Sierra Space Dream Chaser DISCUSSION Thread (was SNC)

[Rocket Science]

Let's hope it's a trick of perspective because if not, and this graphic is correct, then Cargo Dream Chaser has no right main landing gear, just a door.

And we know that doesn't work well because they've flight tested that configuration...😉

Aw, she can take it...

Remember: A Good landing is one you can walk away from. A GREAT landing is one where you can use the vehicle again right away.

Yes, but I've never to yet seen a spacecraft "ever" being re-flown "right away" either...

[yg1968]

SNC Space store:

http://www.snclogoshop.com/ecommerce/

[Alpha Control]

SNC Space store:

http://www.snclogoshop.com/ecommerce/

Thanks YG! Some nice items. But what I really want is the Dream Chaser model the lady wearing the polo is holding!

[JAFO]

Sorry if this has been answered, but why did SNC go with folding wings for  the cargo version? Was there a problem with the aerodynamics of an unfaired vehicle?


TIA

[ethan829]

Sorry if this has been answered, but why did SNC go with folding wings for  the cargo version? Was there a problem with the aerodynamics of an unfaired vehicle?

Flying inside a standard 5-meter fairing makes integration with the launch vehicle much simpler. I also don't know how they would have accommodated the unpressurized cargo module without a fairing.

[brickmack]

I also don't know how they would have accommodated the unpressurized cargo module without a fairing.

Probably would have looked rather like Hermes (http://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2009/12/ariane_5_in_hermes_configuration_1991/9657602-3-eng-GB/Ariane_5_in_Hermes_configuration_1991.jpg ). Put any unpressurized cargo lower down towards the base of the pressurized expendable compartment, covered up by sort of an interstage-like structure

[Citabria]

Also, this SNC image of the cargo version suddenly features a nose wheel... artist's mistake or something we don't know about?

http://mediakit.sncorp.com/mediastore/image/UDC_Cargo%20Unload_Runway_0222_5.jpg

I think its a trick of perspective there, we're seeing the far rear wheel and the forward skid looks a bit like a door for it hanging open, but theres no third wheel in the front.

If the gear doesn't come down, then DC could just yaw right and ditch!

[Alpha Control]

Article from the Alabama dot com site, from 3/31:
"Dream Chaser spaceship seems on a glide path to landing in Alabama".

The Huntsville Chamber of Commerce "...held a workshop in Huntsville on the space marketplace of tomorrow that drew 70 people from business, government and academia."

http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/03/will_huntsville_be_a_spaceport.html

SNC notes that caught my eye:

"Right now, Huntsville is the only community we're moving forward with a (landing) license on."

"the company 'is trying to develop a commercial base' for Dream Chaser beyond supplying the space station."

[okan170]

SNC Space store:

http://www.snclogoshop.com/ecommerce/

DC cargo mug came today.  Printing could be better, but it's kind of worth it to have a mug with a cargo spaceplane on it!

Later Edit:
The DC mug may not be suitable for long term tea or beverage use, the interior printing has started to loosen after a few thermal cycles and I've now repurposed it for a desk top pen holder.  (Block 2 of the mug should address this, and add a bit of orange that only shows up when you pour hot water into the cup )

[yg1968]

Commercial missions planned for 2020-2021 will carry experiments arranged by NanoRacks

See more at: http://www.parabolicarc.com/2016/06/03/nsrc-day-2-summary/#more-58577

Hmm, commercial missions. Will SNC succeed with commercial DC missions when SpaceX has failed with its DragonLab?

[rayleighscatter]

Commercial missions planned for 2020-2021 will carry experiments arranged by NanoRacks

See more at: http://www.parabolicarc.com/2016/06/03/nsrc-day-2-summary/#more-58577

Hmm, commercial missions. Will SNC succeed with commercial DC missions when SpaceX has failed with its DragonLab?

I wonder if those lower re-entry G's are more of a selling point than people gave it credit for.

I also wonder if there's any way to clarify whether those commercials missions will be independent missions or will they be hitchhiking on a CRS flight?

[yg1968]

Doug Messier says that he thinks so (he is pretty sure):

https://twitter.com/spacecom/status/739973583837921280

[Robotbeat]

I'm not convinced.

[Patchouli]

Commercial missions planned for 2020-2021 will carry experiments arranged by NanoRacks

See more at: http://www.parabolicarc.com/2016/06/03/nsrc-day-2-summary/#more-58577

Hmm, commercial missions. Will SNC succeed with commercial DC missions when SpaceX has failed with its DragonLab?

I wonder if those lower re-entry G's are more of a selling point than people gave it credit for.

I also wonder if there's any way to clarify whether those commercials missions will be independent missions or will they be hitchhiking on a CRS flight?

It also allows quicker access to the experiments then DragonLab after landing.
There is no waiting several hours to recover your experiments all the time they're being exposed to Earth conditions and possibly salt water.
I wonder if the latter is what has been holding DragonLab back as potential researchers are waiting for powered landings to be an option.

[Rocket Science]

I was looking at the photos of DC in the update thread and I noticed that she is fitted with pitot tubes and other air data inlets leading me to think that the "may" fly her without the pitch/yaw air data flight test boom on her nose...

[Ben the Space Brit]

Random thought:
The DC looks like the space plane from 'A Spaceman in King Arthur's Court'. This might not be coincidental because I believe the model and full-scale prop were based on the same NASA lifting body that is the ancestor of the DC (The HL-20, IIRC).

[rpapo]

From the update thread:

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.

In nearly the same way as has happened with Dragon.  They get practice with how to build and operate the thing.

[manboy]

Is SNC building the cargo module or is it some outside contractor?

[yg1968]

Is SNC building the cargo module or is it some outside contractor?

Likely both. Like Orbital/ATK, SNC subcontracts a lot. But it seems to me that the cargo module has some similarity with the rest of their operations.

[BrightLight]

A video from MSNBC aired on August 30 - has some interesting views of the DC crew mockup

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000547012