Weigel: The second Vulcan flight, carrying the first @SierraSpaceCo cargo Dream Chaser to the ISS, is currently scheduled for February 2023."We'll be ready when they're ready."
During the Starliner press conference of yesterday, it was mentioned that the first mission of Dream Chaser is scheduled for late February 2023. It's at 38 minutes of the video: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51827.msg2369726#msg2369726
Yes, he said late February to be more precise. See below:Quote from: yg1968 on 05/19/2022 01:11 amDuring the Starliner press conference of yesterday, it was mentioned that the first mission of Dream Chaser is scheduled for late February 2023. It's at 38 minutes of the video: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51827.msg2369726#msg2369726
Quote from: yg1968 on 05/19/2022 01:30 amYes, he said late February to be more precise. See below:Quote from: yg1968 on 05/19/2022 01:11 amDuring the Starliner press conference of yesterday, it was mentioned that the first mission of Dream Chaser is scheduled for late February 2023. It's at 38 minutes of the video: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51827.msg2369726#msg2369726Sierra Nevada previously said that the first Dream Chaser launch would be scheduled for this year. I'm guessing that the ULA has delayed the first launch of the Dream Chaser by a few months because it is making preparations to mate the Peregrine lander with the first Vulcan rocket.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 05/22/2022 02:12 amQuote from: yg1968 on 05/19/2022 01:30 amYes, he said late February to be more precise. See below:Quote from: yg1968 on 05/19/2022 01:11 amDuring the Starliner press conference of yesterday, it was mentioned that the first mission of Dream Chaser is scheduled for late February 2023. It's at 38 minutes of the video: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51827.msg2369726#msg2369726Sierra Nevada previously said that the first Dream Chaser launch would be scheduled for this year. I'm guessing that the ULA has delayed the first launch of the Dream Chaser by a few months because it is making preparations to mate the Peregrine lander with the first Vulcan rocket.Dreamchaser was always gonna be the 2nd Vulcan launch.
Quote from: deadman1204 on 05/23/2022 01:32 pmDreamchaser was always gonna be the 2nd Vulcan launch.Not that it matters but Dream Chaser was supposed to the first Vulcan launch initially but it got bumped to second a while ago.
Dreamchaser was always gonna be the 2nd Vulcan launch.
With the completion of the first Vulcan rocket around the corner next month, the question is whether any components for the second Vulcan to be used to launch the Dream Chaser spaceplane are being fabricated.
Andrei K asked DutchSatellites,"So, what will be launched in flight #2 ? NSSL payloads need at least 2 prior launches, don’t they? Does that leave only the Project Kuiper sats?"DutchSatellites answered, "Beside Dream Chaser launches & beside the NSSL contract & the Kuiper contract, @ulalaunch has contracts in place for launching several commercial payloads. One of those might be available for Vulcan flight #2. If not, then there is always the mass simulator @torybruno mentioned."
Quote from: mandrewa on 03/07/2023 10:40 amAndrei K asked DutchSatellites,"So, what will be launched in flight #2 ? NSSL payloads need at least 2 prior launches, don’t they? Does that leave only the Project Kuiper sats?"DutchSatellites answered, "Beside Dream Chaser launches & beside the NSSL contract & the Kuiper contract, @ulalaunch has contracts in place for launching several commercial payloads. One of those might be available for Vulcan flight #2. If not, then there is always the mass simulator @torybruno mentioned."Which commercial payloads on Vulcan beside Dream Chaser and Kuiper ? I have never heard of them.New Glenn has some options (Eutelsat, JCSat and Muspace), not Vulcan.
Hate to waste a second flight on a Mass Simulator. I wonder what it would take for Gwen to launch Starlinks on a one off for this flight. If nothing was available.
Quote from: Tomness on 03/08/2023 04:56 amHate to waste a second flight on a Mass Simulator. I wonder what it would take for Gwen to launch Starlinks on a one off for this flight. If nothing was available.I would bet that the first-time one-off integration costs (and risks of new engineering) would exceed SpaceX's internal marginal costs for an additional Falcon launch. Right now they're popping out an entire second stage every four-ish days, which is still hard to get my head around.
At least two of those are, per my sources, commercial comsat launches.
It does seem kind of silly to fly a real customer payload on the first flight, and then a mass sim on the second flight. If (somehow, I think this scenario is pretty unlikely) no customer payloads could be found for flight 2 on short notice, could they consider bumping Peregrine to the second flight and flying the mass sim on flight 1? Would also give Astrobotic a bit more schedule margin if there are any last-minute integration challenges (IIRC, they still needed to install part of the propulsion system?)
Apart from the maiden launch with Peregrine and 2 Kuiper demo sats, 19 awarded NSSL Phase 2 launches, 38 awarded Kuiper launches and 6 awarded Dream Chaser CRS2 launches, Vulcan also managed to score at least 6 not publically disclosed (as of yet) commercial launches. At least two of those are, per my sources, commercial comsat launches.The total number of ordered Vulcan launches exceeded 70 late last year.
