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.The good news is that they have a workable schedule that can see the DC flying, maybe still in 2012.
In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.
Dream Chaser Spacecraft: Update
Published on Aug 22, 2012 by ReelNASA
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
In the video interview with Cheryl McPhillips posted above, she says drop tests will start in November.
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.)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.
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.
Quite true!Flys better when its cold... ;DBelieve 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.
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
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.
Update from NASA Commercial Crew Program. Looks like the first free-flight test has slipped from November into next year [my bold]:
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.
I'm looking to write an article on DC today, by the way.
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!
SNC will host press conference Wednesday "to announce Dream Chaser expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."
This has been tweeted by James Dean of Florida Today:QuoteSNC will host press conference Wednesday "to announce Dream Chaser expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."Quoteflatoday_jdean
Sorry, that should have been "Dream Chaser program expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."
This has been tweeted by James Dean of Florida Today:QuoteSNC will host press conference Wednesday "to announce Dream Chaser expansion and Commercial Crew Program update."
https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/294933321195081728
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.
This has been tweeted by James Dean of Florida Today:QuoteSNC 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....
LockMart definitely knows what the heck they're doing. Very good choice.
Dreamchaser's stock went up in my book.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ;)
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.
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...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.
Written an article - with some L2 goodies - with a large angle to the rise, fall and rise of MAF: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 ).
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/dream-chaser-breathe-new-life-into-michoud/
Written an article - with some L2 goodies - with a large angle to the rise, fall and rise of MAF:Nice article Chris! :) I hope it adds a moral boost to the good folks at MAF...
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/dream-chaser-breathe-new-life-into-michoud/
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)
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/
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.
It looks like Bigelow might offer their space station again with Dragon and CST-100 as the crew taxi's.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?
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.
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?
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?
Pillow, blanket, meal, oxygen, water and duty-free shopping?
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?
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?
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.
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}
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
...
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.
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?
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.
...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.
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.
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.
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?
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 ?
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.
Did the drop tests ever take place? Haven't heard any news for it.
Did the drop tests ever take place? Haven't heard any news for it.
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.
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?
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.
Just for reference, the question about how the DC can be transported across country after she lands has been answered.
Good point, does the FTA have the same fin/wing removal characteristics as the ETA?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?Good point, does the FTA have the same fin/wing removal characteristics as the ETA?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.
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?)
I'm almost certain this is a full scale mock-up.Aren't the ETA & FTA both smaller than the full up orbital ship?Good point, does the FTA have the same fin/wing removal characteristics as the ETA?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.
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...
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'm not even sure where I got that impression. Maybe Kaylee can clear that up?
Yup, you’re right SNC has it, but not three axis motion as is the NASA sim. Maybe LeeJay has seen it. ;)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. ;)
There you go! :)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! :)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.
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
In the first picture, are those 6 holes RCS nozzles?
Six shooter... all blanks... ;DIn 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.In the first picture, are those 6 holes RCS nozzles?
There are no real RCS nozzles on the ETA.
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.
Sierra Nevada's Director of Flight Ops. Steve Lindsey briefs the media on upcoming Dream Chaser activities!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!
https://twitter.com/NASADryden/status/337257210826600449/photo/1
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/
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: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
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/bolden-meets-dream-chaser-eta-dryden-tests/
Apologies if this is a non-value added post, but I just felt compelled to say now that is a beautiful vehicle!
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: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
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/05/bolden-meets-dream-chaser-eta-dryden-tests/
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.
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.
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.
I responded here: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.
What's the long rod on the DC nose?Flight test boom (pitch, yaw, airspeed etc...)
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...
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...
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
Right then, that news, but with a wider overview of status etc:Great over view Chris - Thanks.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/qualification-testing-dream-chasers-hybrid-rocket-motor/
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.... ;DThat sounds like a nice problem to have! ;D
Right then, that news, but with a wider overview of status etc:Great over view Chris - Thanks.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/qualification-testing-dream-chasers-hybrid-rocket-motor/
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?Right then, that news, but with a wider overview of status etc:Great over view Chris - Thanks.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/qualification-testing-dream-chasers-hybrid-rocket-motor/
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.
