MEDIA ADVISORY M019-20

NASA's Kennedy Space Center Invites Media to Sierra Nevada Corporation Media Event

Media are invited to a tour and briefing with Steve Lindsey, former NASA astronaut and space shuttle commander, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) senior vice president of Space Exploration, about SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft cargo module. The event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Dream Chaser is currently in full production, readied for its missions to deliver cargo to the International Space Station under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract.

Accreditation for this activity is open to U.S. media only. To receive credentials for this event, media must apply online by 4:30 p.m. EST Monday, Nov. 11. All media accreditation requests must be submitted online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/08/2019 07:23 pm
Photo just published by NASA Kennedy:

Quote
KSC-20190827-PH_KLS01_0067
The cargo logistics module for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser, the company’s reusable spaceplane, is lifted from the bed of a truck following its arrival at the Space Station Processing Facility high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Aug. 27, 2019. The cargo module – a 15-foot attachment to Dream Chaser – provides extra storage for payloads and provides cargo disposal upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Dream Chaser will deliver more than 12,000 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station under the agency’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract. The spacecraft and cargo module will begin resupply and return services missions to the space station in late 2021. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/19/2019 08:17 pm
Article for Shooting Star!

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/11/snc-names-dream-chaser-cargo-module-updates-crs2-progress/


https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1196899887016751105
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/23/2019 02:40 pm
One thing that was interesting during one of the Boeing press conferences is that Bridenstine specifically mentioned the CCtCap on-ramp clause that would allow new providers to come into the commercial crew program. I still believe that crewed DC could have a chance to win a contract if there is a new commercial crew transportation contract that is awarded. Of course, the on-ramp clause has been there since the beginning of CCtCap but I thought that it was interesting that Bridenstine specifically mentioned it during the press conference.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: wings_no_capsules on 12/25/2019 01:23 pm
Question..if the DC lands on a runway away from the space coast...how does it get back to kennedy?

Shes small enough a galaxy could carry her I believe inside.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: rayleighscatter on 12/25/2019 11:13 pm
Question..if the DC lands on a runway away from the space coast...how does it get back to kennedy?

Shes small enough a galaxy could carry her I believe inside.
They used a tractor trailer to get the test article to AFRC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: GWH on 01/09/2020 07:55 pm
Some good updates from Jeff Foust listening in to a briefing on SNC space programs:

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1215348318697488385

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1215350766614876160

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1215353729454501888

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1215354130639683584
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: GWH on 01/10/2020 10:28 pm
A general news story on Dream Chaser in Space Policy online:
https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/dream-chaser-on-track-for-2021-cargo-mission-crew-within-5-years/

Quote
SNC has “never stopped working” on the crewed version of Dream Chaser, Lindsey said. While the company’s focus right now is getting the cargo version ready for its first flight on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan-Centaur rocket next year, the first crewed flight “absolutely” will take place within 5 years.

“There’s interest, not  necessarily from NASA, but other customers” that Lindsey expects to grow once the cargo version is flying.  SNC will offer either a “taxi model” where it supplies the crew to fly it, or a “rental car model” where the customer provides the crew.  It will be up to the customer to decide.

Quote
Their lander concept is “pretty far along” and they are considering bidding for “probably most” of the four CLPS procurements NASA is planning this year, including VIPER, although NASA has delayed that procurement for now.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: neph on 01/31/2020 07:35 am
From the Q&A, is it correct to understand that they use an H2O2/RP-1 mix for RCS?!  If so, that's bonkers, I wonder what the ignition system for it looks like.

Or did I misunderstand his answer to the question?
From my understanding, some H2O2/RP-1 systems can be implemented to be hypergolic. You basically decompose the peroxide in such a way it ignites, then feed in the RP-1 just after the peroxide catalyst so it burns with the extra oxygen in the elevated ambient conditions.

I could be wrong, but I believe the Black Arrow used hypergolic ignition.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2020 08:05 am
I could be wrong, but I believe the Black Arrow used hypergolic ignition.

All rockets that use HTP are effectively hypergolic. The heat and oxygen from the decomposing HTP is sufficient to cause auto ignition.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: russianhalo117 on 03/03/2020 11:10 pm
SNC CRS MCR DAC (Dedication and Activation Ceremony):
https://vimeo.com/395315374
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 03/07/2020 12:29 am
FYI
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: josespeck on 03/18/2020 06:26 pm
I could be wrong, but I believe the Black Arrow used hypergolic ignition.

All rockets that use HTP are effectively hypergolic. The heat and oxygen from the decomposing HTP is sufficient to cause auto ignition.

According to http://www.braeunig.us/space/propel.htm (http://www.braeunig.us/space/propel.htm) with hydrazineif it is hypergolic, but not with kerosene. I suppose that with a previous catalyst they are all hypergolic as you say.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/30/2020 09:28 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1244657278483079173

Quote
The Dream Chaser® spaceplane recently underwent successful testing for key sensors. The purpose of the test was to collect data while mimicking the spacecraft’s approach to the @Space_Station. Our team did that by visiting @LockheedMartin’s Space Operations Simulation Center!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/03/2020 06:02 am
Apparently SNC Hybrid motors are alive and well - and now feature Vortex nozzles:

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-leverages-vortex-engine-technology-for-darpa-s-opfires-program/

Quote
SPARKS, Nev., April 02, 2020 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security leader owned by Eren and Fatih Ozmen, reached a major milestone in the advancement of hypersonic propulsion with its patented VORTEX engine, advancing to the next phase of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Operational Fires (OpFires) program.

Through OpFires, SNC is extending its hybrid VORTEX engine capabilities to advanced, deep throttling, restartable propulsion systems. The system utilizes benign solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer, both of which are storable on Earth and in space.  Recent testing shows positive results in being able to package significant energy into a small volume that will have the ability for deep throttling and smooth restart capabilities on command. “The VORTEX flows integrated into the hybrid significantly improves performance of the hybrid engine” said Dr. Marty Chiaverini, director of Propulsion Systems at SNC. ...
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/03/2020 04:39 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1246111640988323842
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 04/06/2020 10:28 am
Question is would Vortex Hybrid motors only be for LAS or would they also be used in orbit along with RCS?.

Hybrids are solids, so need replacing if used, adding to refurbishment costs of Dreamchaser.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/06/2020 12:50 pm
It was produced a long time ago now but the CGI of Crewed Dream Chaser showed the Hybrids being used for de-orbit and on-orbit maneuvers. And it was expected the hybrid motors would be replaced each flight as an integrated unit, i.e. land, slide the old ones out, and brand new ones in.

I'd like to know what the expected reliability numbers are these days. The accounts of rough starts for SpaceShip 2 early in development were pretty harrowing. No-one wants chunks of solid propellant breaking off and busting the nozzle mid flight.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/07/2020 09:28 pm
Tory Bruno says SNC has contracted for 7 Vulcan missions. Dream Chaser has 6 NASA missions. What's the 7th mission? Perhaps DC's UN mission?

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1247628217554472960
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/08/2020 04:31 pm
Tory Bruno answered my question:

Quote from: Tory Bruno
It's [The 7th mission] another Dream Chaser.  Contingent upon execution.

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1247923661165772801
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/21/2020 08:56 pm
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1252701510254964737

Quote
The wings for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser spaceplane arrived this month at the company’s Colorado production facility, marking the beginning of the spacecraft’s hardware integration phase.

Edit to add:

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-dream-chaser-wing-arrival/

Quote
SNC’S DREAM CHASER® SPACEPLANE WINGS ARRIVE IN COLORADO

Wings Add Form and Function to “America’s Spaceplane™”

SPARKS, Nev., April 21, 2020 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security leader owned by Eren and Fatih Ozmen, uncrated both wings for its Dream Chaser spaceplane this month at the company’s Louisville, Colorado production facility. The wings’ arrival kicks off the much-anticipated integration phase of a beautiful and critical differentiator for Dream Chaser, the world’s only spaceplane owned by a private company and under contract with NASA.

“The wings are here and now we truly have butterflies in anticipation of this integration phase for Dream Chaser,” said SNC President Eren Ozmen. “Our spaceplane looks and functions unlike anything else in space – more technologically advanced but with all the heritage of the space shuttle program in its design. Dream Chaser’s first flight will be a soaring moment for all of us.”

The arrival kicks off the integration of the complex Wing Deployment System (WDS) as part of the continued assembly and integration of the vehicle. With their innovative folding design, the wings are stowed in the fairing ahead of launch. After the launch vehicle separates, the WDS deploys the wings and locks them into place. Dream Chaser’s steeply angled wings function as stabilizers for the lift generated by the body of the vehicle.

 “The wings for Dream Chaser presented an interesting design challenge,” said Dream Chaser program director John Curry. “Not only must they survive in low-Earth orbit like a satellite, but they need to be operational in Earth’s atmosphere, like an aircraft.” Just like the structural body for Dream Chaser, the wings were manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Texas, a subcontractor to SNC, and are single bonded composite structures. This state-of-the-art technology saves weight without compromising strength and stiffness. 

Dream Chaser is under contract with NASA for at least six cargo resupply and return service missions to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract.  The Dream Chaser and attached Shooting Star transport vehicle can carry up to 12,000 pounds of supplies and other cargo, and returns delicate science to Earth with a gentle runway landing. 

About Dream Chaser Spacecraft
Owned and operated by SNC, the Dream Chaser spacecraft is a reusable, multi-mission space utility vehicle. It is capable of transportation services to and from low-Earth orbit and is the only commercial, lifting-body vehicle capable of a runway landing. The Dream Chaser Cargo System was selected by NASA to provide cargo delivery and disposal services to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract. All Dream Chaser CRS-2 cargo missions are planned to land at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through best-of-breed, open architecture engineering in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and National Security and Defense. SNC is recognized among the three most innovative U.S. companies in space, as a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest growing companies. SNC’s 55-year legacy of state-of-the art civil, military and commercial solutions includes delivering more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participation in more than 450 missions to space, including Mars.

###
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/21/2020 09:41 pm
Here is SNC's tweet on this:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1252701245804032006

Quote from: SNC
We’re excited to announce the wings for Dream Chaser® spaceplane have arrived at our production facility in Louisville, CO! NASA selected the cargo system to complete at least six missions to the Space Station. Follow along as we share more about them!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/21/2020 11:00 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1252731356548870144

Quote
Each wing for the Dream Chaser® spaceplane is more than 13 feet long and the vehicle is 30 feet long!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/22/2020 01:47 am
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/04/dream-chaser-receives-wings-iss/

- By Lee Kanayama

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1252775451090718720
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/22/2020 08:14 am
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1252776814788988932

Quote
Dream Chaser® spaceplane is the only commercial vehicle with wings and capable of a runway landing.  WINGS ARE BACK!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2020 06:28 pm
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1256262456420294658

Quote
In a news release surely timed to ensure maximum coverage in space media, Sierra Nevada just announced that its first Dream Chaser orbital vehicle will be named "Tenacity."
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Jester on 05/02/2020 07:45 am
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1256284288196075522
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/05/2020 02:35 pm
Here is a link to the Dynetics Moon lander thread for which SNC is an important subcontractor:

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=50843.0

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1255920265931960321

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1255999684214247429

Quote from: SNC
SNC is proud to announce we’ve been chosen to provide Crewed Systems Services to Dynetics for NASA’s Human Landing System for the #Artemis mission to the moon. The module we build will be the living space that transports & houses crew in the journey to & from the lunar surface.

Quote from: SNC
Our human spaceflight expertise developed through NASA’s CRS-2 & NextSTEP-2/Gateway programs gives us the expert knowledge needed to develop the Crewed Systems Services for Dynetics & NASA’s Human Landing System for the #Artemis mission to the moon.

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-nasa-artemis-hls/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/05/2020 05:20 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1257716797605888000

Quote
Liz here looking into the trash capability our Dream Chaser® spaceplane offers. I’m loading some disposal bags into our Shooting Star mockup to simulate the cargo that burns up on reentry. These blue bags are used by the @Space_Station crew to hold their trash!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 05/05/2020 06:49 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1257731882600615937

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Carson here! I’m taking measurements of the illumination produced by the internal lights using a light meter to facilitate communication between SNC & @NASA. This area is considered a workstation & must be lit well enough so a crew member can read, write & perform science.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/05/2020 07:11 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1257746998767300608

Quote
Carson again! As a human systems engineer, I work to keep the crew safe & working productively as they perform tasks inside the Dream Chaser® spaceplane like opening hatches & stowing cargo. Here @NASA_Astronauts @Astro_Kimbrough & Frank Rubio open a panel to stow cargo.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: GWH on 05/14/2020 10:35 pm
Glorious hardware photo of the Dream Chaser cargo module:

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1261056034841464833

Presser: https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-shooting-star-arrives-in-co/

Quote
Built primarily from advanced composite materials, Shooting Star has a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing it to achieve a high payload capacity to the space station. The structure was manufactured by subcontractor Applied Composites to SNC’s design requirements and recently shipped from its San Diego, California facility, to Louisville, Colorado, where it will be integrated by SNC.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/20/2020 06:29 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1263164781143511044

Quote from: SNC
SNC is eager to be involved in a crewed version of Dream Chaser. Additionally, we are looking at options utilizing Shooting Star for on orbit living.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1263169009794650112

Quote from: SNC
Our turnaround time is 60 days and is reusable up to 15 times! And you bet we have stickers! Head on over to our online store to shop!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/20/2020 06:36 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1263165740775022592

Quote from: SNC
We have nearly 30 thrusters on Dream Chaser & Shooting Star combined. For fuel, we'll be using H2O2.
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1263169754568830976

Quote
We're looking at a variety of options, including a Shooting Star with windows!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 05/20/2020 09:13 pm
We now know fuel choice, abort engines for crew version likely be bipropellant engine with H202 as oxidiser.
There are a few storable fuel options, RP1, propane or even solid fuel hybrid engine.