Some news: Dream Chaser’s debut is delayed until at least mid-December. This extends NASA’s reliance on Falcon 9 for crew *and* cargo. More critically, it also raises questions about Vulcan’s launch manifest and path to certification.
https://twitter.com/sierraspaceco/status/1661061868339838977Quote Sierra Space hosted its first-ever official Dream Chaser training for astronauts, Jasmin Moghbeli (@NASA) and Satoshi Furukawa (@JAXA_en), of the upcoming #SpaceX Crew-7 mission to the @Space_Station.Press Release:https://www.sierraspace.com/newsroom/press-releases/sierra-space-trains-nasa-jasmin-moghbeli-and-jaxa-satoshi-furukawa-for-dream-chaser-spaceplane-mission-to-international-space-station/QuoteSierra Space Trains NASA’s Jasmin Moghbeli and JAXA’s Satoshi Furukawa for Dream Chaser® Spaceplane Mission to International Space StationMAY 23, 2023| NEWSJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency designated Furukawa as a member of Crew-7 early Monday morningLOUISVILLE, Colo. – May 23, 2023 – Sierra Space, a leading, pureplay commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, announced today it has achieved another significant milestone in the journey to the first flight of Dream Chaser®. The company hosted its first-ever official training for astronauts from NASA and JAXA to learn the innerworkings of the world’s first commercial spaceplane.The astronauts – Jasmin Moghbeli (United States) and Satoshi Furukawa (Japan) – are two members of the upcoming SpaceX Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). During their planned six-month stay, Dream Chaser will make its maiden voyage to deliver cargo to the ISS as part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract.“We are honored to provide NASA cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station. The astronaut training is another important milestone as we complete the final preparations for Dream Chaser’s first mission,” said Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice. “Our team provided a comprehensive training experience for these Crew-7 members to prepare them for when Dream Chaser berths at the ISS.”Sierra Space compiled an eight-hour training session that took place on March 7 at the company’s Louisville, Colorado facility. Company specialists conducted the training, which was divided into four sections. Parts 1 and 2 were classroom training, while Parts 3 and 4 involved a full-size mock-up of Dream Chaser:Part 1: Dream Chaser Overview – Sierra Space team members gave Moghbeli and Furukawa a full briefing on Dream Chaser. Topics covered included systems identification and function, mission profiles (from launch and rendezvous to reentry and landing), crew interfaces and operations (i.e., types of cargo, how to load/unload, etc.). At the end of Part 1, astronauts walked away with a full understanding of the hardware they will encounter on Dream Chaser once it is at the ISS.Part 2: Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) – This portion of the training covered required actions as Dream Chaser makes its approach and officially berths with the ISS. Sierra Space employees carefully reviewed the timeline, profile and procedural operations of the high-level system configuration involved in this critical part of the mission.Part 3: Dream Chaser Hardware Familiarization and Scenarios – The astronauts moved into a full-size mock-up of Dream Chaser. As they walked through the vehicle, Sierra Space employees identified hardware/systems and taught the astronauts how to operate and/or interface with each one. The astronauts also learned vehicle ingress/egress procedures, as well as discussed off-nominal scenarios.“This was the portion of the training where the astronauts were blown away by Dream Chaser’s massive size, often commenting, ‘Wow, you can fit a lot of cargo in here,’” said Krista Abler, with Sierra Space’s Flight Operations Mission Training team. “You can look at CAD drawings or read about Dream Chaser’s dimensions all day long. But its immense capacity doesn’t really register until you crawl inside. I think this is a reason why NASA is excited about our vehicle.”Part 4: Cargo Transfer Scenarios – During the final portion of training, the astronauts learned how to properly and safely install/remove cargo from Dream Chaser, using the same procedures and operational tools as they will on orbit. They practiced with numerous restraints (i.e., straps, beams, etc.), identified hazards associated with cargo operations and ran scenario drills.“This was probably the most important lesson of the day because the whole point of Dream Chaser coming to the ISS is to deliver cargo,” Abler said.Press release photo captions:QuoteCrew 7 Astronauts Train in Sierra Space Dream Chaser mockupQuote NASA’s Jasmin Moghbeli trains in Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane mockup
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 StationMAY 23, 2023| NEWSJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency designated Furukawa as a member of Crew-7 early Monday morningLOUISVILLE, 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
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser® Spaceplane Comes to LifeMAY 31, 2023Sierra 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.[...]
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/
I love how the entity most responsible for causing these delays (Sierra Space) is the entity that has to pay for the delays. Such an improvement compared to various other NASA programs that are off-topic in this thread where taxpayers pay for contractor mistakes.
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1668314430785097728QuoteRoot cause found. Working corrective action and retest.
Root cause found. Working corrective action and retest.
Root cause of Centaur failure on test stand for is:https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1668571711061610496QuoteThe super thin, high performance steel skin needs to be a little thicker near the top of the dome.
The super thin, high performance steel skin needs to be a little thicker near the top of the dome.
Heads-up. Will remediation delay this launch, even if the Peregrine/Kuiper pair launch proceeds as-is? (rhetorical question at this time)Quote from: HVM on 06/12/2023 07:38 pmhttps://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1668314430785097728QuoteRoot cause found. Working corrective action and retest.Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/13/2023 11:48 amRoot cause of Centaur failure on test stand for is:https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1668571711061610496QuoteThe super thin, high performance steel skin needs to be a little thicker near the top of the dome.
Here's my scenario: The launch of the USSF-106 aboard the Vulcan could come first, followed by the maiden orbital launch of the Dream Chaser. After all, Sierra Nevada might give itself additional time in the second half of 2023 to prepare the Dream Chaser vehicle Tenacity for encapsulation inside the Vulcan assigned to the first Dream Chaser launch and eventual launch.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 06/14/2023 01:04 amHere's my scenario: The launch of the USSF-106 aboard the Vulcan could come first, followed by the maiden orbital launch of the Dream Chaser. After all, Sierra Nevada might give itself additional time in the second half of 2023 to prepare the Dream Chaser vehicle Tenacity for encapsulation inside the Vulcan assigned to the first Dream Chaser launch and eventual launch.USSF-106 is an NSSL flight. NSSL rules require that Vulcan Centaur must fly at least two successful missions before ti flies an NSSL mission. In theory I suppose ULA could fly a Kuiper mission as the second mission, except that Kuiper probably won't fly a full-up mission until after the first two test satellites fly (on Vulcan Centaur's initial flight) and the test results have been evaluated.