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?
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”... ;)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.
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.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”... ;)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.
Funny though that they put them on the Moon Buggy competion vehicles at MSFC...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.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”... ;)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.
NASA's McAlister: SNC Dream Chaser drop test at Dryden could occur in August.https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/362205514316259328
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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIJ4i8nJ9kwExciting video yg, thanks for posting! I can't stop smiling every time I see it! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjIPM2MotRkInteresting that they took this one down in a hurry.
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
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).
handing over the keys
Overall review of recent and upcoming commercial work:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/countdowns-testing-commercial-space-steps-gear/
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.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.
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!
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.
I'm a little surprised they haven't done a material selection for the TPS yet. Maybe there's an error in the announcement ?I too am a little surprised, I thought that the TPS was already selected. Maybe this is verification of choices or analysis of alternatives?
Isn't there a bit of weight difference between the various choices, and that would have an effect on other design decisions ?
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.
Any news of additional captive carry tests during the month of September ?
It's rather ironic considering that they went with the helicopter because WhiteKnightTwo wasn't available. Any chance of them going back to WK2?
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.
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 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.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.
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
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
From the 2nd day of the ISPCS:
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/390869380579733506QuoteJeff 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/390869812882448384QuoteJeff 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.
Days away....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/
Days away....Nice one Chris, including the "dig" about the "money savings" ;) I've been waiting for this news for a while.. rubbing hands... :)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/
How long approx does the test last from release to landing?
Days away....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/
Days away....
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/dream-chaser-drop-test-milestone/
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) confirmed their interest to evaluate the use of the (International Berthing Docking Mechanism ) IBDM on their Dream Chaser vehicle. An initial agreement for a preparatory phase was finalised between ESA and SNC
QuoteSierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) confirmed their interest to evaluate the use of the (International Berthing Docking Mechanism ) IBDM on their Dream Chaser vehicle. An initial agreement for a preparatory phase was finalised between ESA and SNC
http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/publications/ESA-Bulletin-156/offline/download.pdf
... Louisville-based Sierra Nevada Corp. Space Systems and NASA have finished reviewing the test flight and expect to formally announce the conclusions Monday.
...
It appears that what kept Dream Chaser’s landing gear from deploying was contamination in the gear’s hydraulic lines, not a design issue that would slow development of the spacecraft, Sirangelo said. ...
Dream Chaser test flight found to have met goalsThanks Lars! I got the answer I was looking for as to the cause... well done! :)
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. ...
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.
Phil McAlister:"A spacecraft that lands on runways provides unique benefits for commercial spaceflight, but also presents unique development challenges,"
Really nice article Chris - this should put to bed criticism of the DC vehicle as not viable.
Meanwhile, SNC plans to repair the Dream Chaser test vehicle damaged in the Oct. 26 drop test. “After the post flight evaluation, the vehicle was deemed to be fully repairable and a schedule to return it to flight has been created,” Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president for Sierra Nevada Corp. and head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems, wrote in a Dec. 17 email. “SNC expects to fly this test vehicle back at Edwards Air Force Base upgraded with additional capability in 2014.” The exact date for the test article’s next flight test has not been settled upon, Sirangelo added.
Sierra Nevada Space planning collaboration with Euro, German space agencies on the SNC Dreamchaser space plane. Details in a 1/8 presser.
I like the sound of that!It may just be about the docking mechanism.
Makes sense, both USA LV providers a working on their own manned capsules .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.
This partnership will allow ESA to compete in manned space flight.
Makes sense, both USA LV providers a working on their own manned capsules .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.
This partnership will allow ESA to compete in manned space flight.
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.
Makes sense, both USA LV providers a working on their own manned capsules .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.
This partnership will allow ESA to compete in manned space flight.
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.
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)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).
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.
More good news for Dream Chaser:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chaser-another-ccicap-milestone/
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.
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 )
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
Announcement: November 2016 is the debut orbital launch of Dream Chaser on an Atlas V they have acquired.
