Sierra Space Dream Chaser UPDATE Thread (was SNC)

[vt_hokie]

How far they've come from the days of this hybrid propellant nightmare! 

[docmordrid]

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.

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.

[yg1968]

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.

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

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

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

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

[guckyfan]

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

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

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

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

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

[Alpha Control]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here you go:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29417.msg1008690#msg1008698

[Lars_J]

This is an update thread, guys. There is a DC discussion thread.

[yg1968]

From the comments section of the Parabolic Arc article (in answer to my question about the main engines):

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

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

[yg1968]

I am confused, Sirangelo hasn't confirmed the switch of the propulsion system:
http://www.americaspace.com/?p=66192

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

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

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

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

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.”

[TrevorMonty]

Mark Sirangelo stated following from America space interview.
 http://www.americaspace.com/?p=66192

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

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

“There is no schedule change related to engines.”

So the DC is staying with it's existing hybrid engines for the first orbital version at least.

[oiorionsbelt]

Mark Sirangelo stated following from America space interview.
 http://www.americaspace.com/?p=66192

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

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

“There is no schedule change related to engines.”

So the DC is staying with it's existing hybrid engines for the first orbital version at least.

He does not deny an engine change. He simply states they haven't announced it and he claims there's no schedule change related to engines.

 It's surprising to me that DC is lighter than CST-100.
 

[yg1968]

DC on Stratolaunch:
http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=636

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

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

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

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

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

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

“This relationship would expand our portfolio to include the highly flexible Stratolaunch system for launching reusable crewed or uncrewed spacecraft, or for rapid satellite constellation deployment,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems.

In addition to supporting development of human spaceflight capability, SNC studied satellite launch options and mechanisms, as well as point-to-point transportation options using the Stratolaunch launch system with a Dream Chaser spacecraft derivative. The Stratolaunch system is uniquely designed to allow for maximum operational flexibility and payload delivery from several possible operational sites, while minimizing mission constraints such as range availability and weather.

SNC and Stratolaunch Systems will present more detailed information on Dream Chaser-Stratolauncher at the 65th International Astronautical Congress in Toronto, Canada, on October 1, 2014 at 9:45 am ET in Room 701B.

# # #

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

About Stratolaunch Systems
Founded in 2011 by philanthropist and entrepreneur Paul G. Allen, Stratolaunch Systems is developing an air-launch system that will revolutionize space transportation by providing orbital access to space at lower costs, with greater safety and more flexibility. The system will allow for maximum operational flexibility and payload delivery from several possible operational sites, while minimizing mission constraints such as range availability and weather. The system is made up of three primary elements: a carrier aircraft, which is being designed by Scaled Composites; a multi-stage rocket system, which is being developed by Orbital Sciences; and an orbital payload. Initial efforts will focus on unmanned payloads, with human flights following as safety, reliability, and operability are demonstrated. Stratolaunch is based in Huntsville, Alabama with assembly facilities in Mojave, California.


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

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


About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President Eren Ozmen, SNC has a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 31 locations in 17 states. SNC’s six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States and among the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.” Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen’s leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth also on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com and follow us at Facebook/Sierra Nevada Corporation.

[robertross]

DC on Stratolaunch:
http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=636
...
SNC and Stratolaunch Systems will present more detailed information on Dream Chaser-Stratolauncher at the 65th International Astronautical Congress in Toronto, Canada, on October 1, 2014 at 9:45 am ET in Room 701B.

# # #

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

...

Sweet! Quite a scoop for Toronto & the 65th anniversary!
I wish I was there.
(Astronaut Chris Hadfield is attending in Toronto as well)

[Rocket Science]

Anyone find a live stream for the event. All I could find was one for Bill Nye being there...

[Rocket Science]

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fscience%2Fspace%2Fsierra-nevada-stratolaunch-team-dream-chaser-space-plane-n215386&tw_i=517039780992131075&tw_p=tweetembed

[adrianwyard]

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

[yg1968]

Jeff Foust @jeff_foust  ·  28m 28 minutes ago
Beames (Stratolaunch): we haven't made a decision to go forward, still thinking through a path forward. #IAC2014

So it's not official yet.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/517358461491752960

Beames said after the presentation that we should start seeing some announcements by the end of the year. Up to Paul Allen.

[Chris Bergin]

SNC reveal the DC4Science Dream Chaser variant:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/10/snc-reveal-dc4science-dream-chaser-variant/

Will give it a standalone thread.

[yg1968]

SNC was not involved in the new SS2 engine:
http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/643

[Chris Bergin]

Would have been nice if they provided WHAT the findings were.....Ah, AM has found it. Great!

Sierra Nevada Corporation to Present Progress on
Evaluating Dream Chaser® Landing at Public Use Airports

SPARKS, Nev. (Nov. 5, 2014) – Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems and partner organization RS&H, Inc., presented findings regarding the challenges and opportunities of landing the Dream Chaser® reusable spacecraft at public-use airports during the Space Traffic Management Conference at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Daytona Beach, Florida, campus today.

The Dream Chaser is a unique lifting-body commercial orbital vehicle designed for crewed or uncrewed missions in low-Earth orbit (LEO) that is capable of a runway landing nearly anywhere in the world. The SNC and RS&H, Inc. team has been analyzing the applicable standards and unique requirements that must be addressed to receive approval for Dream Chaser to land either at a spaceport or commercial airport.

Today’s presentation summarized the capabilities of the Dream Chaser spacecraft and described present efforts to land at commercial airports with minimal impact to existing operations. Presenters discussed next-steps including how SNC plans to ensure that the Dream Chaser meets safety and environmental requirements, as well as operates within, or exceeds, existing and future procedures and policies.

SNC’s Dream Chaser is a multi-mission space utility vehicle. It is the only reusable, lifting-body spacecraft with commercial runway landing capability, all non-toxic propellants, no unique landing or navigation aids and responsive mission, ground, and transportation operations. The space system is on the forefront of the commercial spaceflight industry, offering safe, affordable, and reliable crew and cargo transportation to LEO space destinations.

###

About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colorado, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the U.S. Government, commercial customers, as well as for the international market.  SNC’s Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components.  During its history, SNC’s Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients. For more information about SNC’s Space Systems visit www.sncspace.com and follow us at Facebook.com/SNCSpaceSystems and Twitter @SNCspacesystems.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is among the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space.” Over the last 30 years, under the leadership of President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC has become one of America’s fastest-growing private companies and the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. With a workforce of over 3,000 personnel in 17 states, SNC has a reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy.

SNC has six unique business areas that are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to its dynamic customer base. SNC has a proven track record of success spanning more than five decades. It is focused on providing its customers with the very best in diversified technologies and continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements in dual-use applications and outside acquisitions including the emerging markets of renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations.

[AnalogMan]

SNC's Conference paper:

Challenges and Opportunities Related to Landing the Dream Chaser® Commercial Reusable Space Vehicle at a Public-Use Airport
Space Traffic Management Conference  Nov 5th, 2:00 PM
http://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=stm

(copy also attached)