Since NSSL rules require the Vulcan rocket to fly two successful missions before being certified for NSSL launches, I should mention that because the Dream Chaser Tenacity was recently powered up for the first time on May 31, it might make its first orbital flight in a few months after the Peregrine is launched.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 06/14/2023 02:32 amSince NSSL rules require the Vulcan rocket to fly two successful missions before being certified for NSSL launches, I should mention that because the Dream Chaser Tenacity was recently powered up for the first time on May 31, it might make its first orbital flight in a few months after the Peregrine is launched.No, it is a long ways from launching, more than a year
Quote from: Jim on 06/14/2023 03:15 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 06/14/2023 02:32 amSince NSSL rules require the Vulcan rocket to fly two successful missions before being certified for NSSL launches, I should mention that because the Dream Chaser Tenacity was recently powered up for the first time on May 31, it might make its first orbital flight in a few months after the Peregrine is launched.No, it is a long ways from launching, more than a yearMedium, heavy, and rideshare launch demand is strong. If Peregrine and Dream Chaser are not ready, competitive alternative customers should be scheduled. Playing "schedule chicken" and finger pointing are not an abject circumstance. Even if Centaur V is not ready, get everything else ready. Even if BE-4 is not ready, get everything else ready. Waste anything but time here, because wasted time will waste money and add risk.
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1673753912526905345QuoteVice 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.
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.
What is the Dream Chaser vehicle Tenacity being shipped to NASA Armstrong for?
Medium, heavy, and rideshare launch demand is strong. If Peregrine and Dream Chaser are not ready, competitive alternative customers should be scheduled. Playing "schedule chicken" and finger pointing are not an abject circumstance. Even if Centaur V is not ready, get everything else ready. Even if BE-4 is not ready, get everything else ready. Waste anything but time here, because wasted time will waste money and add risk.
Quote from: Craigles on 06/17/2023 03:59 pmMedium, heavy, and rideshare launch demand is strong. If Peregrine and Dream Chaser are not ready, competitive alternative customers should be scheduled. Playing "schedule chicken" and finger pointing are not an abject circumstance. Even if Centaur V is not ready, get everything else ready. Even if BE-4 is not ready, get everything else ready. Waste anything but time here, because wasted time will waste money and add risk.No, that is not realistic. Not easy to call up a payload. Customers don't want to get ready and then be told to stand down. It costs money to even prep a spacecraft for shipment and get a team together for the launch site. Also, processing facility space is at a premium and it is also not cheap.
Quote from: Jim on 06/28/2023 12:47 amQuote from: Craigles on 06/17/2023 03:59 pmMedium, heavy, and rideshare launch demand is strong. If Peregrine and Dream Chaser are not ready, competitive alternative customers should be scheduled. Playing "schedule chicken" and finger pointing are not an abject circumstance. Even if Centaur V is not ready, get everything else ready. Even if BE-4 is not ready, get everything else ready. Waste anything but time here, because wasted time will waste money and add risk.No, that is not realistic. Not easy to call up a payload. Customers don't want to get ready and then be told to stand down. It costs money to even prep a spacecraft for shipment and get a team together for the launch site. Also, processing facility space is at a premium and it is also not cheap.There is one particular payload that can be call up in a hurry. A mass simulator. Of course that should only be done for the inaugural launch of a new launcher.However ULA could fly another launch with a mass simulator if the Vulcan Centaur stack exhibits non-minor issues with the inaugural launch with a mass simulator.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 06/28/2023 06:19 amQuote from: Jim on 06/28/2023 12:47 amQuote from: Craigles on 06/17/2023 03:59 pmMedium, heavy, and rideshare launch demand is strong. If Peregrine and Dream Chaser are not ready, competitive alternative customers should be scheduled. Playing "schedule chicken" and finger pointing are not an abject circumstance. Even if Centaur V is not ready, get everything else ready. Even if BE-4 is not ready, get everything else ready. Waste anything but time here, because wasted time will waste money and add risk.No, that is not realistic. Not easy to call up a payload. Customers don't want to get ready and then be told to stand down. It costs money to even prep a spacecraft for shipment and get a team together for the launch site. Also, processing facility space is at a premium and it is also not cheap.There is one particular payload that can be call up in a hurry. A mass simulator. Of course that should only be done for the inaugural launch of a new launcher.However ULA could fly another launch with a mass simulator if the Vulcan Centaur stack exhibits non-minor issues with the inaugural launch with a mass simulator.I'm sure Elon will sell you a Tesla to use as a mass simulator. It worked for the Falcon Heavy.
I'll take the big ol' concrete block instead, please. I prefer the more traditional take on the mass simulator.