Follow SNC twitter feed lots of good questions and answers regarding future uses of Shooting Star and DC. Shooting Star is bit like SNC equivalent of Cygnus with similar multi role capabilities, can be used with or without DC.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 06/03/2020 03:02 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1268195847600291840

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Hi, Kyle here! I’m an engineer working to build SNC’s Dream Chaser® spaceplane! We've been hard at working building Dream Chaser during the pandemic, all while social distancing! Today, we’re going to show you some of our progress!

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1268210939691765761

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
A few of our technicians are working on installing the frame for the dorsal panel, which is on top of the Dream Chaser® spaceplane. The dorsal panel is where we’ll load time sensitive cargo ahead of launch. It's designed to fit payloads up to 3ft long, 2ft wide & weigh 400lbs.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 06/03/2020 05:07 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1268226021750439938
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 06/03/2020 06:09 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1268241117000151040

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Arthur & Vincent, two SNC technicians, are drilling some of our access panels!  We have several cutouts on the underside of the Dream Chaser® spaceplane that let us install components in hard to reach areas. These panels will cover those openings once we’re ready to launch!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/03/2020 08:25 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1268271287882911744

Quote
Finally- a group shot of the team responsible for physically building SNC’s Dream Chaser® spaceplane! Thanks for following along with us today as we build Dream Chaser while social distancing!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/10/2020 08:28 pm
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasakennedy/49992705686/

Quote
NASA Kennedy Follow
KSC-20200603-PH-KLS01_0072

Inside the low bay of the Space Station Processing Facility at NASAâs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers assist as Sierra Nevada Corporationâs (SNC) Dream Chaser pressure test article on its support structure is lowered by crane on June 3, 2020, for its move into the high bay. The test article was shipped from Louisville, Colorado. It is similar to the actual pressurized cabin being used in the Dream Chaser spaceplane for Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) missions. NASA selected Dream Chaser to provide cargo delivery, return and disposal service for the International Space Station under the CRS-2 contract. The test article will remain at Kennedy while SNC engineers use it to develop and verify refurbishment operations that will be used on Dream Chaser between flights. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/13/2020 06:32 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1271870726178590720

Quote
While it looks like our Dream Chaser® spaceplane is ready for a pool party, those foam pads aren’t actually pool noodles! They’re made of a more dense foam material and are meant to help protect the primary structure from damage while it’s being built.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 06/14/2020 02:28 pm
More photos of Dream Chaser Pressure Test Article arrival at Kennedy Space Center.
Video: https://images.nasa.gov/details-KSC-20200603-MH-GEB01_0001-SNC_Pressure_Test_Article_Arrival-3250417
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 06/14/2020 02:30 pm
And a few more.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 06/18/2020 05:41 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1273670832137658374

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
It may look like a skylight for our Dream Chaser® spaceplane, but this is the framework for the dorsal panel. It's the only way to get inside Dream Chaser once it’s in the vertical configuration at @NASAKennedy & how SNC employees will load time sensitive cargo ahead of launch.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 06/25/2020 07:03 pm
Quote from: SNC
Our Dream Chaser® spaceplane is starting to get the black & white color that’s seen in renderings! We've started bonding the Thermal Protection System tiles to the vehicle. Learn more how the tiles protect Dream Chaser from extreme heat by clicking here

https://bit.ly/2NwkBeq.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1276226563244204035
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 06/26/2020 10:27 pm
Round up of where we stand with Dream Chaser:

https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1276642696376049666
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/08/2020 07:03 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1280879413861789699

Quote
Hi everyone, Jack here! I’m an engineer on our Dream Chaser® spaceplane team. Today, I'm taking over SNC's social media accounts to take you for a behind-the-scenes look in Louisville, CO where we’re building the Dream Chaser & our transport vehicle, Shooting Star.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1280894551843102723

Quote
I’ve been working on the Dream Chaser® spaceplane since 2016 as a structural engineer, but am now a liaison engineering supporting our build team. I’ve also been able to use my photography background by documenting hardware. Here I am taking pictures on our production floor.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1280909624724594689

Quote
I recently got to work on the inside of our roomy Shooting Star transport vehicle. It was pretty slippery in, there so I went inside with another liaison engineer to put down a floor for our inspection team. The acoustics rival @RedRocksCo, too bad we’re filling it with hardware!

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1280924703608143872

Quote
Here’s a throwback to our human factors testing on the Dream Chaser® spaceplane mockup vehicle. The team reached out to me when they needed to prove a sufficiently large astronaut can fit inside our spaceplane. I’m 6’4”, so I fit the bill! Now I just need to find an XL spacesuit.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1280939820664213507

Quote
Jack again, this time you’ll find me inside the Dream Chaser® spaceplane main landing gear bay. Our technicians have started installing the landing gear by shimming & drilling the trunnion shown in the lower right. We’re one step closer to attaching wheels to Dream Chaser!
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/14/2020 08:11 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1283112285117046785

Quote
SNC’s office in Madison, WI recently delivered cold plates to our production floor in Louisville, CO for the Dream Chaser® spaceplane. Cold plates regulate the temperature of the electronics on board by removing excess heat they generate. Without them, they could overheat.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/14/2020 09:56 pm
Quote
OZMENS’ SNC SELECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO DESIGN, DEVELOP UNMANNED ORBITAL OUTPOST PROTOTYPE

Proposed Design Leverages Existing Commercial Tech to Achieve Savings in Cost, Schedule

SPARKS, Nev., July 14, 2020 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security leader owned by Eren and Fatih Ozmen, was awarded a contract to repurpose SNC’s Shooting Star transport vehicle as a proposed commercial solution for an Unmanned Orbital Outpost – essentially a scalable, autonomous space station for experiments and logistics demonstrations – by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). SNC’s Shooting Star transport vehicle serves as the core structure for the proposed design.

The versatility of the Dream Chaser spaceplane and Shooting Star technologies and subsystems allow for greater flexibility and modularity both internally and externally for orbital outpost mission requirements. For DIU, this design leverages commercial programs and private investment at a fraction of the cost and schedule of building government-owned and operated systems. Repurposing space hardware reduces the time to achieve a minimal operating capability, orbital debris and the cost of launching dedicated buses to support subsequent mission requirements.

“We’re excited by the multi-mission nature of Shooting Star,” said SNC CEO Fatih Ozmen. “It was originally developed for NASA resupply missions to the International Space Station, and since then we keep identifying new capabilities and solutions it offers to a wide variety of customers. The possible applications for Shooting Star are really endless.”

Shooting Star is a 16-foot attachment to Dream Chaser developed for NASA Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) missions to provide extra storage for payloads and to facilitate cargo disposal upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. However, the transport vehicle’s unique design also offers free-flyer and satellite capabilities for large payloads with high-power capacity. It can also support logistics services to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and cislunar destinations.

“The current Shooting Star is already designed with significant capabilities for an orbital outpost and by adding only a few components we are able to meet Department of Defense needs.” said former NASA space shuttle commander and retired USAF pilot Steve Lindsey, now senior vice president of strategy for SNC’s Space Systems business area. “We are proud to offer our transport vehicle to DoD as a free-flying destination for experimentation and testing, expanding beyond its current payload service capabilities for Dream Chaser cargo missions.”

The proposed orbital outpost will be initially established in LEO with guidance, navigation and control for sustained free-flight operations to host payloads and support space assembly, microgravity, experimentation, logistics, manufacturing, training, test and evaluation. Future outposts may be based in a variety of orbits including, medium-Earth orbit, highly elliptical orbit, geosynchronous Earth orbits (GEO) to include GEO transfer orbits, and cislunar orbits.

For more information, visit www.SNCorp.com.

https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/dod-selects-snc-to-design-develop-unmanned-orbital-outpost-prototype/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 07/15/2020 12:43 am
What will they use to deliver payloads to this spacestation?.
Here are few possibilities.
X37
Cygnus, Dragon and Dreamchaser as part of ISS cargo mission.
Small LVs eg Electron with Photon doing final delivery.

Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Asteroza on 07/16/2020 12:37 am
Uh, how is Shooting Star supposed to get up there? Is this basically functioning like a long term extended mission for the tail section of a Dreamchaser flight after being cut loose, much like how Cygnus does extended missions after leaving ISS currently, or will this be independently launched? If this is running on the backend of a Dreamchaser flight, won't here be some complaints about fitting military payloads to it when going to ISS?

Though as a quickie freeflyer with a large-ish hatch, it has it's attractiveness. One can potentially imagine a Dragon 2 rolling up to deliver ZBLAN ingots and retrieving ZBLAN fiber. Though will need the IDSS hatch for that, not the CBM one.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: TrevorMonty on 07/16/2020 03:05 am
Uh, how is Shooting Star supposed to get up there? Is this basically functioning like a long term extended mission for the tail section of a Dreamchaser flight after being cut loose, much like how Cygnus does extended missions after leaving ISS currently, or will this be independently launched? If this is running on the backend of a Dreamchaser flight, won't here be some complaints about fitting military payloads to it when going to ISS?

Though as a quickie freeflyer with a large-ish hatch, it has it's attractiveness. One can potentially imagine a Dragon 2 rolling up to deliver ZBLAN ingots and retrieving ZBLAN fiber. Though will need the IDSS hatch for that, not the CBM one.
I'd say its dedicated delivery launch.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 07/18/2020 06:15 pm
Here is an article on it:

Quote from: SNC
The Pentagon Moves To Launch Its Own Experimental Mini Space Station - Via ⁦@thedrive⁩ by ⁦@FranticGoat

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1283797604036481024

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/34840/the-pentagon-moves-to-launch-its-own-experimental-mini-space-station
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/05/2020 05:02 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1291056464417751040

Quote
This is a thruster for our Dream Chaser® spaceplane. VORTEX® engine technology provides high combustion efficiency while keeping the engine cool. The propellants then burn by themselves.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/05/2020 07:05 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1291086672453677057

Quote
Test Cell 3 is our latest addition & the largest on site. It uses cryogenic propellants to support developing the VORTEX® upper stage engine, VR35K-A, in partnership w/the @AFResearchLab. The engine is capable of 35,000 lbf & has a smaller footprint than current industry options.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 08/12/2020 08:22 pm
An article on DC's progress:
https://www.space.com/amp/dream-chaser-space-plane-tenacity-tour.html

https://vimeo.com/367820390
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 09/27/2020 04:48 pm
One of the carbon composite wing sections delivered to SNC in Colorado.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/06/2020 02:44 pm
Quote from: Kathy Lueders
Thanks to our partners for a great visit at @SierraNevCorp’s facility in Colorado to see the Dream Chaser Spaceplane that will transport @ISS_Research and cargo to and from low-Earth orbit and the @Space_Station .@NASA and our commercial partners explore together!

https://twitter.com/KathyLueders/status/1313479137437327360
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/07/2020 01:14 am
Quote from: SNC
It was an honor hosting @NASA’s @KathyLueders, Ken Boweresox & Joel Montalbano at our facilities in Louisville, CO. They had the opportunity to visit our production floor where we’re building the Dream Chaser® spaceplane & Shooting Star™ transport vehicle!
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1313642972483813377
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/09/2020 09:48 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1314683077373952000

Quote
We've installed the first flight hardware onto our Shooting Star™ transport vehicle! The Star Tracker brackets hold our Star Tracker units, a navigation tool used on the Dream Chaser® spaceplane. They use mathematics to calculate the orientation of Dream Chaser based on stars.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 10/11/2020 08:48 pm
Inside Sierra Nevada Corp’s space plans, from the reusable ‘Dream Chaser’ to inflatable habitats:
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/10/sierra-nevada-corporations-space-plan-dream-chaser-nasas-artemis-and-more.html
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/13/2020 06:44 pm
Quote
DREAM CHASER® SPACEPLANE TEAM PERFORMS SUCCESSFUL WIND TUNNEL TESTING

October 08, 2020

SNC recently completed a successful series of wind tunnel tests performed at NASA’s Ames Research Center over the course of three weeks, requiring both on-site and additional remote support, for more than 16 hours a day.  It was a test our Dream Chaser® spaceplane team worked on for more than a year with preparation and planning.

Aerospace engineer, Mike J., was one of those on-site supporting the testing. He says, the testing isn’t a common one in the industry because of the specialized instrumentation used, but crucial to preparing for Dream Chaser missions.