Announcement: November 2016 is the debut orbital launch of Dream Chaser on an Atlas V they have acquired.
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.
Praise for Discovery, which is nice.
Building The Dream: Sierra Nevada's Dreamchaser Comes Together | Video
Article. 2,000 worder....some background and forward plans wrapped around the announcement:Good write-up Chris. Well done.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chasers-ksc-vision-2016-debut/
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.
Quote from: DC articleIn 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.
Article. 2,000 worder....some background and forward plans wrapped around the announcement:Great article Chris! :) Nice to finally see all the pieces clicking into place after a long wait.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/01/dream-chasers-ksc-vision-2016-debut/
"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.
This great news certainly got the juice flowing again. Thanks for the great article Chris.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mobile/science/space/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dream-chaser-americas-next-space-plane-16610110?click=pm_news
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.
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.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/basics/orbit.htmlWiki got their info from Encyclopedia Astronautica (http://www.astronautix.com/craft/drehaser.htm)
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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."?
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
How many DC's is LM building? Will they store the tooling when there done with this "block" at Michaud?
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????)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????)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.
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.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????)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.
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.
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 ?
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 ?
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.
Can you defend the "google" and "iPad" comments and not the person? At best, it sounded like he was talking to mindless teenagers.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.
That was probably his intention as when Charlie speaks for NASA, he is trying to excite young people...Can you defend the "google" and "iPad" comments and not the person? At best, it sounded like he was talking to mindless teenagers.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.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.
Interesting comment by Roth: says Dream Chaser will launch on Atlas V "or maybe eventually on Falcon 9."
@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
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;
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 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
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.
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSSGreat article Chris! I liked the phrase "Californian tumble"... sounds like a new dance step... ;D
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/
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/
@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
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)
Got a bit carried away with other stuff to flesh out the article, so it's also a commercial crew update, but mainly on DCSSGreat article Chris! I liked the phrase "Californian tumble"... sounds like a new dance step... ;D
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/dream-chaser-wind-tunnel-tests-ccicap-milestone/
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.
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/
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.Why would it?
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/virgin-voyage/virgin-galactic-makes-switch-spaceshiptwos-rocket-motor-n113216
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.No, they are different motors.
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...
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.
Interesting note about Craig from another article:QuoteIn 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.
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.
From the Craig Technologies announcement video:
28:35: planning 5-9 atmospheric test flights once the FTV returns to service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Mark Sirangelo on DC in the 8 Aug show.
http://www.thespaceshow.com/
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.
“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.”
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/
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.
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
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
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.
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.QuoteTerry 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.
QuoteTerry 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/
QuoteTerry 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?
[...] 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.
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.”
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.”
Mark Sirangelo stated following from America space interview.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.
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.
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
...
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
QuoteJeff 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
Beames said after the presentation that we should start seeing some announcements by the end of the year. Up to Paul Allen.
I believe these images (from the above paper) are the first we've seen of the Nitrous/Propane main propulsion system and RCS:
I'm guessing the higher boiling point has something to do with it, but that's pure speculation.
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)
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
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.
... 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.
C.1 SPECIFICATION/STATEMENT OF WORKSimilar is repeated at the beginning of several other key sections of the RFP; 2017 is obviously an important date, and is hard to miss.
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.
... 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.
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.
SNC Press release on GAO decision:
http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=422
http://spacenews.com/gao-denies-sierra-nevada-protest-of-commercial-crew-contract/
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.
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust · 46m 46 minutes agoI 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.
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.
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust · 46m 46 minutes agoI 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.
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.
Sierra Nevada Corporation Successfully Completes Dream Chaser® Study with German Aerospace Industry Partners:
http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/749
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.
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.
Does anyone really feel that Dreamchaser will ever get finished?
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...
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.
I degree on the grounds that statistics says otherwise.
Great that they can land. Now if we can only find a way to get them to take off!
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.