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 06/28/2023 02:35 pmQuote from: Zed_Noir on 06/28/2023 06:19 amQuote from: Jim on 06/28/2023 12:47 amQuote from: Craigles on 06/17/2023 03:59 pmMedium, heavy, and rideshare launch demand is strong. If Peregrine and Dream Chaser are not ready, competitive alternative customers should be scheduled. Playing "schedule chicken" and finger pointing are not an abject circumstance. Even if Centaur V is not ready, get everything else ready. Even if BE-4 is not ready, get everything else ready. Waste anything but time here, because wasted time will waste money and add risk.No, that is not realistic. Not easy to call up a payload. Customers don't want to get ready and then be told to stand down. It costs money to even prep a spacecraft for shipment and get a team together for the launch site. Also, processing facility space is at a premium and it is also not cheap.There is one particular payload that can be call up in a hurry. A mass simulator. Of course that should only be done for the inaugural launch of a new launcher.However ULA could fly another launch with a mass simulator if the Vulcan Centaur stack exhibits non-minor issues with the inaugural launch with a mass simulator.I'm sure Elon will sell you a Tesla to use as a mass simulator. It worked for the Falcon Heavy. The Atlas V did not carry a mass simulator on its first launch, and a mass simulator won't work for the Vulcan.
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1678844068703477762QuoteScoop – One of Blue Origin’s BE-4 rocket engines exploded during a test firing in Texas on June 30, according to CNBC sources.The engine was to be delivered this month to ULA for Vulcan’s Cert-2 launch. More:https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/11/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-be-4-rocket-engine-explodes-during-testing.htmlQuoteKEY POINTSJeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin suffered a rocket engine explosion while testing its BE-4 rocket engine last month, CNBC has learned.During a firing on June 30 at Blue Origin’s facility in West Texas, a BE-4 engine detonated about 10 seconds into the test.A Blue Origin spokesperson confirmed the incident, noting that no personnel were injured and that an investigation is underway, with a “proximate cause” identified.
Scoop – One of Blue Origin’s BE-4 rocket engines exploded during a test firing in Texas on June 30, according to CNBC sources.The engine was to be delivered this month to ULA for Vulcan’s Cert-2 launch. More:
KEY POINTSJeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin suffered a rocket engine explosion while testing its BE-4 rocket engine last month, CNBC has learned.During a firing on June 30 at Blue Origin’s facility in West Texas, a BE-4 engine detonated about 10 seconds into the test.A Blue Origin spokesperson confirmed the incident, noting that no personnel were injured and that an investigation is underway, with a “proximate cause” identified.
Article says that the engine that exploded was Vulcan flight engine 3. Not clear what, if any impact there is to Vulcan. Blue Origin have said they will still meet their engine delivery commitments this year.
<snip> Wider implications for the Vulcan programme belong here (with discussion of the engine issue on the BE-4 thread).
https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1679512399282417666QuoteULA CEO @torybruno, during a media roundtable, lays out the upcoming schedule of Vulcan launches:Cert-1 in 2023 Q4Cert-2 in first half 2024 First Space Force (NSSL) launch in second half 2024
ULA CEO @torybruno, during a media roundtable, lays out the upcoming schedule of Vulcan launches:Cert-1 in 2023 Q4Cert-2 in first half 2024 First Space Force (NSSL) launch in second half 2024
Centaur V will be qualified for the Cert-1 trajectory for the flight by the end of this year. Remaining tests will be completed in 1st Q 2024. Cert-2 flight is Sierra Space's Dream Chaser "a few months" after Cert-1. First NSSL launch in 2nd Q 2024.
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.
So I asked and was told I could post this
Yes. Huntsville is coming up faster
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.
@torybruno how are the flight 2 engines coming along, and are you done with the failure investigation
In ATP Yes, done
https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1696647177357930682
Quote from: Robert_the_Doll on 08/29/2023 11:47 pmhttps://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1696647177357930682Clean room?
Speaking of ATPs, do you have an update for us on the Cert-2 BE-4s? A few weeks ago you'd said they were in ATP in Texas, and I hope things are going well or went well.
Going well. Booster is built up and ready to receive them.
Now scheduled for April 2024.https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/commercial-space/ula-sets-dec-24-target-date-vulcans-debut"Cert-2 is expected to launch Sierra Space’s first Dream Chaser cargo ship to the ISS. The flight, previously targeted for December and then delayed to early 2024, is now tentatively slated for April 2024, Janet Kavandi, Sierra Space president and chief science officer, told Aerospace DAILY at the AIAA’s Ascend conference in Las Vegas."
Ken Shields of Sierra Space says the first Dream Chaser spaceplane will be heading to Plum Brook in the next week or two for testing, then to KSC. Current plans call for launch no earlier than March 2024.
Not a clean room because it's not needed. The factory in itself meets the required cleanliness levels (which are not at clean room levels anyway). What the image shows is nearly identical to SpaceX mounting solar arrays to Dragon (version 1) in the HIF at LC-40, or attaching the trunk to the capsule in those days (2012). And that was for the first ever Dragon that visited the ISS.
yoooo. when will vulcan flight 2 launch?
Early next year
Sierra Space completes first Dream ChaserNovember 6, 2023[...]Sierra Space has not disclosed a target launch date for that first Dream Chaser mission, but Shields said that mission is currently planned for launch “some time in March.” That date will depend not only on the readiness of Dream Chaser itself but also the Vulcan launch vehicle. The launch will be the second flight of Vulcan, after an inaugural launch in late December of Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander.[...]
QuoteSierra Space completes first Dream ChaserNovember 6, 2023[...]Sierra Space has not disclosed a target launch date for that first Dream Chaser mission, but Shields said that mission is currently planned for launch “some time in March.” That date will depend not only on the readiness of Dream Chaser itself but also the Vulcan launch vehicle. The launch will be the second flight of Vulcan, after an inaugural launch in late December of Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander.[...]
