Requesting to operate the RALTs on the runway for final integrated and flight like validation of system functionality in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness. The technical parameters are the same as the previous request under the same Call Sign: WA9XLF. The location has changed and will now be in Colorado.The RALTs will be powered and measuring (transmit and receive) while the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) is on the runway. The RALTS will be powered on while the UDC is stationary, they will stay on as the UDC is towed up to 40 mph by a tow truck and then brought to a safe stop. Once the UDC is stationary again, the RALTS will be powered off before personnel approach and while analysis is performed on the data gathered from the tow. The RALTs will be powered on for less than 1 hour at a time, periodically throughout an 8 hour period (3 cases expected). If additional cases are added, the operation of the RALTs will not change (~1 hour powered period, periodically throughout the day, potentially more than 1 day).Start Date: 02/02/2026End Date: 08/02/2026
This application seeks to allow Taxi Tow Testing of Sierra Space Corporations Dream Chaser Space Plane. STA is required to be able to transmit commands over Radio Frequency (RF) from a local RF Support Set to the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) to test the systems performance.The RF Support Set will transmit commands via TDRS and C2V2 over air to the UDC to complete verifications of the system prior to flight.
Sierra Space Corporation (SSC) will operate the Dream Chaser spacecraft as part of the NASA Commercial Resupply Services phase 2(CRS2) program. The Dream Chaser mission will include launch, fairing separation, orbit raising maneuvers, approach and berthing with the International Space Station (ISS), unberthing and departure from the ISS, orbit maneuvering, reentry into the Earths atmosphere, and landing at the shuttle landing facility (SLF) near Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Reentry is anticipated to be a few days after separation from the ISS. Spacecraft telemetry is transmitted during all phases of mission operations. An STA is requested for the Dream Chaser spacecraft at the direction of NASA and the NTIA due to the short duration of the mission and the need for close coordination within the necessary frequency bands. See also application file number 0765-EX-ST-2024 which was the basis of grant call sign WX9XJC herein incorporated by reference.This application seeks to allow further testing due to unforeseen delays which have led to a new launch date in Q4 2025. Tow/taxi test demonstration of multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. The tow/taxi test demonstrates multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles by towing the UDC down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space System (KSC) to a test case specific speed and releasing the UDC such that it controls itself and brakes to a stop. Spacecraft telemetry links for monitoring of Dream Chaser spacecraft state of health. Telemetry links include: 1) S-Band Single Access (SSA) spread spectrum return link operation with NASA TDRS; 2) High data rate downlink operation with mission Ground Stations; and 3) a Dream Chaser to ISS link for proximity operations will be used during the mission. The transmitters supporting these links are described below: The Dream Chaser spacecraft configuration will include two L-3 Cincinnati Electronics (nowL3Harris) transceivers (primary & redundant-backup) operating at 2287.5 MHz in TDRS spread spectrum (SQPN) mode to provide a telemetry return link through TDRS at 36, 144, or 288 ksps; or in TDRS SQPSK mode to provide a telemetry downlink to mission Ground Stations at 1 Msps. Two additional transceivers (primary & redundant backup), also procured from L3Harris, operating at 2203.2 MHz in SQPN mode to provide a telemetry return link at 36 or 144ksps, will be used for the Dream Chaser to ISS proximity communication link. See also STA file number 0660-EX-ST-2024.
T-Zero Systems@systems_zero·I can finally post these
During tow testing at @NASAKennedy, a Freightliner Cascadia truck towed Dream Chaser at high speeds to simulate critical dynamics and validate autonomous navigational parameters during runway landing operations.Dream Chaser also successfully demonstrated the ability to receive telemetry and distribute commands between the spacecraft and Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado over NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System network. The testing campaign concluded with a post landing recovery rehearsal.