“Unsteady forces, like vibrations, could produce a critical amount of force on the Dream Chaser airframe. That excessive force could result in failure of the structure. It’s important our engineers know all the forces acting on the airframe with as much accuracy as possible to design the structures with sufficient strength for safe flight operations.”

The Dream Chaser model used in the testing looks a little different from what we’re used to seeing in renderings. First up, it’s small; 1/10 the size of the actual vehicle. Mike says the size was determined based on what would allow for safe operations inside the wind tunnel space. It’s also silver! Of course, there’s a reason for that too!

“Typically, wind tunnel models are made of stainless steel or aluminum. Dream Chaser gets its color from the black and white Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles,” Mike said. “While the test model incorporates the presence of TPS tiles, color isn’t relevant to wind tunnel testing.”

There are a few other details that also stand out on the model that are different from the actual Dream Chaser, like the text. The words written on the model identify a sensor and help the engineers associate it with the proper data channels. As for the white spots on the bottom of the model, it’s simply paste! It was used to cover items like the external fasteners and recessed bolt heads. That hardware doesn’t exist on the flight vehicle and the paste helps smooth the outer surface, much like the actual Dream Chaser.

After returning to SNC’s Louisville, Colorado production facility, we asked Mike what the best part of the trip was, and his answer was simple. “Having spent most of my career in wind tunnel testing, my favorite part is always successfully conducting the test.  Our team performed seamlessly and the credit goes to everyone for making the test a success.”

https://www.sncorp.com/blog/snc-wind-tunnel-tests/
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/03/2020 05:19 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1323690179933147136

Quote
Jump on a ride to space! SNC has a brand new interactive video to showcasing the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, along with highlighting its capabilities in low-Earth orbit. It lets users to click through the various steps of the mission, from launch to landing, https://www.sncorp.com/interactive


Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/11/2020 01:22 am
In the video, SNC mentions that Shooting Star can be used to service Gateway.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Lee Jay on 11/17/2020 04:15 pm
I was on a conference call with SNC today.   A lot of topics were covered from Tipping Point (a technology for producing oxygen from lunar regolith) to the LIFE inflatable habitat to Dream Chaser and its cargo module "Shooting Star".  The biggest thing that might be relevant to this thread is that DC is now expected to have first-flight sometime in 2022.  That's not a long delay from the end of 2021 plan and they seem to have done a good bit of work to mitigate the effects of the pandemic-related slow-down, but I think we all knew there would be some schedule slip.  Steve Lindsey gave an example of how a structural test was delayed when some exposure required the team to quarantine leading them to re-purpose their mission control center to run the structural test remotely.  Cool mitigation but it still caused the testing to take longer than planned.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 11/18/2020 03:49 am
Dream Chaser space plane’s schedule slips due to COVID:

https://cosmiclog.com/2020/11/17/space-planes-schedule-slips-due-to-covid/

https://twitter.com/CosmicLog/status/1328915313920937984
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/25/2020 10:32 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1331742018473701376

Quote
Take a journey to the @Space_Station using SNC’s new interactive video. It brings to life the ways our Dream Chaser® spaceplane & Shooting Star™ transport vehicle increase routine access to low-Earth orbit!
https://www.sncorp.com/interactive
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 12/14/2020 06:08 pm
Quote from: Marcia Smith
Bruno: first Vulcan certification flight is Astrobotic, Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser is second.  Have sold more than 30 Vulcan missions already. Asked what happens if Astrobotic not ready next yr, Bruno said they can slot in one of the others and maintain certification schedule.

https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1338558300829470720
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/24/2020 06:21 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1342187549490638851

Quote
While 2020 was a year unlike any other, SNC remained innovative in the face of new challenges. Our Dream Chaser® spaceplane team stayed busy on the production floor meeting milestones. As 2020 comes to a close we’re celebrating 20 of their accomplishments! bit.ly/37syPrr
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Kryten on 01/02/2021 07:51 pm
 An early Dream Chaser structural engineering model has been listed on ebay with a starting bid of $500 (or $3,800 buy-it-now), no bids currently with less than 24 hours left. Here's the item description and images;
Quote
Item specifics
Condition:   
Used: An item that has been used previously.
Brand:   
Sierra Nevada Corporation
Features:   Carbon Fiber Honeycomb Structure   Scale:   Full Scale
Type:   Spacecraft

[Has the Type: Spacecraft tag ever been used on ebay before? I doubt it]

The Dream Chaser is a reusable lifting-body spaceplane being developed by Sierra Nevada Corporation. Originally intended as a crewed vehicle, the Dream Chaser Space System, to be produced after the cargo variant, Dream Chaser Cargo System, is operational. The crewed variant is capable of carrying up to seven people and cargo to and from low Earth orbit.

The cargo Dream Chaser is designed to resupply the International Space Station with both pressurized and unpressurized cargo. It is intended to launch vertically on the Vulcan Centaur rocket and autonomously land horizontally on conventional runways. A proposed version operated by ESA would launch on Ariane 5.

This engineering model made of carbon fiber honeycomb was manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the same facility that produces the F35 Lightning II.  It was used for early structural testing of the spaceplane body and later used by technicians to rehearse cutting and drilling operations that were necessary on the flight unit.

This piece of space history measures approximately 15 feet long and 6 feet in diameter. The structure walls are over an inch thick in places but because of the carbon fiber construction the unit is still light.  It can be lifted by four people.  A resting fixture is included that features heavy duty casters to easily move the unit.

This would make an incredible flight simulator of placehouse for kids.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 01/02/2021 09:21 pm
Well that's unexpected! I really hope it ends up in a museum or the like rather than as a lawn ornament somewhere.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dream-Chaser-Spacecraft-Structural-Engineering-Model/333835930384

The seller is Reid Hollander, who recently left SNC. A parting gift?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Mammutti on 01/06/2021 04:48 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1346834676170821636

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Hi! I’m Hannah, a propulsion manufacturing engineer at SNC. As part of the operations team I work directly with technicians & engineers on our production floor, so how about a tour? I’ll be taking over SNC’s social media today to show you all the activity!

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1346851783730196480

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
The Taylor floor is currently home to the Dream Chaser® spaceplane & Shooting Star™ transport vehicle. Teams of engineers, technicians, inspectors & work control are working day & night to juggle multiple tasks & ensure the builds go smoothly.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1346871161897054215

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Aside from flight hardware, there is a LOT of ground support equipment & tooling on the floor. The Dream Chaser® spaceplane is held up by a platform allowing access from nearly all angles. The Shooting Star™ transport vehicle is held in a rotating tool for total exterior access.

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1346887018157121538

Quote from: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Our team has been working to install the aeroshells on the Dream Chaser® spaceplane. They’ll eventually enclose the open areas you see in the pictures. Soon the bays will be filled with components like batteries, brackets, plumbing, and tanks.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/15/2021 07:29 pm
Quote from: Michael Sheetz
The FAA today issued Space Florida with a "Reentry Site Operator License" (RSOL) to operate from Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). This is key to supporting @SierraNevCorp's future Dream Chaser spaceplane missions.

SLF will now be known simply as Space Florida's "Launch and Landing Facility."

Sierra Nevada EVP Janet Kavandi: "The runway landing capability is what makes Dream Chaser the best solution for space travel right now ... We congratulate Space Florida on this licensing that will accelerate space travel and make it more accessible.”

https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1350174098039648256

https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1350174310527332357
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 01/19/2021 10:59 pm
https://twitter.com/SpaceFlorida/status/1351560253507252225
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/03/2021 06:36 pm
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1367196545163132939

Quote
In the same webinar, Janet Kavandi of SNC says the first Dream Chaser cargo mission to the ISS is now scheduled for the second half of 2022.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 03/31/2021 07:32 pm
Quote from: Marcia Smith
Lindsay confirms SNC has 7, not 6, cargo missions under contract with NASA.

https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1377340282312663042
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/31/2021 07:43 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1377343824905728001

Quote
Dream Chaser® spaceplane closer to launch in 2022: First Dream Chaser orbital vehicle is being assembled in Louisville, Colorado. Thermal protection tiles being installed on vehicles exterior/wings will attached summer 2021 #FutureofSpace #Space
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: adrianwyard on 04/02/2021 01:42 am
Space Station Press Briefing:
https://vimeo.com/531507529
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: BrightLight on 04/09/2021 07:30 pm
Steve Lindsey says that one of the next major assembly milestones will include the installation of the nose landing gear, followed by the wings around the middle of the year.  This wing section in an assembly jig will be installed along with the locking and unfolding mechanisms that will allow the dream chaser to fit inside the ULA Vulcan fairing.
Credit: Aviation Week
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: abaddon on 04/14/2021 05:52 pm
Sierra Nevada Corporation to spin off space division: https://spacenews.com/sierra-nevada-corporation-to-spin-off-space-division/

Quote
At a March 31 media event, SNC officials described their space station concepts, as well as the company’s intent to participate in NASA’s new Commercial LEO Destinations program, which will provide funding through Space Act Agreements to mature commercial space station designs.
[...]
Ozmen, in her memo, described the company’s role in creating a “vibrant low-Earth orbit economy” with Dream Chaser and that commercial space station, along with the use of LIFE modules for exploration and other technologies SNC has developed.
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/15/2021 09:43 am
The name of the new division is "Sierra Space".
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 04/17/2021 11:42 pm
Here is another article with more information:

Billionaire-owned Sierra Nevada Corp. creating new space company to bet on a low-Earth orbit economy:
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/14/billionaire-owned-sierra-nevada-corp-creating-new-space-company-to-bet-on-a-low-earth-orbit-economy.html

https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1382289004855492608
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/04/2021 02:28 pm
https://twitter.com/spaceflorida/status/1389586038213984261

Quote
Join us live from Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility at 10:30 ET as we make a special announcement with @SierraNevCorp https://vimeo.com/event/945191/videos/544610227/e6d50d3697
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/04/2021 02:42 pm
twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1389590461740982290

Quote
We’re ready to make history with @SpaceFlorida! We will be using their Launch & Landing Facility to land the Dream Chaser spaceplane there during CRS-2 missions. This will be its first runway landing since @NASA’s shuttle program ended a decade ago!

Edit to add:

https://twitter.com/lauraforczyk/status/1389595426391744516

Quote
1) We've known Dream Chaser was planning to land at KSC's SLF since at least 2015.

2) Many aircraft and spacecraft landings have happened at SLF runway since the space shuttles retired.

Can anyone tell me what the point of this press briefing is?
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/04/2021 03:11 pm
https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1389598015929921537
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/04/2021 03:16 pm
Quote from: Chris Bergin
Dream Chaser is bouncing around in excitement at being at the KSC SLF....

....because it's an inflatable mock-up.
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1389592359218917376
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 05/04/2021 03:22 pm
Archived video:
https://vimeo.com/event/945191/videos/545004837/e6d50d3697

https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1389589512007864331
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: yg1968 on 06/01/2021 10:19 pm
Quote from: Sierra Space
Sierra Space starts its journey TODAY! If you’re looking for updates on the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, our involvement on @NASA satellites or our commercial space station, follow this account! We’re on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram!

https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1399741285351792640
Title: Re: SNC Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread
Post by: catdlr on 06/01/2021 10:38 pm
I've requested mods to see if the forum section (SNC Dream Chaser Section) should be changed to Sierra Space.  Thanks for the post above.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 06/04/2021 08:55 pm
I've requested mods to see if the forum section (SNC Dream Chaser Section) should be changed to Sierra Space.  Thanks for the post above.

Moderator: I edited this thread's title.

I believe that only an admin can edit a section / sub-forum title or blurb.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Jester on 06/05/2021 09:41 am
I've requested mods to see if the forum section (SNC Dream Chaser Section) should be changed to Sierra Space.  Thanks for the post above.

Moderator: I edited this thread's title.

I believe that only an admin can edit a section / sub-forum title or blurb.

Done
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/09/2021 12:49 pm
https://spacenews.com/sierra-space-signs-dream-chaser-agreement-with-british-spaceport/

Quote
Sierra Space signs Dream Chaser agreement with British spaceport
by Jeff Foust — June 9, 2021

WASHINGTON — Sierra Space, the new space subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation, announced June 9 that it signed an initial agreement with a British spaceport that could lead to landings of the company’s Dream Chaser vehicle there.

[…]

The MOU is not a final agreement regarding hosting Dream Chaser at the spaceport. Instead, Sierra Space said it will lead to more detailed studies “for potentially naming Spaceport Cornwall as an approved orbital return location for the company’s Dream Chaser spaceplane missions in the future.”

Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/12/2021 07:23 pm
https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/1425898144974446605

Quote
#ICYMI @SierraSpaceCo successfully completed the entire installation of the Passive Common Berthing Mechanism to the Shooting Star™ service module! Now, it has everything it needs to successfully berth to the International Space Station. Read more here  bit.ly/3xh0eX8
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/19/2021 07:49 pm
Not sure if this is a new render?

https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1428421265249947650

Quote
We’re celebrating National Aviation Day with the Dream Chaser® spaceplane! While an astronaut can pilot Dream Chaser, our spaceplane doesn’t actually need a pilot. Learn how it’ll take flight during its first mission to the @Space_Station next year bit.ly/2WaGDuL
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/07/2021 04:40 pm
https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1435255041045184514

Quote
We may not be sending humans to space (YET!) but plenty get to go inside our Dream Chaser® spaceplane as we build it. Here, a tech installs shelving for the avionic computers that control Dream Chaser during flight.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: BrightLight on 09/21/2021 08:22 pm
Some newly posted activity on the Dream Chaser: some kind of preparation for thermal insulation tiles and an active thermal control system (for what part of Dream Chaser is not clear).
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: su27k on 10/27/2021 03:10 am
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1452895934602383362

Quote
Sierra Space’s Janet Kavandi says the first Dream Chaser launch is “a little more than a year” from launch; last night she suggested it might slip to early 2023. (Pre-pandemic, it was going to launch late this year.) #iac2021
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: JAFO on 11/14/2021 06:10 am
Frustratingly, no pics of surfaces in place. So close.....

Quote from: SNC
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1459172165941665799 (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1459172165941665799)
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: The Phantom on 11/14/2021 11:52 pm
These are beginning to show up on doors around the SSPF.

I agree.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: BrightLight on 11/19/2021 04:20 pm
Big news from Sierra Space - they just announced that they raised 1.4 $billion for Dream Chaser development from private sources.  A new application is apparently for national security purposes.

https://sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-secures-record-1-4-billion-series-a-growth-investment-and-achieves-4-5-billion-valuation/

    Sierra Space secures $1.4 billion Series A capital raise; represents largest aerospace and defense capital raise globally in 2021, second-largest private capital raise globally in the aerospace and defense sector ever
    Growth capital accelerates the realization of Sierra Space’s vision of enabling humanity to build civilizations in space, while enhancing life on Earth
    Sierra Space is building the first commercial business platform in space; investment accelerates development of the company’s revolutionary Dream Chaser® Spaceplane and expandable LIFE Commercial Space Station
    Dream Chaser Spaceplane, a family of vehicles for cargo, crew and national security applications, is in advanced stage of development and production and is under a multibillion-dollar contract with NASA to perform cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station starting late next year
    Sierra Space is uniquely positioned to drive and capitalize on rapidly expanding low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy via its differentiated and technologically advanced products

"The company will use about two thirds of the funds for work on Dream Chaser, the lifting-body vehicle it is building for to transport cargo for the International Space Station starting in late 2022. That includes development of a crewed version of the vehicle that could make its first flight with people on board as soon as 2025, Vice said."  This level of funding suggests roughly $900 Million for DC development, enough to get at least part of the milestones for a crewed version  going forward.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: kdhilliard on 11/20/2021 07:20 pm
Big news from Sierra Space ...

"The company will use about two thirds of the funds for work on Dream Chaser, the lifting-body vehicle it is building for to transport cargo for the International Space Station starting in late 2022. That includes development of a crewed version of the vehicle that could make its first flight with people on board as soon as 2025, Vice said."  This level of funding suggests roughly $900 Million for DC development, enough to get at least part of the milestones for a crewed version  going forward.
Source for quoted portion of that last paragraph: Sierra Space raises $1.4 billion (https://spacenews.com/sierra-space-raises-1-4-billion/), Jeff Foust, Space News, November 19, 2021.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Spy on 12/13/2021 11:50 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1470541554477580296

Quote
I spy with my little eye a Dream Chaser spaceplane looking good enough to fly! Our full-scale Dream Chaser model is now officially ready to make the drive to #CES2022. Stay tuned for trip updates! #DreamChaser #SierraSpace

<insert "it's only a model" from Monty Python & the Holy Grail here>
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: deadman1204 on 12/22/2021 01:43 pm
https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1473325090393800714
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: dchill on 12/31/2021 02:39 pm
Looking at the fire map and Google Earth it looks like the wildfire that started in Boulder County came within about 0.8 miles of the Sierra Space facility in Louisville.

https://www.newsweek.com/colorado-boulder-wildfires-polis-marshall-fire-emergency-1664582#slideshow/1961046

Hopefully their cleanrooms were able to filter out all that damn smoke and they don't lose any hardware.   :-[

Adding a note via edit - The loss of so many peoples' homes is the most terrible thing.  I hope none of the Sierra folks lost homes.  That's a million times more devastating than having to worry about cleaning or replacing hardware.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Lee Jay on 12/31/2021 03:11 pm
The fire was a lot more spotty than that map would lead you to believe.  There are lots of houses standing that are inside the red area.  There are whole subdivisions gone and the one right next to it is untouched.

Smoke was plentiful and ash was falling from the sky, but it wasn't severe.  I was out in it and live about 8 miles away.  Definitely a strong smell of smoke but it wasn't snowing ash like I've seen with forest fires.  This was mostly grass and structures.

Pretty big tragedy and my major concern for the businesses in the area (such as Sierra Space) is the affect on workers who have lost their homes or who are now housing friends or families who lost theirs.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 01/05/2022 10:16 pm
https://twitter.com/AeroAmMag/status/1478777085854429192

Dream Chaser’s inaugural cargo flight could come as soon as November:
https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/dream-chasers-inaugural-cargo-flight-could-come-as-soon-as-november/

Quote from: the article
SNC’s subsidiary Sierra Space, which as of its creation last April oversees the Dream Chaser program, is targeting a three-month window between November and February 2023 for Tenacity’s inaugural flight, the first of six cargo deliveries planned under a NASA cargo contract awarded after the Commercial Crew disappointment in 2014.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: cohberg on 01/08/2022 12:49 am
https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/07/dream-chaser-model-arrives-at-the-kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex/ (https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/07/dream-chaser-model-arrives-at-the-kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex/)

This KSC model has updated features that match the new DOUG model (https://vrlab.jsc.nasa.gov/doug/flight_packages/) for Dream Chaser and Shooting Star Service Module. This new model was released in Stage 66-7

Minor Changes / Notes for the Shooting Star module:

Unlike most of the current renders, the innermost segments of the DOUG and KSC model's array are also covered in solar panels

The 6 equally spaced thrusters on both models matches the newer renders (vs the 2 clusters of 3 thrusters at 180 degrees for the older renders)

We also glean some very minor details about nav and strobe lights from the DOUG model tree
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: su27k on 01/08/2022 07:23 am
https://twitter.com/DanaEn803/status/1479339072481026052

Quote
1/ At CES @Astro_Angry just interviewed @SierraSpaceCo VP John Roth. Very important point came out, Dreamchaser is not under ITAR, it is a Commercial Control Item meaning @ESA @AschbacherJosef (or any country or entity US Commerce Dept allows) can



2/ launch both Life-Habitats and Dream Chasers to build and service their own Crewed Space Stations or Life-Habitat Surface Modules on the Moon or Mars. Love the Dream-Chaser but the Life-Habitat is far more important to humanity living in Space.



3/ Angry mentioned UK specifically, so for example @spacegovuk or @UniofOxford or GlaxoSmithKline(UK) could commission a Life Habitat and service it via Dream Chaser for whatever endeavor they want.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/09/2022 02:37 am
Yes, that's correct, but there is a "gotcha". Commercial satellites (including Dreamchaser) are still effectively covered by ITAR. That's why you can't launch satellites with US components from China and Russia.

"While commercial satellites were officially removed from the USML and transferred to the CCL, the Bureau of Industry and Security created new categories within the CCL known as the “ECCN 500 Series” (Export Control Classification Number) and placed them under the categories referred to as “9×515.” For technologies within the 500 Series, they would still be subject to the rules set out in ITAR § 126.1 which prohibits sales to China, as well as the additional countries listed in Country Group D:5 who are under an arms embargo.32 To summarize what may seem like jargon, even though commercial satellites and satellite components were removed from ITAR, they could still not be sold to China. As a result, the majority of customers who only wanted ITAR-free satellites in order to sell them in China still faced the same obstacle."

https://aerospace.csis.org/the-myth-of-itar-free/
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 02/16/2022 09:04 pm
Quote from: Jeff Foust
Janet Kavandi of Sierra Space says on a commercial LEO destinations panel that the first Dream Chaser launch on a ULA Vulcan is now scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2023, “about a year from now

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1494068275386499072
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 02/26/2022 01:22 pm
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1497574220863311872
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 04/06/2022 08:58 pm
https://twitter.com/AvWeekGuy/status/1511787101452386308
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: JAFO on 04/17/2022 06:09 am
Ooooooooo............


https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1514721277444980748?cxt=HHwWmICsvb--r4UqAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1514721277444980748?cxt=HHwWmICsvb--r4UqAAAA)

screengrabs:

Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Conexion Espacial on 04/30/2022 07:29 pm

SpaceNews has published new images of the Dream Chaser "Tenacity" which is progressing satisfactorily.


Article with more information: https://spacenews.com/first-dream-chaser-vehicle-takes-shape/
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 05/02/2022 09:00 pm
[April 29 SpaceNews] article with more information: First Dream Chaser vehicle takes shape (https://spacenews.com/first-dream-chaser-vehicle-takes-shape/)
Quote
In a recent interview, Tom Vice, chief executive of Sierra Space: [Company] was moving into final integration and testing. It should be ready to ship to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio, formerly known as Plum Brook Station, in August or September for four months of thermal vacuum testing.

Then we ship it to the Kennedy Space Center for integration onto the Vulcan rocket,” he said, with a launch tentatively planned for February [2023].

Janet Kavandi, president of Sierra Space, during a panel at the AIAA ASCENDx Texas conference in Houston April 28: [T]he launch was planned “about a year from now.”
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: adrianwyard on 05/03/2022 03:38 pm
https://youtu.be/E6nh7N9I-sg

Lots of details visible in this new construction time-lapse. It's still missing propulsion and main landing gear but definitely coming together!
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/12/2022 05:37 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkgpSKPMOvU
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 05/19/2022 01:11 am
During the Starliner press conference of yesterday, it was mentioned that the first mission of Dream Chaser is scheduled for late February 2023.

It's at 38 minutes of the video:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51827.msg2369726#msg2369726
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: deadman1204 on 05/19/2022 02:23 pm
Will the first SNC mission go to this ISS? Or will it just be a flight shakedown?
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: TrevorMonty on 05/19/2022 04:43 pm
Will the first SNC mission go to this ISS? Or will it just be a flight shakedown?
Maiden launch is cargo to ISS. Which has be case for all cargo and crew vehicles.

Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: abaddon on 05/19/2022 05:08 pm
Will the first SNC mission go to this ISS? Or will it just be a flight shakedown?
Maiden launch is cargo to ISS. Which has be case for all cargo and crew vehicles.
That was not the case with SpaceX COTS, which had three demo flights (not including the maiden F9 launch with the Dragon Qualification Unit) contracted with only the final flight actually scheduled to berth on the ISS.  After the first successful demo flight SpaceX asked to combine flights two and three into one mission which did berth with the station.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 05/20/2022 01:06 pm
Will the first SNC mission go to this ISS? Or will it just be a flight shakedown?
Maiden launch is cargo to ISS. Which has be case for all cargo and crew vehicles.
That was not the case with SpaceX COTS, which had three demo flights (not including the maiden F9 launch with the Dragon Qualification Unit) contracted with only the final flight actually scheduled to berth on the ISS.  After the first successful demo flight SpaceX asked to combine flights two and three into one mission which did berth with the station.

True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: abaddon on 05/20/2022 02:19 pm
Will the first SNC mission go to this ISS? Or will it just be a flight shakedown?
Maiden launch is cargo to ISS. Which has be case for all cargo and crew vehicles.
That was not the case with SpaceX COTS, which had three demo flights (not including the maiden F9 launch with the Dragon Qualification Unit) contracted with only the final flight actually scheduled to berth on the ISS.  After the first successful demo flight SpaceX asked to combine flights two and three into one mission which did berth with the station.

True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 05/20/2022 06:23 pm
Will the first SNC mission go to this ISS? Or will it just be a flight shakedown?
Maiden launch is cargo to ISS. Which has be case for all cargo and crew vehicles.
That was not the case with SpaceX COTS, which had three demo flights (not including the maiden F9 launch with the Dragon Qualification Unit) contracted with only the final flight actually scheduled to berth on the ISS.  After the first successful demo flight SpaceX asked to combine flights two and three into one mission which did berth with the station.

True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1

Interesting. I didn't realize that they call it a demo mission but it is a CRS mission. Perhaps, they are calling it a demo mission because Dream Chaser will not yet be certified. I am guessing that Dream Chaser will be certified after the first mission. 
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: abaddon on 05/20/2022 06:35 pm
Interesting. I didn't realize that they call it a demo mission but it is a CRS mission. Perhaps, they are calling it a demo mission because Dream Chaser will not yet be certified. I am guessing that Dream Chaser will be certified after the first mission.
That's the plan, assuming everything goes well enough.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: baldusi on 05/20/2022 09:02 pm
[...]
True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1

Interesting. I didn't realize that they call it a demo mission but it is a CRS mission. Perhaps, they are calling it a demo mission because Dream Chaser will not yet be certified. I am guessing that Dream Chaser will be certified after the first mission.