Unless things change, it is unlikely that a docking port will be available in March. There are two ports. One will be occupied by Crew-8 and the other will occupied starting March 4 by CRS-29, statistically for at least 30 days. (Note: data from Wikipedia. I have no other info.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Dragon_2#List_of_flights
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 11/06/2023 06:34 pmUnless things change, it is unlikely that a docking port will be available in March. There are two ports. One will be occupied by Crew-8 and the other will occupied starting March 4 by CRS-29, statistically for at least 30 days. (Note: data from Wikipedia. I have no other info.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Dragon_2#List_of_flightsDream Chaser cargo missions are going to be berthed using the Common Berthing Mechanism, not docked to one of the International Docking Adapters.
Dream Chaser Tenacity is at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility and set to be vertically stacked in launch configuration with Shooting Star. The two vehicles will soon be subjected to the extreme conditions of launch vibrations.
QuoteSierra Space’s Revolutionary Dream Chaser® Enters Final Test Campaign, Spaceplane Transitioning to Orbital OperationsDECEMBER 15, 2023| NEWSWings Are BackLOUISVILLE, 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 RunwaysDesigned To Be Highly Reusable – Minimum 15 Missions Per SystemFully Autonomous OperationsHigh-Capacity Up Mass and Down Mass Payloads (Pressurized & Unpressurized)Low G Landings – Better for Science, Cargo and CrewFast Access to Payloads and Science Upon Landing – Easy to Integrate into Ground LogisticsBreakthrough Green Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Propulsion SystemSecond Dream Chaser Vehicle, Reverence, In ProductionSelected 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.
Sierra Space’s Revolutionary Dream Chaser® Enters Final Test Campaign, Spaceplane Transitioning to Orbital OperationsDECEMBER 15, 2023| NEWSWings Are BackLOUISVILLE, 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 RunwaysDesigned To Be Highly Reusable – Minimum 15 Missions Per SystemFully Autonomous OperationsHigh-Capacity Up Mass and Down Mass Payloads (Pressurized & Unpressurized)Low G Landings – Better for Science, Cargo and CrewFast Access to Payloads and Science Upon Landing – Easy to Integrate into Ground LogisticsBreakthrough Green Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Propulsion SystemSecond Dream Chaser Vehicle, Reverence, In ProductionSelected 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.
This launch is not scheduled yet. April is just a "tentative" launch readiness target for Dream Chaser. Neither NASA nor ULA have commited to that date. No entry in NASA launch schedule, and way to quick turnaround between the first two launches of a new rocket.Realistically it will launch in Q3 if there are no issues with first Vulcan launch.
Quote from: PM3 on 12/15/2023 04:39 pmThis launch is not scheduled yet. April is just a "tentative" launch readiness target for Dream Chaser. Neither NASA nor ULA have commited to that date. No entry in NASA launch schedule, and way to quick turnaround between the first two launches of a new rocket.Realistically it will launch in Q3 if there are no issues with first Vulcan launch.I find your lack of faith disturbing. According to ULA, USSF, and NASA, there are six Vulcan Centaur flights in 2024: Peregrine, Dream Chaser SNC Demo-1, USSF-106, GPS III SV07, USSf-87, and USSF-112 See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_Centaur#Planned_launchesThe later flights are contingent of successful completion of the two certification flights, which are peregrine and Dream Chaser. Therefore, these two flights are scheduled to succeed.This is true even though ULA is also launching three Atlas V from the same pad in March and April: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Atlas_launches_(2020%E2%80%932029)#Future_launches
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 12/15/2023 04:56 pmQuote from: PM3 on 12/15/2023 04:39 pmThis launch is not scheduled yet. April is just a "tentative" launch readiness target for Dream Chaser. Neither NASA nor ULA have commited to that date. No entry in NASA launch schedule, and way to quick turnaround between the first two launches of a new rocket.Realistically it will launch in Q3 if there are no issues with first Vulcan launch.I find your lack of faith disturbing. According to ULA, USSF, and NASA, there are six Vulcan Centaur flights in 2024: Peregrine, Dream Chaser SNC Demo-1, USSF-106, GPS III SV07, USSf-87, and USSF-112 See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_Centaur#Planned_launchesThe later flights are contingent of successful completion of the two certification flights, which are peregrine and Dream Chaser. Therefore, these two flights are scheduled to succeed.This is true even though ULA is also launching three Atlas V from the same pad in March and April: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Atlas_launches_(2020%E2%80%932029)#Future_launchesIn accordance of my estimate of a maximum of 6 launches from pad SLC-41 during 2024 from another thread. It is unlikely there will be more than 3 Vulcan Centaur launches in 2024, IMO. More likely just 2 with the Dreamchaser launching NET than late Q3, IMO.
On a slightly more serious note. ULA launched Atlas V eight times from SLC-40 in 2014 and in 2015, while also launching Atlas V from Vandy and Delta IV from SLC-37B for a total of 12 launches each year.SLC-40 is configured for both Vulcan and Atlas, and I think I remember Jim saying posting at least some of the pre-launch processing can be done in parallel for one Atlas V and one Vulcan. Therefore, it may be possible to exceed the 2015 eight-launch record.
On a slightly more serious note. ULA launched Atlas V eight times from SLC-40SLC-41 in 2014 and in 2015, while also launching Atlas V from Vandy and Delta IV from SLC-37B for a total of 12 launches each year.SLC-40SLC-41 is configured for both Vulcan and Atlas, and I think I remember Jim saying posting at least some of the pre-launch processing can be done in parallel for one Atlas V and one Vulcan. Therefore, it may be possible to exceed the 2015 eight-launch record.