0128-EX-ST-2026 [Jan 16]QuoteRequesting to operate the RALTs on the runway for final integrated and flight like validation of system functionality in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness. The technical parameters are the same as the previous request under the same Call Sign: WA9XLF. The location has changed and will now be in Colorado.The RALTs will be powered and measuring (transmit and receive) while the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) is on the runway. The RALTS will be powered on while the UDC is stationary, they will stay on as the UDC is towed up to 40 mph by a tow truck and then brought to a safe stop. Once the UDC is stationary again, the RALTS will be powered off before personnel approach and while analysis is performed on the data gathered from the tow. The RALTs will be powered on for less than 1 hour at a time, periodically throughout an 8 hour period (3 cases expected). If additional cases are added, the operation of the RALTs will not change (~1 hour powered period, periodically throughout the day, potentially more than 1 day).Start Date: 02/02/2026End Date: 08/02/20260129-EX-ST-2026QuoteThis application seeks to allow Taxi Tow Testing of Sierra Space Corporations Dream Chaser Space Plane. STA is required to be able to transmit commands over Radio Frequency (RF) from a local RF Support Set to the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) to test the systems performance.The RF Support Set will transmit commands via TDRS and C2V2 over air to the UDC to complete verifications of the system prior to flight.0130-EX-ST-2026 QuoteSierra Space Corporation (SSC) will operate the Dream Chaser spacecraft as part of the NASA Commercial Resupply Services phase 2(CRS2) program. The Dream Chaser mission will include launch, fairing separation, orbit raising maneuvers, approach and berthing with the International Space Station (ISS), unberthing and departure from the ISS, orbit maneuvering, reentry into the Earths atmosphere, and landing at the shuttle landing facility (SLF) near Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Reentry is anticipated to be a few days after separation from the ISS. Spacecraft telemetry is transmitted during all phases of mission operations. An STA is requested for the Dream Chaser spacecraft at the direction of NASA and the NTIA due to the short duration of the mission and the need for close coordination within the necessary frequency bands. See also application file number 0765-EX-ST-2024 which was the basis of grant call sign WX9XJC herein incorporated by reference.This application seeks to allow further testing due to unforeseen delays which have led to a new launch date in Q4 2025. Tow/taxi test demonstration of multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. The tow/taxi test demonstrates multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles by towing the UDC down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space System (KSC) to a test case specific speed and releasing the UDC such that it controls itself and brakes to a stop. Spacecraft telemetry links for monitoring of Dream Chaser spacecraft state of health. Telemetry links include: 1) S-Band Single Access (SSA) spread spectrum return link operation with NASA TDRS; 2) High data rate downlink operation with mission Ground Stations; and 3) a Dream Chaser to ISS link for proximity operations will be used during the mission. The transmitters supporting these links are described below: The Dream Chaser spacecraft configuration will include two L-3 Cincinnati Electronics (nowL3Harris) transceivers (primary & redundant-backup) operating at 2287.5 MHz in TDRS spread spectrum (SQPN) mode to provide a telemetry return link through TDRS at 36, 144, or 288 ksps; or in TDRS SQPSK mode to provide a telemetry downlink to mission Ground Stations at 1 Msps. Two additional transceivers (primary & redundant backup), also procured from L3Harris, operating at 2203.2 MHz in SQPN mode to provide a telemetry return link at 36 or 144ksps, will be used for the Dream Chaser to ISS proximity communication link. See also STA file number 0660-EX-ST-2024.
You are advised that the Commission is unable to grant your application for the facilities requested. Your application has been dismissed due to non-payment of the required filing fee. If you wish to refile your application, please ensure submit your payment within 10-days of filing.
Feb 20, 2026During tow testing at KSC and Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility, a Freightliner Cascadia truck towed Dream Chaser at high speeds to simulate critical dynamics and validate autonomous navigational parameters.Dream Chaser also successfully demonstrated the ability to receive telemetry and distribute commands between the spacecraft and Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado, over NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System network. The testing campaign concluded with a post-landing recovery rehearsal.
NSF - NASASpaceflight.com@NASASpaceflight·13mTimely video from Sierra Space. Imagining their crewed vehicle's progress had they won part of the CCtCap (given Starliner's woes).Ref: https://nasaspaceflight.com/2014/09/dream-chaser-fight-snc-protest-cctcap-decision/Yes, they've had issues since, flowing down to the CRS2 cargo vehicle, but I dare say some of it was likely related to the above decision point. Not all, but some.
Requesting to operate the RALTs on the runway for final integrated and flight like validation of system functionality in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness. The technical parameters are the same as the previous request under the same Call Sign: WA9XLF. The location has changed and will now be in Colorado.The RALTs will be powered and measuring (transmit and receive) while the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) is on the runway. The RALTS will be powered on while the UDC is stationary, they will stay on as the UDC is towed up to 40 mph by a tow truck and then brought to a safe stop. Once the UDC is stationary again, the RALTS will be powered off before personnel approach and while analysis is performed on the data gathered from the tow. The RALTs will be powered on for less than 1 hour at a time, periodically throughout an 8 hour period (3 cases expected). If additional cases are added, the operation of the RALTs will not change (~1 hour powered period, periodically throughout the day, potentially more than 1 day).Start Date: 03/13/2026End Date: 09/13/2026
This application seeks to allow Taxi Tow Testing of Sierra Space Corporations Dream Chaser Space Plane. STA is required to be able to transmit commands over Radio Frequency (RF) from a local RF Support Set to the Uncrewed Dream Chaser (UDC) to test the systems performance.Start Date: 03/13/2026End Date: 09/13/2026
This application seeks to allow further testing due to unforeseen delays which have led to a new launch date in Q4 2025. Tow/taxi test demonstration of multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. The tow/taxi test demonstrates multi-system performance over a range of speeds and braking profiles by towing the UDC down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space System (KSC) to a test case specific speed and releasing the UDC such that it controls itself and brakes to a stop. Spacecraft telemetry links for monitoring of Dream Chaser spacecraft state of health. Telemetry links include: 1) S-Band Single Access (SSA) spread spectrum return link operation with NASA TDRS; 2) High data rate downlink operation with mission Ground Stations; and 3) a Dream Chaser to ISS link for proximity operations will be used during the mission. Start Date: 03/13/2026End Date: 09/13/2026
Sierra Space Closes $550 Million in Series C Round, with a Valuation of $8 Billion [Mar 5]Quote • In 2025, the company also completed Critical Design Review (CDR) for two major national security satellite programs of record and completed all manufacturing and assembly milestones for the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, with a demonstration flight planned in late 2026.
• In 2025, the company also completed Critical Design Review (CDR) for two major national security satellite programs of record and completed all manufacturing and assembly milestones for the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, with a demonstration flight planned in late 2026.