On his twitter account, Tory Bruno says that the SNC uncrewed flight is still on for mid-2017.He's since replied with this;
@torybruno 22m22 minutes ago
@Hauerg Sorry, I was referring to Starliner. Dreamchaser lives, but not yet manifested
Lots of chatter stemming from the article noting #SNCDreamChaser launch in 2016. @NASA #CRS2 award will set dates and more. Stay tuned!
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.
ESA to provide the IBDM for cargo DreamChaser
http://spacenews.com/europe-to-invest-in-sierra-nevadas-dream-chaser-cargo-vehicle/
The cargo pod maybe built by a European company.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?
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?
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.
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!
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!
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... :)
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
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
Where did I see those extremely aggressive turnaround times for a reusable space vehicle during the late 70s / early 80s?QuoteSirangelo: 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?QuoteSirangelo: 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
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.Where did I see those extremely aggressive turnaround times for a reusable space vehicle during the late 70s / early 80s?QuoteSirangelo: 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
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.
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.
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.
Dream Chaser ETA ships back to Edwards for flight testing ihn October 2016I 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.
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]."
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?Dream Chaser ETA ships back to Edwards for flight testing ihn October 2016I 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.
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]."
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.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?Dream Chaser ETA ships back to Edwards for flight testing ihn October 2016I 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.
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]."
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gerst: extended Space Act Agreement with Sierra Nevada Corp. through mid-2017 to support Dream Chaser landing test around Dec 2016.
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
QuoteMcAlister: 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
Is that the orbital frame in the back?
Is that the orbital frame in the back?
No.
Is that the orbital frame in the back?
No.
OK. But what is it then?
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.
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.
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.
The Dream Chaser® for European Utilization Program Takes Flight with Memorandum of Understanding
http://www.telespazio.com/-/dream-chaser-memorandum
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.
Quotepreparing 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.....
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.
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).
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
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
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
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.” [...]
Dream Chaser at @NASAArmstrong for testing. The same hangar where the Shuttle Enterprise was housed! #SNCDreamChaser
Looking back at a gorgeous picture of Dream Chaser on its way to @NASAArmstrong!
Officials Mull Proposal for Manned Mission to Refurbish Hubble Telescope:I take it this means a crewed version still might be possible in the future.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/officials-mull-proposal-for-manned-mission-to-refurbish-hubble-telescope-1486927198
[NAC slide on DC]
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.”
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...
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!
Dream Chaser® spacecraft at dawn.
Dream Chaser® sun bathing at @NASAArmstrong.
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!
Sierra Nevada CorpVerified account @SierraNevCorp 37m37 minutes agohttps://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886957469414699008 (https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/886957469414699008)
Hi space enthusiasts! Engineer Eric Cain here. SNC gave me keys to the account today, so expect some cool behind-the-scenes access!
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!
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!
We still have more testing to complete before the captive carry later this year.https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046592968228864
The flight test is still scheduled for later this year.https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046773696548865
The highest altitude will be approximately 10,200 ft above ground level.https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/887046913060634624
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
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.
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.
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]
QuoteParagon 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)
Steven Lindsey, SNC: planning Dream Chaser glide test this fall. Scheduling challenge is helicopter availability during fire season. #ISSRDC
Lindsey: got unanimous approval from 84 UN nations in June to proceed with planned Dream Chaser free flight mission in 2021-22. #ISSRDC
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.
Smooth ride! The Dream Chaser® spacecraft comes to a stop after a successful tow test @NASAArmstrong.
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
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.
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
Some post-flight closeups of Dream Chaser, back in its hangar.
Full video
Who needs a moon to do an Eclipse... #DreamChaser #Eclipse2017 @SierraNevCorp @NASAArmstrong
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.”
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
Looks like Gerst just disclosed the date of Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser glide test at Edwards: November 14.
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
Hearing that Dream Chaser successfully flew an approach and landing test today!
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!
.@SierraNevCorp confirms that it has good news relating to #DreamChaser space plane testing. Full report coming soon.
On Monday SNC will share more information, photos and video from today's Dream Chaser free-flight test at @EdwardsAFB.
On Monday SNC will share more information, photos and video from today's Dream Chaser free-flight test at @EdwardsAFB.