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 12/23/2023 03:18 pmOn a slightly more serious note. ULA launched Atlas V eight times from SLC-40SLC-41 in 2014 and in 2015, while also launching Atlas V from Vandy and Delta IV from SLC-37B for a total of 12 launches each year.SLC-40SLC-41 is configured for both Vulcan and Atlas, and I think I remember Jim saying posting at least some of the pre-launch processing can be done in parallel for one Atlas V and one Vulcan. Therefore, it may be possible to exceed the 2015 eight-launch record.Will point out that back in 2015 ULA has separate pad crews for SLC-41, SLC37B, SLC-6 & SLC-3E. Not the current one launch pad crew for ULA. Therefore more than 6 launches from pad SLC-41 during 2024 isn't likely.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 12/24/2023 05:31 amQuote from: DanClemmensen on 12/23/2023 03:18 pmOn a slightly more serious note. ULA launched Atlas V eight times from SLC-40SLC-41 in 2014 and in 2015, while also launching Atlas V from Vandy and Delta IV from SLC-37B for a total of 12 launches each year.SLC-40SLC-41 is configured for both Vulcan and Atlas, and I think I remember Jim saying posting at least some of the pre-launch processing can be done in parallel for one Atlas V and one Vulcan. Therefore, it may be possible to exceed the 2015 eight-launch record.Will point out that back in 2015 ULA has separate pad crews for SLC-41, SLC37B, SLC-6 & SLC-3E. Not the current one launch pad crew for ULA. Therefore more than 6 launches from pad SLC-41 during 2024 isn't likely.Not really, they only had 2 1/2 crews
Vulcan on the pad for its first launchJanuary 5, 2024[...]If Cert-1 is successful, he said the company could be ready for the second certification launch, Cert-2, as soon as April. That schedule will depend on the readiness of its payload, Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane, as well as when the International Space Station would be able to support the arrival of that vehicle.Peller said the two BE-4 engines for that second launch are complete and are at a Blue Origin test site in West Texas for acceptance testing. The booster and Centaur upper stage are in final assembly at ULA’s Decatur, Alabama, factory. “That’s all coming together to support delivery down here at the launch site and align with that timeline,” he said.[...]
Is the readiness of Dreamchaser the pacing item on this flight now rather Vulcan.
United Launch Alliance, or ULA, has set aside the next 60 days to review data from the "Cert-1" certification mission that launched on Monday morning, they said. If the data looks good from that flight, the company will move into preparations for the next launch. Wentz said the earliest opportunity to launch this Cert-2 mission is "April-ish."The BE-4 rocket engines that will power this Vulcan are in final acceptance testing at Blue Origin's facilities in West Texas, the officials said. The Vulcan core stage and Centaur upper stage are also in final assembly in ULA's main factory in Decatur, Alabama. The hardware readiness should be capable of supporting an April launch.https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/01/after-its-impressive-first-flight-heres-whats-next-for-the-vulcan-rocket/
https://twitter.com/thefavoritist/status/1753084426324476263Quote 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
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
So what is the timeline for this second launch? It would seem that if they are shooting for an April launch, the BE4s would need to be getting to the main body about now. That would mean Feb is assembly and transport, then march is stacking and prep. Will they do a booster test fire like on CERT 1?
Quote from: DrTadd on 02/01/2024 07:56 pmSo what is the timeline for this second launch? It would seem that if they are shooting for an April launch, the BE4s would need to be getting to the main body about now. That would mean Feb is assembly and transport, then march is stacking and prep. Will they do a booster test fire like on CERT 1?This is not for launch. This is on the vibration table at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio, and it is the first time ever that Dream Chaser has been mated to a Shooting Star module. So there is still a deal more of testing to do on this vehicle before it can be shipped to Kennedy Space Center for its processing for launch. April is a very notional placeholder date, especially since Starliner CFT could likely well also launch during this time period and might even bump it due to having priority.
Will they do a booster test fire like on CERT 1?
Quote from: DrTadd on 02/01/2024 07:56 pmWill they do a booster test fire like on CERT 1?no and Cert 1 didn't do it either. A pathfinder did.
Thank you. I was remembering ULA doing a hot fire. It was like a minute or two burn.Was curious if they would do that for CERT 2 given the importance of the launch.
Considering the loss of Dragon in CRS-7, will Dream Chaser have any abort options for this flight?
This flight isn't launching in April
Sierra Space seeks a Special Temporary Authority for EMI/EMC testing of its Dream Chaser spacecraft planned to be launched in summer of 2024 for a demonstration mission to support cargo delivery to and from the International Space Station. This testing is to be conducted in partnership with NASA and NTS Technical Systems (Element Materials Technology). Sierra Space is requesting an STA for EMC and EMI testing to occur between March 24th, 2024, and September 20th, 2024. The testing will support Sierra Space Corporation’s DC-101 mission using the Dream Chaser Cargo System (DCCS), as part of the NASA Commercial Resupply Services. See also Exhibit A.
This testing is to be conducted in partnership with NASA and NTS Technical Systems.It will be conducted approximately 60 days prior to launch most likely by NTS Technical Systems (a NISTdesignated, US Conformity Assessment Body for EMC) in the High-Bay of the Space Station ProcessingFacility (SSPF) at the Kennedy Space Center (an NTIA authorized testing facility in Florida).