There was a Cygnus Demo-1 mission, too. First Cygnus to fly did it straight to the ISS, contrary to SpaceX that originally  proposed 3 demo missions (later compressed to 2) and then the certified CRS missions. So, I understand that the Demo mission is part of the certification phase, sort of a certification test flight, and then you enter into the IDIQ part of the CRS where each mission is a CLIN.
So, if we compare the three CRS contractors (SpaceX, ORS/NG, SNC), we can see that one contractor chose a solo flight, a rendevouz flight and a berth and capture flight (the latter two compresses into one), while the next two contractors chose a single demo straight to the station. I think Cygnus went with the HTV approach system, so it was more of a COTS for them, while SpaceX developed their own, even having to install their hardware in the ISS.
But for DreamChaser, it would seem that certifying a new cargo vehicle is something that they have a lot of experience, since they have done three berthing crafts already (HTV/Dragon 1/Cygnus) plus three docking ones (Dragon 2/ Crew Dragon/ Starliner). Also, they will have almost 55 cargo missions and 7 or 8 crewed missions already done by the time they fly. That's a lot of experience so the NASA side can check and oversight whatever SNC is doing.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 05/21/2022 03:21 pm
[...]
True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1

Interesting. I didn't realize that they call it a demo mission but it is a CRS mission. Perhaps, they are calling it a demo mission because Dream Chaser will not yet be certified. I am guessing that Dream Chaser will be certified after the first mission.

There was a Cygnus Demo-1 mission, too.

Cygnus' demo flight was part of COTS. The Dream Chaser demo is the first demo mission that is part of CRS. All the other ones were part of COTS. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cygnus_(spacecraft)

When CRS was awarded, NASA had indicated that there would be no demo mission for Dream Chaser. I guess that they decided to call the first CRS mission a demo but it's more or less a demo as it is essentially a regular CRS mission.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: BrightLight on 06/13/2022 03:00 am
Picked this up on youtube - apparently prepping for electrical harness installation for the flight article.  Will there be a high-fidelity "module" supplied to NASA for ground monitoring while flight systems are in use?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWEjjYmUY6E
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: BrightLight on 06/14/2022 07:38 pm
https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-to-open-human-spaceflight-center-train-the-future-astronaut-corps-for-the-new-commercial-space-economy/

https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/blog/dr-janet-kavandi-on-sierra-spaces-new-human-spaceflight-office/

And this:
“A crewed variant of the Dream Chaser spaceplane is currently in development and will be operational in 2026, having successfully completed its System Requirements Review (SRR) earlier this month.“

Is this SRR for the cargo or crewed variants - the way the quote is written it reads as if Sierra space has a rough date for crewed DC.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 06/14/2022 08:13 pm
Jeff Foust's take on it:

https://spacenews.com/sierra-space-to-start-astronaut-training-program/

They appear serious enough to start their own private astronaut training program with different levels relative to whatever prior experience an astronaut may have or their specific mission-related assignments.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 06/15/2022 11:49 pm
https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-to-open-human-spaceflight-center-train-the-future-astronaut-corps-for-the-new-commercial-space-economy/

https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/blog/dr-janet-kavandi-on-sierra-spaces-new-human-spaceflight-office/

And this:
“A crewed variant of the Dream Chaser spaceplane is currently in development and will be operational in 2026, having successfully completed its System Requirements Review (SRR) earlier this month.“

Is this SRR for the cargo or crewed variants - the way the quote is written it reads as if Sierra space has a rough date for crewed DC.

Quote from: the press release
The company would be able to start flying astronauts by 2026 to begin construction of Orbital Reef.

So it sounds like astronauts will be assembling Orbital Reef.
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 06/16/2022 01:30 am
Quote from:  yg1968
So it sounds like astronauts will be assembling Orbital Reef.

The first core module as seen in the videos and slideshows is largely self-contained and appears able to deploy its Energy Mast with solar arrays and radiators autonomously. Astronauts will come afterwords and probably only largely oversee docking:



Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: yg1968 on 06/21/2022 06:36 pm
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1539231800584720385

https://twitter.com/Tom_Garrity/status/1539261332347727872
Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
Post by: JAFO on 08/25/2022 09:18 am
The Importance of Tenacity
  •   August 19, 2022
  •   |    Blog (https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/blog/) 
  • A plaque at Kennedy Space Center commemorates the end of an era for NASA and everyone interested in the future of space exploration. On July 21, 2011, the last space shuttle mission landed at the legendary facility in the heart of Florida’s “Space Coast.” For more than a decade, that runway has remained eerily quiet as humanity lost the ability to return from space with a comfortable low-G runway landing.
    But a new era is about to begin…

    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/blog/the-importance-of-tenacity/
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/26/2022 07:47 am
    https://twitter.com/systems_zero/status/1562915183424585728

    Quote
    Dream Chaser DC-102 cobond fabrication complete
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Rondaz on 08/29/2022 10:50 pm
    This could be the most up-to-date view of Dream Chaser!

    https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1564357684442398720
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/30/2022 06:23 am
    Photo from the tweet.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/30/2022 07:14 pm
    Second Dreamchaser

    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1564649662958772229

    Quote
    And then there were two...

    #DreamsWorthChasing

    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1564655662759522311

    Quote
    Not Tenacity.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/31/2022 07:17 am
    That shot reminded me of the Lunar Module from the UFO TV series.

    https://culttvman.com/main/pete-huttons-ufo-lunar-module/
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 08/31/2022 10:53 pm
    I know they will have to go with a popular name, but it would be so nice if they named her SNC Dale Reed, after the father of lifting bodies.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Dale_Reed
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 09/06/2022 08:02 am
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1566784884575649792?cxt=HHwWgICqyaSjq74rAAAA
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/08/2022 02:36 pm
    https://twitter.com/joroulette/status/1567883905587355650

    Quote
    Sierra Space is pitching its Dream Chaser spaceplane to the Pentagon's USTRANSCOM for point-to-point military cargo & personnel capabilities

    Quote
    Sierra Space and the United States Department of Defense Transportation Command to Develop Revolutionary High-Mach Systems for Terrestrial Point-to-Point Delivery

    LOUISVILLE, Colo. - September 8, 2022 - Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company at the forefront of creating and building the future of space transportation and infrastructure for low-Earth orbit (LEO) commercialization, announced today the signing of a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Department of Defense's Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). The two organizations will work together to develop solutions using Sierra Space's Dream Chaser® spaceplanes, Shooting Star™ cargo modules, and on-orbit infrastructure that provides unique capabilities for precise, cost-effective and timely global delivery of Department of Defense logistics and personnel.

    Both parties will collaboratively explore space transportation as a new mode of point-to-point global terrestrial delivery of materiel and personnel, as an alternative and complement to traditional air, land and surface modes for Department of Defense global supply chains. Additionally, the agreement outlines plans to identify current capabilities and maturity of Sierra Space's space transportation methods, as well as both observed and projected risks, benefits and additional research and development needed as a result.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/19/2022 02:28 pm
    https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1571868469188235266

    Quote
    Sierra Space’s Janet Kavandi says in a panel session on the Orbital Reef commercial space station that the first flight of Dream Chaser is now planned for next summer. #IAC2022
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Rondaz on 09/19/2022 04:39 pm
    Sierra Space President Janet Kavandi: The cargo Dream Chaser will debut "next summer," and "we expect to fly people" on the first crew Dream Chaser "by 2026," which "should be in plenty of time for our debut of Orbital Reef in the 2027 to 2028 timeframe."

    https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1571868555259289601
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 10/18/2022 11:34 pm
    Pool of qualified applicants must be pretty small.


    Quote from: SNC
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1582471525340307457?cxt=HHwWgoCj8fndiPYrAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1582471525340307457?cxt=HHwWgoCj8fndiPYrAAAA)
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 10/21/2022 03:59 pm
    Maybe, Wayne Hale:

    https://twitter.com/waynehale/status/1582510188250423296
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/26/2022 10:44 pm
    https://twitter.com/nasa_johnson/status/1585399278381731841

    Quote
    Teamwork makes the dream (chaser) work 👏

    The first joint training simulation for @NASA and Sierra Space flight controllers happened earlier this month. The teams practiced operations for the new Dream Chaser spacecraft to fly to the @Space_Station.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 10/28/2022 10:07 pm
    LFGoooooooo!!!!!!

    Quote from: SNC
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1586027786724147201?cxt=HHwWgoC8-c332YIsAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1586027786724147201?cxt=HHwWgoC8-c332YIsAAAA)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRKUCiQYeR0&ab_channel=SierraSpace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRKUCiQYeR0&ab_channel=SierraSpace)
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/01/2022 07:35 am
    https://twitter.com/systems_zero/status/1587197582970949635

    Quote
    Recent pic of Dream Chaser off linkedin
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/14/2022 04:53 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1592210530764263424

    Quote
    As Sierra Space prepares Dream Chaser for missions to the International Space Station in 2023, we move another step forward in realizing our team’s mission to build a platform in space to benefit life on Earth.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Rocket Science on 12/19/2022 04:31 pm
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFEHh_n7PwY
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Conexion Espacial on 01/06/2023 08:04 pm

    A view of the Dream Chaser 100 and 200, the latter being the crewed version.https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: BrightLight on 01/07/2023 03:30 pm
    DC-201 - cranked arrow wings, this doesn't look like your daddy's Bor-4 to me.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Markstark on 01/07/2023 04:23 pm

    A view of the Dream Chaser 100 and 200, the latter being the crewed version.https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930
    I visited Sierra Space last May and was told that the crew version would be ~40% longer than their cargo version. Maybe it’s just an optical illusion but the vehicle on the right appears smaller. Or the exec didn’t know what they were talking about.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: jstrotha0975 on 01/07/2023 07:54 pm
    DC-201 - cranked arrow wings, this doesn't look like your daddy's Bor-4 to me.

    Kinda looks like the X-33 without the Aerospike cone.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 01/12/2023 01:31 pm

    A view of the Dream Chaser 100 and 200, the latter being the crewed version.https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930

    The caption of the image in the AviationWeek article also says: "For the next-generation crewed DC-200 series, Sierra Space is studying a twin-tail, fixed-wing design."

    The DC 200 series is indeed the crewed version (see this article and the attached image):
    https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/05/sierra-space-shows-off-full-size-dream-chaser-mockup-at-ces-2022/


    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 01/13/2023 10:06 pm
    Another image of the DC-201 but with windows!

    https://twitter.com/systems_zero/status/1614029691907620867

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 01/14/2023 02:14 am
    Another image of the DC-201 approaching Orbital Reef:

    https://twitter.com/TJ_Cooney/status/1614095069090398208
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 01/14/2023 02:21 am
    The caption of the DC-201 in orbit image has some additional details.

    Quote from: the caption
    Differentiated from the DC-100 series by a 40% increase in size, upper body windows and fixed wings, the redesigned DC-200 is expected to be flight-tested without a crew in late 2025 - and with astronauts onboard in 2026. Although design details are yet to be finalized, the DC-200 is likely to be configured with lower body-mounted wings and twin-canted tails, similar to the Boeing X-37, and will feature a simpler outer mold line without the pronounced upper-body hump of the baseline version.


    https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/commercial-space/pictures-inside-sierra-spaces-dream-chaser-factory
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Vahe231991 on 01/14/2023 03:59 am

    A view of the Dream Chaser 100 and 200, the latter being the crewed version.https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930

    The caption of the image in the AviationWeek article also says: "For the next-generation crewed DC-200 series, Sierra Space is studying a twin-tail, fixed-wing design."

    The DC 200 series is indeed the crewed version (see this article and the attached image):
    https://spaceexplored.com/2022/01/05/sierra-space-shows-off-full-size-dream-chaser-mockup-at-ces-2022/
    The listing of national security in the Sierra Space Dream Chaser chart as one of the intended purposes for all three Dream Chaser variants reminds me of the fact that at one time in the late 1960s Martin Marietta proposed a derivative of the unmanned SV-5D (X-23) lifting body to be used for reconnaissance to serve national security interests, which never materialized. The US Space Force and NRO would be more than happy to consider operating the Dream Chaser if initial launches of the DC-100 variant are successful, because the USSF could eye a military version of the Dream Chaser to either augment or replace the X-37B and the NRO will almost certainly recognize the reconnaissance potential of the Dream Chaser.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: TrevorMonty on 01/14/2023 11:04 am
    Reminds me of Thunderbird 2.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 01/14/2023 04:36 pm

    A view of the Dream Chaser 100 and 200, the latter being the crewed version.https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930 (https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930)
    I visited Sierra Space last May and was told that the crew version would be ~40% longer than their cargo version. Maybe it’s just an optical illusion but the vehicle on the right appears smaller. Or the exec didn’t know what they were talking about.

    Look at the shadows on the ground. The one on the right is further away so it appears smaller but is probably bigger.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 01/19/2023 09:27 pm
    Sexy cover model. Look at those curves!