Reminder: Video and additional info release today! Everybody put your feelers out...
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.
Mark Sirangelo, Sierra Nevada Corp., on media call: successful flight test Saturday a signal our program has moved closer to operations and orbital flight.
Sirangelo: initial analysis of data indicates we met or exceeded requirements for the milestone under NASA CCiCap award.
Sirangelo: released from altitude of 12,324 ft, flight time of 60 seconds. Top speed of 330 mph.
#DreamChaser touchdown at about 191 mph on concrete runway 22L. Veterans Day & 40 years since space shuttle Enterprise test flights.
Check out this video! The Dream Chaser® spacecraft completed an approach and landing test on Saturday at @EdwardsAFB, with support from @NASAArmstrong.
Join us tomorrow at 4 p.m. MT for a live free-flight Q&A.
Wings. Are. Back.
QuoteJoin us tomorrow at 4 p.m. MT for a live free-flight Q&A.
https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/930209924713508864
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!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFOOUnf2940 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFOOUnf2940)
Dream Chaser® spacecraft Free-Flight test by the numbers...
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!
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...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.`
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/
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.
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.
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.
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 vehicle’s next milestone will be the CRS2 Dream Chaser Critical Design Review, scheduled for 2018.
So in summary.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.
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.
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.
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
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.”
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.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.
Given the launches are for NASA would it matter if it launches from a foreign spaceport?
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.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.
Given the launches are for NASA would it matter if it launches from a foreign spaceport?
Why Sierra Nevada’s owners are betting big on Dream ChaserQuoteTo 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/
See below for an update and a rare interview by the Ozmens:Why Sierra Nevada’s owners are betting big on Dream ChaserQuoteTo 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/
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.”
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.
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.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.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.
Good to know - my mistake.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.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.
No. It is the folding wings that makes it fit. Not a scale down.
Here is the Chris G. article of the version you had in mind:Good to know - my mistake.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.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.
No. It is the folding wings that makes it fit. Not a scale down.
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/)
Perhaps factor in the current administration plans to splash ISS in 2025 instead of the expected extension the partners were believing to happening...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...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.
Some interesting stuff on DC:Quote from: page 20 of the OIG reportSpecifically, 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.
More on DC:Quote from: pages 27 and 28 of the OIG ReportSierra 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.
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
QuoteSimonetta 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
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SNC has successfully developed products from RCS systems and large abort engines to successful flight-like system tests.
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.
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.
[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.
Lindsey: primary structure of first orbital cargo Dream Chaser should come in this month or in July.
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.
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.
The announcement has been removed...
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 #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
The specific Vulcan configuration SNC is using: (Note that per ULA, 4 SRBs is a mission-unique variant.)I thought that the SRB compliment for Vulcan was going to be 0-2-4-6. So 4 would still be a standard amount.QuoteThe #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
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.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.
Or did I misunderstand his answer to the question?
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
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.
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
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
Join us for an exciting announcement on Tuesday, 10/15 at 10 AM MT.
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
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
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
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.
UNOOSA and Sierra Nevada announce Call for Interest to provide landing site for Dream Chaser spacecraft mission carrying experiments from UN Member States:
....
Certain planned orbits restrict landing sites. Not sure on ITAR.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?
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
Question..if the DC lands on a runway away from the space coast...how does it get back to kennedy?They used a tractor trailer to get the test article to AFRC.
Shes small enough a galaxy could carry her I believe inside.
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.
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.
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.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.
Or did I misunderstand his answer to the question?
I could be wrong, but I believe the Black Arrow used hypergolic ignition.
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.
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!
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. ...
It's [The 7th mission] another Dream Chaser. Contingent upon execution.
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.
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.
###
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!
Each wing for the Dream Chaser® spaceplane is more than 13 feet long and the vehicle is 30 feet long!
Dream Chaser® spaceplane is the only commercial vehicle with wings and capable of a runway landing. WINGS ARE BACK!
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."