QuoteDream Chaser spacecraft planned to be launched in summer of 2024 ... EMC and EMI testing to occur between March 24th, 2024, and September 20th, 2024Quote[This testing] will be conducted approximately 60 days prior to launch
Dream Chaser spacecraft planned to be launched in summer of 2024 ... EMC and EMI testing to occur between March 24th, 2024, and September 20th, 2024
[This testing] will be conducted approximately 60 days prior to launch
Given this delay, will this still be the 2nd Vulcan launch?
Quote from: Vultur on 02/13/2024 05:42 pmGiven this delay, will this still be the 2nd Vulcan launch?Government launches just need two, right? Don't matter what's on them i would think.Question is what else do they have to go up? Does amazon have a pile of satellites ready? Would they offer a cost break given the near perfect nature of the CERT 1 launch?
Quote from: DrTadd on 02/13/2024 05:58 pmQuote from: Vultur on 02/13/2024 05:42 pmGiven this delay, will this still be the 2nd Vulcan launch?Government launches just need two, right? Don't matter what's on them i would think.Question is what else do they have to go up? Does amazon have a pile of satellites ready? Would they offer a cost break given the near perfect nature of the CERT 1 launch?If Amazon had a pile of Kuiper sats ready they would be launching them on Atlas.
Whatever discount they give, it wouldn't be cheaper than launching on a Falcon 9.
Key accomplishments in this first critical phase of pre-flight testing included: the completion of Sine Vibration Testing (in all three axes or directions), a Separation Shock Test that simulates the separation of the Dream Chaser from Shooting Star and a test that involved deploying the spaceplane’s wings. These tests evaluated Dream Chaser’s performance under the stresses of launch, operation in orbit and ability to communicate with the International Space Station (ISS).
Following these critical test phases, the Shooting Star cargo module was de-mated from Dream Chaser and transported from the Armstrong Test Facility’s Space Environments Complex (SEC) to the nearby In-Space Propulsion (ISP) facility. Soon, Dream Chaser will be transported to the ISP facility to join the cargo module, where the two spacecraft will begin thermal vacuum testing, a crucial step in the journey towards the launchpad and another milestone in Sierra Space’s mission to redefine the future of space commercialization.
Sierra Space filed for another FCC permit, apparently for Dream Chaser on orbit communications. Unfortunately they haven't made any of the exhibits public. The NET date is September.0441-EX-ST-2024
On March 11, 2024, the NASA FY25 Budget Request was released. In the FY 2025 Full Budget Request (Congressional Justification) document, on page SO-26 (sheet 138), NG-21 was shown as a August 2024 launch date.https://www.nasa.gov/fy-2025-budget-request/
Eric Berger@SciGuySpaceDon’t expect to see Vulcan fly again before September.
Sierra Space@SierraSpaceCoTenacity and its cargo module are currently undergoing thermal vacuum testing at NASA’s Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. These tests are a crucial step in its journey towards the launchpad and for our mission to redefine the future of space commercialization.
Sierra Space CEO unveils new satellite product ahead of Dream Chaser launch, possible IPOAPR 10 2024CEO Tom Vice tells CNBC that the company’s NASA-contracted space plane Dream Chaser is on pace to make its first flight in the fourth quarter.[...]On Dream Chaser, Vice said he’s “very confident” it will make its first flight in the fourth quarter of this year. He added the spaceplane passed the first phase of environmental testing in March and said since it will be carrying cargo to the ISS on this first demonstration, the company is dependent on NASA’s manifest and it’s working with the FAA to get a reentry license.[...]
SLC-41 2024:One Atlas V MLPOne Vulcan VLPBoeing CFT Atlas V N22 May 7 UTCUSSF-51 Atlas V 551 NET JuneKuiper Flight 1 Atlas V 551 H2Dream Chaser Vulcan VC4L Q4Seeking correction or clarification
Is that a @blueorigin BE4 engine gliding in for mate to the CERT2 Vulcan booster? (Yes, it is…)#Vulcan
Yes, Dream Chaser. We expect them to be ready in the Fall
ULA could fly dummy payload on next Vulcan launch if Dream Chaser is delayedULA remains confident it will launch Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser space plane by OctoberMay 13, 2024[...]ULA spokesperson Jessica Rye said in a statement to SpaceNews that the goal remains to launch Dream Chaser to the International Space Station this fall. “While ULA will be ready to fly in mid-2024 our customer Sierra Space has requested a launch period in the beginning of September,” said Rye. “It is important for us to fly our Cert-2 mission soon since that is part of our certification program with the Space Force to fly its missions. We expect to fly Cert-2 before October 1. If our customer is not ready to fly, we have backup plans.”[...]
Sierra Space has requested a launch window starting in Early-September. If it delays delays beyond October 1st, "back-up plans" will be used...QuoteULA could fly dummy payload on next Vulcan launch if Dream Chaser is delayedULA remains confident it will launch Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser space plane by OctoberMay 13, 2024[...]“While ULA will be ready to fly in mid-2024 our customer Sierra Space has requested a launch period in the beginning of September,” said [ULA spokesperson Jessica] Rye.
ULA could fly dummy payload on next Vulcan launch if Dream Chaser is delayedULA remains confident it will launch Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser space plane by OctoberMay 13, 2024[...]“While ULA will be ready to fly in mid-2024 our customer Sierra Space has requested a launch period in the beginning of September,” said [ULA spokesperson Jessica] Rye.
Cool angle of Vulcan CERT2 booster. (ITAR team is feeling generous today… #VulcanRocket #Cert2
Dream Chaser has arrived at @NASAKennedy in Florida ahead of its first flight to the @Space_Station.Read more:
The Dream Chaser, spaceplane, named Tenacity, arrived at Kennedy on May 18 and joined its companion Shooting Star cargo module, where they will undergo final testing and prelaunch processing ahead of launch scheduled for later this year.