    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1616108250650349570?cxt=HHwWhMC86Yb5yO0sAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1616108250650349570?cxt=HHwWhMC86Yb5yO0sAAAA)
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 01/19/2023 09:29 pm
    From AvLeak:
     In Pictures: Inside Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser Factory Guy Norris (https://aviationweek.com/author/guy-norris) January 10, 2023


    https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/commercial-space/pictures-inside-sierra-spaces-dream-chaser-factory
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: whitelancer64 on 03/06/2023 09:18 pm
    DutchSatellites
    @DutchSatellites

    As expected multiple sources have reported over the past several weeks that
    @SierraSpaceCo
     Dream Chaser is no longer manifested on
    @ulalaunch
     Vulcan flight #2. Primary reason is yet another set of delays in getting Dream Chaser ready for flight.
    1:23 PM · Mar 5, 2023


    https://twitter.com/DutchSatellites/status/1632492016465575941
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Vahe231991 on 03/11/2023 03:47 am
    DutchSatellites
    @DutchSatellites

    As expected multiple sources have reported over the past several weeks that
    @SierraSpaceCo
     Dream Chaser is no longer manifested on
    @ulalaunch
     Vulcan flight #2. Primary reason is yet another set of delays in getting Dream Chaser ready for flight.
    1:23 PM · Mar 5, 2023


    https://twitter.com/DutchSatellites/status/1632492016465575941
    If the second Vulcan launch won't be used to launch the first orbital Dream Chaser, the question is whether it will be repurposed for the launch of USSF-106.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: abaddon on 03/24/2023 07:04 pm
    Cross-post from the ULA Vulcan mission thread:
    https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1639266593564766211

    Quote
    Some news: Dream Chaser’s debut is delayed until at least mid-December. This extends NASA’s reliance on Falcon 9 for crew *and* cargo. More critically, it also raises questions about Vulcan’s launch manifest and path to certification.

    https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/03/dream-chaser-is-delayed-again-raising-questions-about-vulcan-launch-plans/
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Asteroza on 03/29/2023 02:08 am
    Any details on the nature of the delays?
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: GWH on 04/26/2023 07:17 pm
    Seems they're working on new TPS for (what I assume to be) either DC 200 or an upgrade to DC 100:

    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1651261215426109443

    https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-12-companies-to-collaborate-on-key-technology-development
    Quote
    Sierra Space in Louisville, Colorado

    Development of Low-Cost High Temperature Reusable Thermal Protection System – NASA Ames and NASA Johnson
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/23/2023 05:58 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1661061868339838977

    Quote
    Sierra Space hosted its first-ever official Dream Chaser training for astronauts, Jasmin Moghbeli (@NASA) and Satoshi Furukawa (@JAXA_en), of the upcoming #SpaceX Crew-7 mission to the @Space_Station.

    Press Release:

    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-trains-nasa-jasmin-moghbeli-and-jaxa-satoshi-furukawa-for-dream-chaser-spaceplane-mission-to-international-space-station/

    Quote
    Sierra Space Trains NASA’s Jasmin Moghbeli and JAXA’s Satoshi Furukawa for Dream Chaser® Spaceplane Mission to International Space Station
    MAY 23, 2023|   NEWS

    Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency designated Furukawa as a member of Crew-7 early Monday morning

    LOUISVILLE, Colo. – May 23, 2023 – Sierra Space, a leading, pureplay commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, announced today it has achieved another significant milestone in the journey to the first flight of Dream Chaser®. The company hosted its first-ever official training for astronauts from NASA and JAXA to learn the innerworkings of the world’s first commercial spaceplane.

    The astronauts – Jasmin Moghbeli (United States) and Satoshi Furukawa (Japan) – are two members of the upcoming SpaceX Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). During their planned six-month stay, Dream Chaser will make its maiden voyage to deliver cargo to the ISS as part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract.

    “We are honored to provide NASA cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station. The astronaut training is another important milestone as we complete the final preparations for Dream Chaser’s first mission,” said Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice. “Our team provided a comprehensive training experience for these Crew-7 members to prepare them for when Dream Chaser berths at the ISS.”

    Sierra Space compiled an eight-hour training session that took place on March 7 at the company’s Louisville, Colorado facility. Company specialists conducted the training, which was divided into four sections. Parts 1 and 2 were classroom training, while Parts 3 and 4 involved a full-size mock-up of Dream Chaser:

    Part 1: Dream Chaser Overview – Sierra Space team members gave Moghbeli and Furukawa a full briefing on Dream Chaser. Topics covered included systems identification and function, mission profiles (from launch and rendezvous to reentry and landing), crew interfaces and operations (i.e., types of cargo, how to load/unload, etc.). At the end of Part 1, astronauts walked away with a full understanding of the hardware they will encounter on Dream Chaser once it is at the ISS.

    Part 2: Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) – This portion of the training covered required actions as Dream Chaser makes its approach and officially berths with the ISS. Sierra Space employees carefully reviewed the timeline, profile and procedural operations of the high-level system configuration involved in this critical part of the mission.

    Part 3: Dream Chaser Hardware Familiarization and Scenarios – The astronauts moved into a full-size mock-up of Dream Chaser. As they walked through the vehicle, Sierra Space employees identified hardware/systems and taught the astronauts how to operate and/or interface with each one. The astronauts also learned vehicle ingress/egress procedures, as well as discussed off-nominal scenarios.

    “This was the portion of the training where the astronauts were blown away by Dream Chaser’s massive size, often commenting, ‘Wow, you can fit a lot of cargo in here,’” said Krista Abler, with Sierra Space’s Flight Operations Mission Training team. “You can look at CAD drawings or read about Dream Chaser’s dimensions all day long. But its immense capacity doesn’t really register until you crawl inside. I think this is a reason why NASA is excited about our vehicle.”

    Part 4: Cargo Transfer Scenarios – During the final portion of training, the astronauts learned how to properly and safely install/remove cargo from Dream Chaser, using the same procedures and operational tools as they will on orbit. They practiced with numerous restraints (i.e., straps, beams, etc.), identified hazards associated with cargo operations and ran scenario drills.

    “This was probably the most important lesson of the day because the whole point of Dream Chaser coming to the ISS is to deliver cargo,” Abler said.

    Press release photo captions:

    Quote
    Crew 7 Astronauts Train in Sierra Space Dream Chaser mockup

    Quote
    NASA’s Jasmin Moghbeli trains in Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane mockup
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/26/2023 07:23 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1662170517112012806

    Quote
    Attaching tiles to Dream Chaser, Tenacity, is a highly intricate process. Do you know why both black and white tiles are used?
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 05/31/2023 06:10 pm
    Smoke check: Good!!!!

    Quote from: SNC


    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1663908360410787846?cxt=HHwWjMCzkdH1sZcuAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1663908360410787846?cxt=HHwWjMCzkdH1sZcuAAAA)
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/31/2023 08:11 pm
    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-spaces-dream-chaser-spaceplane-comes-to-life/

    Quote
    Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser® Spaceplane Comes to Life
    MAY 31, 2023

    Dream Chaser, the World’s First Commercial Spaceplane, Powers Up Achieving a Major Step Forward in Realizing the Vision of Sustainable Commercial Space Travel

    LOUISVILLE, Colo. – May 31, 2023 – Sierra Space, a leading, pureplay commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, is thrilled to announce the successful power up of its revolutionary Dream Chaser® spaceplane.

    Dream Chaser represents a groundbreaking leap in space transportation technology, designed to provide reliable and cost-effective access to space for a wide range of applications. With its unique lifting body design, the spaceplane combines the flexibility of an aircraft with the capabilities of a spacecraft, revolutionizing space travel.

    The power-up of Dream Chaser signifies the activation of its integrated systems, showcasing the culmination of years of rigorous engineering, design, and testing. Sierra Space simulated the power that will be generated from Dream Chaser’s solar arrays once on orbit. Test engineers plugged that power into Dream Chaser and began turning on systems. Sierra Space exercised flight computers, base processors and low-voltage distribution units.

    “This is a milestone that points to the future and is a key moment in a long journey for Dream Chaser.” said Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space. “With this significant achievement, our Dream Chaser spaceplane is poised to redefine commercial space travel, opening up new possibilities for scientific research, technological advancements, and economic opportunities in space.”

    The successful test was a key moment for the progress of space technology after years of design and development across Sierra Space, enabled by the accomplishments of many teams from system level design to final assembly and test.

    Dream Chaser is a reusable, fully autonomous, orbital spaceplane designed to transport cargo to low-Earth orbit (LEO) destinations such as the International Space Station (ISS) and land at conventional runways. Measuring about one-quarter the size of the Space Shuttle, it features autonomous launch, flight, and landing capabilities with a smooth 1.5 low-G re-entry on compatible commercial runways worldwide.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 05/31/2023 11:25 pm
    WE. NEED. PICS.

    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1663983824915578884 (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1663983824915578884)


    (https://twitter.com/i/status/1663983824915578884) (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1663983824915578884?cxt=HHwWiIC2wZ-e1JcuAAAA)
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 06/16/2023 02:58 am
    Seven US Companies Collaborate with NASA to Advance Space Capabilities:
    https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/seven-us-companies-collaborate-with-nasa-to-advance-space-capabilities

    Quote from: NASA
    Sierra Space is collaborating with NASA for the development of the company’s commercial low Earth orbit ecosystem, including next-generation space transportation, in-space infrastructure, and expandable and tailorable space facilities providing a human presence in low Earth orbit.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/27/2023 06:04 pm
    https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1673753912526905345

    Quote
    Vice on Cargo Dream Chaser's timeline to inaugural launch: Shipping vehicle to NASA's Armstrong test facility this summer, then to Kennedy for integration with ULA by year end, and targeting launch in a window between late December and early February.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 06/28/2023 02:44 pm
    Sierra Space describes long-term plans for Dream Chaser and inflatable modules:
    https://spacenews.com/sierra-space-describes-long-term-plans-for-dream-chaser-and-inflatable-modules/

    https://twitter.com/SpaceNews_Inc/status/1674017635472748546
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 07/12/2023 04:11 am
    Seven US Companies Collaborate with NASA to Advance Space Capabilities:
    https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/seven-us-companies-collaborate-with-nasa-to-advance-space-capabilities

    Quote from: NASA
    Sierra Space is collaborating with NASA for the development of the company’s commercial low Earth orbit ecosystem, including next-generation space transportation, in-space infrastructure, and expandable and tailorable space facilities providing a human presence in low Earth orbit.

    The Source Selection Statement has just been released (July 11th):
    https://www.nasa.gov/jsc/procurement/ccsc2
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/25/2023 05:11 pm
    https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1683886557340610591

    Quote
    NASA's Joel Montalbano said the agency's current expectation is that Dream Chaser's debut flight to the ISS will take place during the first half of 2024; but acknowledged that potential delays to the Vulcan rocket and spacecraft may require further adjustments to the right.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 07/26/2023 03:32 am
    https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1683886557340610591

    Quote
    NASA's Joel Montalbano said the agency's current expectation is that Dream Chaser's debut flight to the ISS will take place during the first half of 2024; but acknowledged that potential delays to the Vulcan rocket and spacecraft may require further adjustments to the right.

    The update on DC is at 27 minutes of this video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wAknJoUkkU
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Yellowstone10 on 08/04/2023 05:22 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1687507420799807488

    Quote
    Sierra Space hosted its third official Dream Chaser training for @NASA astronauts. The three astronauts – Mike Barratt, Matt Dominick and Jeanette Epps – are members of NASA’s #SpaceX #Crew8 mission and may be the first to welcome Dream Chaser to the ISS.

    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-hosts-dream-chaser-training-for-three-nasa-astronauts/
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 08/05/2023 09:15 pm
    Seven US Companies Collaborate with NASA to Advance Space Capabilities:
    https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/seven-us-companies-collaborate-with-nasa-to-advance-space-capabilities

    Quote from: NASA
    Sierra Space is collaborating with NASA for the development of the company’s commercial low Earth orbit ecosystem, including next-generation space transportation, in-space infrastructure, and expandable and tailorable space facilities providing a human presence in low Earth orbit.

    The Source Selection Statement has just been released (July 11th):
    https://www.nasa.gov/jsc/procurement/ccsc2

    See below concerning NASA working with Sierra Space on a space transportation system (i.e., on Dream Chaser) in a space act agreement:

    [...] (it's at 41 minutes of the audio):

    Quote from: the transcript
    Steve Stich: [...] And then for our program, we're really excited to have our vehicles, you know, be there, potentially as the backbone for Angela's transportation system. Not only are we working with Boeing and SpaceX, but we've started [Space Act] agreements with other companies to have those transportation systems. Blue Origin, Sierra Space, and also, SpaceX as well with a, a derivative of perhaps Starship or Dragon. So we really want to see our vehicles carry forward. So perhaps, and it's really up to the companies to choose, but in some ways, if you utilize the vehicles we've developed, maybe that can lower the overall cost for them. Now, we have to look at how those vehicles fit into their, their mission needs, how many people that they need to carry, and where they put their space stations and so forth.

    https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/HWHAP/300
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 08/05/2023 10:02 pm
    Seven US Companies Collaborate with NASA to Advance Space Capabilities:
    https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/seven-us-companies-collaborate-with-nasa-to-advance-space-capabilities

    Quote from: NASA
    Sierra Space is collaborating with NASA for the development of the company’s commercial low Earth orbit ecosystem, including next-generation space transportation, in-space infrastructure, and expandable and tailorable space facilities providing a human presence in low Earth orbit.