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
We have nearly 30 thrusters on Dream Chaser & Shooting Star combined. For fuel, we'll be using H2O2.https://twitter.com/SierraNevCorp/status/1263169754568830976
We're looking at a variety of options, including a Shooting Star with windows!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?I'd say its dedicated delivery launch.
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.
The Pentagon Moves To Launch Its Own Experimental Mini Space Station - Via @thedrive by @FranticGoat
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.”
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
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Lindsay confirms SNC has 7, not 6, cargo missions under contract with NASA.
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
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.
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
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!
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?
Dream Chaser is bouncing around in excitement at being at the KSC SLF....https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1389592359218917376
....because it's an inflatable mock-up.
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!
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.
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.
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.”
#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
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
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.
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
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1459172165941665799 (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1459172165941665799)
Big news from Sierra Space ...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.
"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.
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
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.
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.
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
[April 29 SpaceNews] article with more information: First Dream Chaser vehicle takes shape (https://spacenews.com/first-dream-chaser-vehicle-takes-shape/)
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.”
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.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.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.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1That 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.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.
True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1That 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.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.
True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
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.
[...]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1
True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
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.
[...]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNC_Demo-1
True but this isn't COTS, it's CRS2. There is no demo missions.
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.
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.
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.
Dream Chaser DC-102 cobond fabrication complete
And then there were two...
#DreamsWorthChasing
Not Tenacity.
Sierra Space is pitching its Dream Chaser spaceplane to the Pentagon's USTRANSCOM for point-to-point military cargo & personnel capabilities
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.
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
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1582471525340307457?cxt=HHwWgoCj8fndiPYrAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1582471525340307457?cxt=HHwWgoCj8fndiPYrAAAA)
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.
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1586027786724147201?cxt=HHwWgoC8-c332YIsAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1586027786724147201?cxt=HHwWgoC8-c332YIsAAAA)
Recent pic of Dream Chaser off linkedin
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.
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.
A view of the Dream Chaser 100 and 200, the latter being the crewed version.https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930
DC-201 - cranked arrow wings, this doesn't look like your daddy's Bor-4 to me.
A view of the Dream Chaser 100 and 200, the latter being the crewed version.https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1611432910438993930
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.
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.
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/
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.
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)
DutchSatellitesIf 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.
@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
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1639266593564766211QuoteSome 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/
Sierra Space in Louisville, Colorado
Development of Low-Cost High Temperature Reusable Thermal Protection System – NASA Ames and NASA Johnson
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:
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.
Crew 7 Astronauts Train in Sierra Space Dream Chaser mockup
NASA’s Jasmin Moghbeli trains in Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane mockup
Attaching tiles to Dream Chaser, Tenacity, is a highly intricate process. Do you know why both black and white tiles are used?
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1663908360410787846?cxt=HHwWjMCzkdH1sZcuAAAA (https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1663908360410787846?cxt=HHwWjMCzkdH1sZcuAAAA)
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.
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.
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.
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-capabilitiesQuote from: NASASierra 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.
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.
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1683886557340610591QuoteNASA'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.
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/
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-capabilitiesQuote from: NASASierra 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
[...] (it's at 41 minutes of the audio):Quote from: the transcriptSteve 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
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-capabilitiesQuote from: NASASierra 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.
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.
The rudder was the first flight control surface to be installed on Dream Chaser and consists of almost 100% titanium.
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.
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-capabilitiesQuote from: NASASierra 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have yet to see a confirmation of "heat shield complete" from Sierra Space
but the claim is from "TheSpaceBucket" on youtube:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Today, we are one step closer to enabling major breakthroughs in space as Dream Chaser Tenacity prepares for its journey to NASA Armstrong.
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.
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.
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.
Dream Chaser is finally about to leave its nest.
@StephenClark1 got a good look at the vehicle this week:
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.
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.
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.
“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
I don't believe that this image of crewed DC has been posted in this thread before:Just from the number of engines I'd say it is crewed. The large number of engines are needed for LAS.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
.
Second Dream Chaser vehicle, Reverence, in production.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/)
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/
QuoteToday 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/
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.
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
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
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.
“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
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.
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.
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.