    This June 16th press release hadn't been posted in this thread before:

    Quote from: the Sierra Space Press release
    Through the agreement, Sierra Space will provide NASA with valuable insight and collaboration into its crewed Dream Chaser® spaceplane; new commercial space station architectures; and in-space logistics, refueling and servicing systems. NASA will advance deployment of Sierra Space’s platform and ecosystem by providing access to facilities and support for environmental and crew systems testing, tools and software.

    This SAA award by NASA provides support to a “pathfinder” space station, which serves as a technology demonstration for key elements of commercial space stations. Such demonstrations are vital steps to ultimately designing objects intended for sustained commercial habitation in orbit.  The SAA is set to begin while the systems are in the design and development phases and last for five years – through on-orbit deployment later this decade.

    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-awarded-space-act-agreement-with-nasa/
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/24/2023 07:23 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1694786736218427809

    Quote
    The rudder was the first flight control surface to be installed on Dream Chaser and consists of almost 100% titanium.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 08/29/2023 11:49 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1696647177357930682

    Quote
    The cargo module’s folded solar array "wing" being installed to the deployment and release mechanisms.
    These arrays provide reliable charging capabilities for all on-board batteries while in orbit.

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 09/02/2023 03:34 am
    Seven US Companies Collaborate with NASA to Advance Space Capabilities:
    https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/seven-us-companies-collaborate-with-nasa-to-advance-space-capabilities

    Quote from: NASA
    Sierra Space is collaborating with NASA for the development of the company’s commercial low Earth orbit ecosystem, including next-generation space transportation, in-space infrastructure, and expandable and tailorable space facilities providing a human presence in low Earth orbit.

    Here is a copy of the SAA:
    https://www.nasa.gov/saa/domestic/38917_Sierra_Space_CCSC2_SAA-UA-23-38917_Baseline_signed.pdf

    https://twitter.com/jenakuns/status/1697488754213273864
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/02/2023 05:48 am
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1697612310637109452

    Quote
    Sierra Space is dedicated to ushering in the next era of space exploration with its revolutionary fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes.

    Under the #NASA CRS2 contract, the fleet (including Tenacity) will provide a minimum of seven uncrewed cargo service missions to and from the ISS.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/06/2023 09:01 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1699527935944999255

    Quote
    This is the aft section of the first Dream Chaser spaceplane, where the fuel and helium tanks are located and where our cargo module will mate, helping Dream Chaser carry 12,000lbs of cargo.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/07/2023 02:54 pm
    https://youtu.be/0N95lFqSQvU

    Quote
    Learn how the world’s only commercial spaceplane flies from launch to landing for its upcoming NASA CRS-2 mission to resupply the International Space Station. With its unique design, Dream Chaser incurs a 1.5g re-entry before landing at NASA’s Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, making critical cargo accessible faster.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/14/2023 06:00 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1702389517104324648

    Quote
    In January our team completed a performance test, swinging the Dream Chaser spaceplane's rudder through its full 60 degree rotation. The rudder which provides stability during re-entry can rotate 30 degrees to the left and to the right.

    https://youtu.be/5xEOhwpjqL0
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: BrightLight on 09/17/2023 10:22 pm
    I have yet to see a confirmation of  "heat shield complete" from Sierra Space
    but the claim is from "TheSpaceBucket" on youtube:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2x54pg2PXs
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 09/18/2023 02:35 am
    I have yet to see a confirmation of  "heat shield complete" from Sierra Space
    but the claim is from "TheSpaceBucket" on youtube:


    Just some attention whore making a post for clicks and income, she's still a long way from having her heat shield fully installed. Note the brown/tan undersurface at the leading edge with blue painter's tape, that ain't reinforced carbon/carbon like on the Shuttle, that all still has to be covered with black tiles.


    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: jdon759 on 09/18/2023 03:06 am
    I have yet to see a confirmation of  "heat shield complete" from Sierra Space
    but the claim is from "TheSpaceBucket" on youtube:

    Just some attention seeker making a post for clicks and income, she's still a long way from having her heat shield fully installed. Note the brown/tan undersurface at the leading edge with blue painter's tape, that ain't reinforced carbon/carbon like on the Shuttle, that all still has to be covered with black tiles.

    He only claims "heat shield probably complete," not "heat shield complete."  He reasons based on 1. that video being recorded 6mo ago, and 2. DC's first flight schedule.

    No idea if he's right, but thought I should point out the subtle difference in what he claimed.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 09/18/2023 03:24 am
    I have yet to see a confirmation of  "heat shield complete" from Sierra Space
    but the claim is from "TheSpaceBucket" on youtube:

    Just some attention seeker making a post for clicks and income, she's still a long way from having her heat shield fully installed. Note the brown/tan undersurface at the leading edge with blue painter's tape, that ain't reinforced carbon/carbon like on the Shuttle, that all still has to be covered with black tiles.

    He only claims "heat shield probably complete," not "heat shield complete."  He reasons based on 1. that video being recorded 6mo ago, and 2. DC's first flight schedule.

    No idea if he's right, but thought I should point out the subtle difference in what he claimed.

    Clickbait headline is "Dream Chaser Tenacity’s Heat Shield Is Fully Installed"
    not "Dream Chaser Tenacity’s Heat Shield Is Probably Fully Installed"



    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: jdon759 on 09/18/2023 08:43 am
    Oh whoops I just listened, didn't read.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/21/2023 05:52 pm
    https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1704906099508318217

    Quote
    First Look: Sierra Space (@SierraSpaceCo) has provided NSF with these unreleased photos of Dream Chaser Tenacity's Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles, as she continues preparations for her maiden flight to the ISS on ULA's Vulcan rocket.

    Sierra Space notes the difference between black and white is an additive to the outer glass coating. Each tile is unique in design, and differ in size, shape, thickness, and density. They plan to re-waterproof between missions similar to Shuttle.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 09/26/2023 12:17 am
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1706418154296283428

    Quote
    Dream Chaser's Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles are unique in design and differ in size, shape, thickness and density. The difference between the black and white tiles is an additive to the outer glass coating that helps to balance the heat absorbed.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/28/2023 06:40 pm
    https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1707464827055091747

    Quote
    More photos have been provided by Sierra Space (@SierraSpaceCo) to NSF, showing Dream Chaser Tenacity's aerosurfaces.

    Just like the Space Shuttle, Dream Chaser is a space plane with a lifting body design. These aerosurfaces come into play during the final phase of her mission, as the vehicle targets a glide path to a runway.

    This capability was lost after the retirement of the Shuttle and will be a key capability for critical downmass turnaround, such as experiments returning from the ISS.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/29/2023 07:14 pm
    https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1707834089590395020

    Quote
    When Dream Chaser Tenacity completes her maiden mission next year, it will mark the return of ISS downmass capability to a runway for the first time since Atlantis concluded STS-135 in 2011. 

    NSF spoke with Sierra Space (@SierraSpaceCo) about the TPS tasked with protecting Tenacity's return. 

    https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/09/dream-chaser-tps/ - by Sawyer Rosenstein (@thenasaman).
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 09/29/2023 07:25 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1707838214181105755
    Quote
    Sierra Space gave @NASASpaceflight an inside look at the thermal protection system (TPS) tasked with protecting Dream Chaser, which is covered with more than two thousand individual tiles.

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/16/2023 04:31 pm
    https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1713955615289078098

    Quote
    Additional exclusive photos provided by Sierra Space (@SierraSpaceCo) to NSF:

    Shooting Star cargo modules: This image taken earlier this year shows Shooting Star cargo modules one and two on the production floor. Fluid lines for thrusters and environmental controls require a clean room environment to be installed. This prevents FOD (Foreign Object Debris) from getting into the lines. Sierra Space built a large mobile clean room to control the environment and prevent FOD. 

    Shooting Star cargo module Internal: These cargo panels help restrain cargo in the vehicle. Shooting Star makes full use of space and will store cargo on both sides of the panel, and most of the tunnel will be filled with cargo. Pins on each side of the panel can be removed to swing open. 

    UDC (Uncrewed Dream Chaser) Internal: Technicians install harnesses into Dream Chaser Tenacity. These harnesses connect the power for the entire spacecraft and all the control systems for flight and environment to the avionics rack at the very front of the spacecraft. This is the nervous system and brain of the entire vehicle.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 10/25/2023 11:00 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1717298356454670531
    Quote
    Dream Chaser’s forward down thrusters will experience some of the hottest temperatures on reentry. Shown with the thermal protection system carrier plate, the thruster nozzles help guide Dream Chaser for docking with the @Space_Station.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/26/2023 04:05 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1717504368688152808

    Quote
    Sierra Space has successfully completed it's first mission Flight Operations Review at @NASA_Johnson. The week-long review was a culmination of intensive effort in preparation for Dream Chaser's mission to the @Space_Station.

    Link:

    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-and-nasa-prepare-for-revolutionary-dream-chaser-spaceplanes-debut-mission-to-space-station/

    Quote
    Sierra Space and NASA Prepare for Revolutionary Dream Chaser® Spaceplane’s Debut Mission to Space Station
    OCTOBER 26, 2023

    LOUISVILLE, Colo. – Oct. 26, 2023 – Sierra Space, a leading pureplay commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, announced today the successful completion of the first mission Flight Operations Review at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, a crucial step in preparation for the inaugural Dream Chaser mission to the International Space Station.

    This milestone was achieved through an exceptional collaboration between the Sierra Space Dream Chaser flight control team and their counterparts at NASA. The week-long review, which concluded on October 20, was the culmination of an intensive effort involving representatives from across Sierra Space and NASA; in total, over 200 critical elements were baselined, representing thousands of hours of collective development.

    “Precision and practice are paramount in the development of the revolutionary Dream Chaser spaceplane, particularly in the context of rendezvous and berthing operations at the International Space Station,” said Tom Vice, CEO for Sierra Space. “Our team is committed to conducting simulation exercises for every facet of the mission, ensuring the highest likelihood of success and safety.”

    With a heritage of over three decades in spaceflight applications, Sierra Space brings unparalleled expertise to the development of the first-ever winged commercial spaceplane, Dream Chaser. Under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract, NASA has chosen Dream Chaser to provide crucial cargo delivery, return and disposal services for the International Space Station (ISS) for a minimum of seven missions.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/31/2023 02:55 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1719362571713876020

    Quote
    Today, we are one step closer to enabling major breakthroughs in space as Dream Chaser Tenacity prepares for its journey to NASA Armstrong.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 10/31/2023 05:24 pm
    https://twitter.com/124970MeV/status/1719391112794644636
    Quote
    Yesterday, @SierraSpaceCo
     hosted @NASASpaceflight at its production plant in Lafayette, Colorado, as teams prepare Dream Chaser for its shipment to the Cape. Tenacity will be shipped in the coming weeks, for launch on Vulcan flight two.

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 10/31/2023 08:20 pm
    Quote
    We also got a first look at the beautiful mission patch for Tenacity's first mission. An employee wood worked then hand-painted this large patch.

    https://twitter.com/124970mev/status/1719391120675741869

    Quote
    Sierra Space is not stopping at just Tenacity, as work has started on Tail 2 (yet to be named); CEO Tom Vice noted that the build has had 80% fewer issues during the build process, resulting in quicker assembly and lower cost. He added Tail 2 is roughly 24 months behind Tenacity.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/01/2023 12:39 pm
    https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1719708928127189496

    Quote
    Dream Chaser is finally about to leave its nest.
    @StephenClark1 got a good look at the vehicle this week:

    https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/11/after-decades-of-dreams-a-commercial-spaceplane-is-almost-ready-to-fly/
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/01/2023 01:38 pm
    https://twitter.com/stephenclark1/status/1719717776980422810

    Quote
    Here’s a walk around view of Dream Chaser. It will ship later this month to a NASA facility in Ohio for environmental testing, then to Florida for launch on ULA’s second Vulcan rocket.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/01/2023 07:11 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1719807906940411962

    Quote
    Sierra Space and #NASA have successfully completed a joint thermal vacuum demonstration test at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. This test was performed in preparation for integrated Dream Chaser spacecraft environmental tests, planned later this year.

    Quote
    The test validated the ability of NASA's In-Space Propulsion Facility to achieve both hot and cold temperature extremes under vacuum, along with a collection of critical data needed to increase accuracy/fidelity of models used to predict thermal conditions & vehicle performance.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/02/2023 01:27 pm
    https://youtu.be/IOwIuto2oDQ
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 11/02/2023 01:48 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1720078767270379878
    Quote
    “We have arrived at a profound milestone in both our company’s journey and our industry’s future,” said CEO Tom Vice.

    Tenacity, the first vehicle in the Dream Chaser fleet is complete, and will ship to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in coming weeks.

    https://sierraspace.com/newsroom/press

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 11/09/2023 12:49 pm
    I don't believe that this image of crewed DC has been posted in this thread before:

    https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1722609536492786015

    The image below has been posted in this thread before but was enhanced to show more details:

    https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1613486689686528001
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: TrevorMonty on 11/09/2023 03:13 pm
    I don't believe that this image of crewed DC has been posted in this thread before:

    https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1722609536492786015

    The image below has been posted in this thread before but was enhanced to show more details:

    https://twitter.com/DutchSpace/status/1613486689686528001
    Just from the number of engines I'd say it is crewed. The large number of engines are needed for LAS. 
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: catdlr on 11/30/2023 04:30 pm
    Shooting Star Cargo Module Arrives at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility for Testing

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytieryXnGOY

    Quote

    Nov 30, 2023
    Rigorous environmental testing has begun for the Shooting Star cargo module - Dream Chaser's cargo companion - which recently arrived at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. The spacecraft is undergoing a comprehensive testing campaign to ensure it can withstand the rigor of launch and the challenging conditions of space as it's readied for its inaugural mission to resupply the International Space Station.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 11/30/2023 07:00 pm
    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-shooting-star-cargo-module-initiates-rigorous-testing-at-nasas-neil-armstrong-test-facility/

    Quote
    Sierra Space Shooting Star™ Cargo Module Initiates Rigorous Testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility
    NOVEMBER 30, 2023
    |   NEWS
    Testing at the NASA facility in Ohio will ensure the spacecraft can withstand the rigor of launch and the harsh environment of space

    LOUISVILLE, Colo. – Nov. 30, 2023 – Sierra Space, a leading pureplay commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, announced today the commencement of a comprehensive testing campaign for the Shooting Star™ cargo module at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. This pivotal phase of testing aims to validate the spacecraft’s resilience to the demands of launch and the challenging conditions of space as Shooting Star is readied for its inaugural mission to the International Space Station.

    Sierra Space remains committed to ensuring the utmost reliability of its cutting-edge technologies. The Sierra Space Shooting Star cargo module, designed in tandem with the revolutionary Dream Chaser® spaceplane, is set to redefine cargo capabilities, power and propulsion systems in space.

    “This transformative Sierra Space technology will define the next era of space commercialization,” said Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice. “As we embark on this journey to build a platform in space to benefit life on Earth, our commitment to innovation, reliability and sustainability remains unwavering and is exemplified in our Shooting Star cargo module.”

    Key Features of the Shooting Star Cargo Module:

    Operates seamlessly with the Dream Chaser® spaceplane
    Internal cargo capacity of 7,000 pounds, complemented by three external mounting points
    Scheduled NASA resupply missions for the International Space Station beginning in 2024
    Compatibility with a diverse range of current and future launch vehicles

    Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) Cargo Services for NASA:

    The Shooting Star cargo module is slated to transport critical science, food and cargo to the International Space Station under a NASA Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract. Accessible via the aft hatch, crews can seamlessly navigate through the module to the Dream Chaser, creating an efficient process for cargo placement and astronaut operations.

    Disposal Services:

    In an environmentally conscious approach, the Shooting Star offers cargo disposal services, ensuring the safe incineration of the module in Earth’s atmosphere post-separation from the Dream Chaser. This sustainable practice aligns with Sierra Space Corporation’s commitment to responsible space commercialization.

    NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility:

    NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility is part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Located on 6,400 acres in Sandusky, Ohio, it is home to some of the world’s largest and most capable space simulation test facilities, where ground tests are conducted for the U.S. and international space and aeronautics communities.

    Following the Shooting Star, the first Sierra Space Dream Chaser spaceplane has also arrived at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility. The two vehicles will be stacked in launch configuration and undergo rigorous environmental testing starting in the Mechanical Vibration Facility, subjecting them to the extreme conditions of launch vibrations on the world’s most powerful spacecraft shaker table.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 12/15/2023 12:20 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1735645890554007998
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/15/2023 12:34 pm
    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/dream-chaser-spaceplane-enters-final-test-campaign/

    Quote
    Sierra Space’s Revolutionary Dream Chaser® Enters Final Test Campaign, Spaceplane Transitioning to Orbital Operations
    DECEMBER 15, 2023
    |   NEWS
    Wings Are Back

    LOUISVILLE, Colo. – Dec. 15, 2023 – Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space to benefit of life on Earth, has delivered the first Dream Chaser spaceplane, Tenacity, to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio.

    Dream Chaser, the world’s only commercial spaceplane, has entered the final testing phase ahead of its first flight in 2024. The testing campaign will confirm the spacecraft’s resilience to the challenges of launch and the demanding conditions of space as it prepares for its inaugural mission to the International Space Station under a multi-mission NASA contract.

    Dream Chaser joins Sierra Space’s cargo module, Shooting Star™, which arrived at the NASA test facility in November. The two vehicles are set to be stacked in launch configuration and undergo rigorous environmental testing starting in the Mechanical Vibration Facility. The test will subject them to the extreme conditions of launch vibrations on the world’s most powerful spacecraft shaker table.

    Sierra Space is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the utmost reliability of its cutting-edge technologies. Dream Chaser, crafted in tandem with the groundbreaking Shooting Star cargo module, will reinvent space transportation and usher in the burgeoning era of space commercialization known as the Orbital Age®.

    “At Sierra Space, we are ushering in the next industrial revolution with a business and technology platform that provides our customers with a complete turn-key solution offering space as a service,” said Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice. “Our platform includes Dream Chaser, a revolutionary, highly reusable commercial spaceplane with global runway access, and the first business-ready commercial space station, leveraging the most advanced expandable structural architecture that will exponentially decrease the cost of product development and manufacturing in space.”

    Sierra Space is Revolutionizing Space Transportation – Dream Chaser’s Unique Capabilities:

    No More Plunging into the Ocean – Dream Chaser Uses the World’s Global Commercial Runways
    Designed To Be Highly Reusable – Minimum 15 Missions Per System
    Fully Autonomous Operations
    High-Capacity Up Mass and Down Mass Payloads (Pressurized & Unpressurized)
    Low G Landings – Better for Science, Cargo and Crew
    Fast Access to Payloads and Science Upon Landing – Easy to Integrate into Ground Logistics
    Breakthrough Green Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Propulsion System
    Second Dream Chaser Vehicle, Reverence, In Production

    Selected by a NASA contract:

    Dream Chaser was selected by NASA for cargo delivery, return and disposal service for the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract.

    High reusability and flexibility:

    Dream Chaser’s highly customizable design makes it ideal for a range of applications, providing fast turnaround times to support various LEO needs. The fleet will provide greater efficiencies with high reusability and mark the beginning of a new era of space commercialization. The multi-mission spaceplane fleet is designed to transport crew and cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and can be customized for both domestic and international customers for global operations.

    NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility:

    NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility is part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Located on 6,400 acres in Sandusky, Ohio, it is home to some of the world’s largest and most capable space simulation test facilities, where ground tests are conducted for the U.S. and international space and aeronautics communities.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 12/15/2023 11:34 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1735711791085191566
    Quote
    Following vibration testing, Dream Chaser will be moved to the propulsion facility for thermal vacuum testing to simulates the environment the spacecraft will encounter during its mission to the @Space_Station
    .

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 12/16/2023 04:08 am
    DC-102 has a name.


    Quote from: SNC
    Second Dream Chaser vehicle, Reverence, in production.





    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/dream-chaser-spaceplane-enters-final-test-campaign/ (https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/dream-chaser-spaceplane-enters-final-test-campaign/)


    Second Dream Chaser Vehicle, Reverence, In Production

    Yea!
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/17/2023 02:22 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1736363139791216729

    Quote
    Today we celebrate the Wright Brothers' first flight and the birth of aviation, which transcended the boundaries of our atmosphere.

    Our team is driven by the same passion, as we look to make space exploration more accessible than ever.

    Wings are Back.

    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/blog/celebrating-wright-brothers-day-and-the-evolution-of-human-flight/
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: catdlr on 12/17/2023 10:05 pm


    Quote
    Today we celebrate the Wright Brothers' first flight and the birth of aviation, which transcended the boundaries of our atmosphere.

    Our team is driven by the same passion, as we look to make space exploration more accessible than ever.

    Wings are Back.

    https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/blog/celebrating-wright-brothers-day-and-the-evolution-of-human-flight/

    Looks like a clip from a Sci-fi/Marvel movie where NASA captured an examining large Bat and has its eyes covered. 
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: JAFO on 01/08/2024 06:46 am
    Suit up, Tenacity!!
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Tywin on 01/08/2024 01:42 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1744287214484250825
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: StraumliBlight on 01/25/2024 10:17 am
    NASA, Sierra Space Invite Media to See Spaceplane for Cargo Missions (https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-sierra-space-invite-media-to-see-spaceplane-for-cargo-missions/)

    Quote
    As part of NASA’s efforts to expand commercial resupply in low Earth orbit, media are invited to view Sierra Space’s uncrewed commercial spaceplane ahead of its first demonstration flight for the agency to the International Space Station in 2024.

    The Dream Chaser event is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 1, at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio.

    For the first time, the spaceplane is coupled with its companion Shooting Star cargo module in a 55-foot-tall vertical stack for environmental testing in the Mechanical Vibration Facility at Armstrong Test Facility’s Space Environments Complex.

    During the event, the following officials will provide brief remarks about the agency’s efforts to enable commercial industry, the unique capabilities of the NASA test facility, as well as share more about Dream Chaser and its ongoing testing at NASA Glenn:

    Dr. Jimmy Kenyon, director, NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland
    Tom Vice, chief executive officer, Sierra Space
    A question-and-answer session will follow remarks. Dr. Tom Marshburn, former NASA astronaut and chief medical officer for Sierra Space, also will be in attendance and available for interviews.

    Media interested in attending must RSVP by 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, to Brian Newbacher at [email protected] or 216-433-5644.

    Attendance is in-person only and limited to participants, invited guests, and credentialed media.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2024 02:55 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1752721718332858393

    Quote
    The stage is set for the reveal of Dream Chaser in full launch configuration atop the world's largest vibration table at NASA's Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. More to come.

    #NASA @NASAglenn @Space_Station
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/01/2024 03:12 pm
    https://twitter.com/thefavoritist/status/1753084426324476263

    Quote
    Tenacity & Shooting Star, @SierraSpaceCo’s new cargo carrying spaceplane planned for launch in 2024.

    Learn more from NSF at: nasaspaceflight.com/?s=dream%2Bcha…

    Photos for @NASASpaceflight
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 02/01/2024 07:41 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1753134116852101147
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: catdlr on 02/01/2024 08:26 pm
    https://twitter.com/_mgde_/status/1753161991965819085
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: catdlr on 02/02/2024 02:13 am
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbQ-wHT0fTc
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 02/02/2024 06:09 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1753494288862716156
    Quote
    Yesterday, our team welcomed members of the news media to see Dream Chaser stacked in launch configuration for the first time at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility. The spaceplane is loaded on the world's largest shake table and being exposed to launch-like vibrations.

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/08/2024 04:10 pm
    https://youtu.be/DN0-fcbWe0Y_
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 02/13/2024 03:46 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1757424996765311346

    Quote
    “The last several years have required an enormous amount of tenacity by our team and no other name would have been more appropriate for our first Dream Chaser spaceplane.” – Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice.

    Watch Tenacity's journey: https://lnkd.in/edydwFzT

    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: yg1968 on 02/13/2024 09:17 pm
    Direct YouTube link to the same video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TesrNdfbMJ8&t=0s
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: StraumliBlight on 02/27/2024 03:43 pm
    Vibration tests at NASA's Armstrong Test Facility.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAuJ1WhnGJA
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 03/07/2024 02:26 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1765755655468544355
    Quote
    Tenacity has successfully completed its first phase of environmental testing at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. This critical phase of pre-flight testing included sine vibration testing, a separation shock test and wing deployment.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: ddspaceman on 03/11/2024 02:10 pm
    Sierra Space
    @SierraSpaceCo
    Dream Chaser, Reverence, is currently in production along with its Shooting Star cargo module at our Dream Factory in Colorado. This is the second spaceplane in our Dream Chaser fleet which will help carry cargo to the @Space_Station.

    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1767167362376069608
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/15/2024 03:04 pm
    https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1768668563848536141

    Quote
    Dream Chaser has arrived at NASA’s Armstrong In-Space Propulsion facility in Ohio for thermal vacuum testing. This will be its last testing phase in Ohio before it makes its way to @NASAKennedy in Florida.
    Title: Re: Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)
    Post by: Robert_the_Doll on 03/22/2024 04:52 pm
    https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1771220034527822096
    Quote
    At @NASA's In-Space Propulsion Facility in Ohio, Dream Chaser will be exposed to low ambient pressures, low-background temperatures, and replicated dynamic solar heating, to simulate the environment the spacecraft will encounter during its first mission to the @Space_Station.