Teams process Dream Chaser Tenacity, Sierra Space's uncrewed cargo spaceplane, inside the Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, May 20, 2024, following its arrival from the agency's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. Dream Chaser Tenacity will undergo final testing and prelaunch processing inside the high bay of the SSPF ahead of its inaugural launch atop a ULA (United Launch Alliance) Vulcan rocket from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The reusable transportation system is contracted to perform a minimum of seven cargo missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s efforts to expand commercial resupply services to low Earth orbit.
UHHH VULCAN CERT-2 NOW HAS 6 SRB MOUNTS!!!!!!!!!! This may be further confirmation Dreamchaser may not be its payload anymore..
Dream Chaser remains baseline. We like the boosters to be interchangeable in the factory in case missions change order or one has to be set aside for some reason
Quote UHHH VULCAN CERT-2 NOW HAS 6 SRB MOUNTS!!!!!!!!!! This may be further confirmation Dreamchaser may not be its payload anymore..https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1793723482301514106QuoteDream Chaser remains baseline. We like the boosters to be interchangeable in the factory in case missions change order or one has to be set aside for some reason
So, these will fly after your second Vulcan launch, right?Dreamchaser is in town for the first flight, so we are getting close?Do we have a NET date yet for either?
Correct. CERT2 will be in September.
Heres’s a big hint. #ULARocketShip
#VulcanRocket. #ULARocketShip
#ULARocketShip and #VulcanRocket are on the move!Soon, the #Cert2 booster and Centaur V will be arriving in Cape Canaveral, Florida ahead of its launch planned later this year.
@ulalaunch Rocketship arriving at Port with the Vulcan CERT-2 Rocket! @NASASpaceflight nsf.live/spacecoast
Hmmm… now what could be in the Rocket Ship? Could it be CERT2 arriving at the Cape?#VulcanRocket #Cert2 #ULARocketShip #ToryTimelapse
And the booster is out. #VulcanRocket #CERT2
Are my eyes playing tricks or is there a lot more SOFI on the booster compared to CERT1?
Yes, more. Good eye. The only learning on CERT1 was that the methane took up a little more aero heating that predicted. So we added some SOFI to squeeze out a skosh more performance
We have been working closely with our current #VulcanRocket #Cert2 customer, Sierra Space, and while ULA will be ready to fly, Sierra Space has shared that they are making excellent progress with Dream Chaser but have schedule risk to fly by that time.
Based on this delay and urgent national security needs, we are prioritizing the #Cert2 mission to enable certification to launch our first National Security Space mission.
We plan to fly an inert payload, experiments, and demonstrations the #Cert2 mission.
We are working with Sierra Space to identify the next available launch date.
ULA is aware of the heightened threat environment the nation is facing in space and takes seriously the critical responsibility of launching essential National Security Space satellite assets to orbit promptly.
Sierra Space statement:“We continue to make excellent progress on Dream Chaser and the spaceplane is on track to fly by the end of 2024.”“As a defense-tech prime, we understand how important ULA’s Cert-2 mission is to the criticality of national security and our launch partner’s schedule. We are working closely with ULA to identify the next available launch date.”
QuoteUnited Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 100th National Security MissionJuly 30, 2024[...]ULA’s next launch is the second certification flight (Cert-2) of the Vulcan rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Vulcan will also launch USSF-106 and USSF-87, two critical NSS missions, to orbit later this year.
United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 100th National Security MissionJuly 30, 2024[...]ULA’s next launch is the second certification flight (Cert-2) of the Vulcan rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Vulcan will also launch USSF-106 and USSF-87, two critical NSS missions, to orbit later this year.
The launch preparation process now encompasses three primary areas of work:Final Assembly and System Checks: This includes the installation of the remaining thermal protection system tiles as well as propulsion system closeout and leak testing.Continued Environmental Testing: Upcoming tests include Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, ensuring that all electrical components function seamlessly in space’s challenging radio frequency (RF) environment. Additionally, acoustic testing will verify that both Dream Chaser and Shooting Star can withstand the intense noise levels experienced during launch. Runway testing will verify Dream Chaser’s differential braking system upon returning from space and landing at Space Florida’s storied Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) onsite at Kennedy.Pre-Launch Processing: The final stage involves getting the spacecraft ready for encapsulation in the rocket fairing and integration with the ULA Vulcan Centaur’s systems.
https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1836056933167489251QuoteISS Prog Dir Robyn Gatens is speaking now. Says first flight of Dream Chaser will take place during this upcoming increment (that begins when Soyuz MS-25 leaves/Crew-9 arrives). Also planning to do those EVAs they had to reschedule.
ISS Prog Dir Robyn Gatens is speaking now. Says first flight of Dream Chaser will take place during this upcoming increment (that begins when Soyuz MS-25 leaves/Crew-9 arrives). Also planning to do those EVAs they had to reschedule.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1841557509133480088QuoteA couple notes from today's ULA Cert-2 briefing:- ULA still expects to launch USSF-106 and 87 missions (first national security Vulcan flights) this year, assuming Cert-2 goes well;- 20 launches next year, split half-and-half between Atlas and Vulcan;- first Atlas 5 Kuiper launch slips to early next year;- room in the manifest next year for Dream Chaser, but no date set yet.
A couple notes from today's ULA Cert-2 briefing:- ULA still expects to launch USSF-106 and 87 missions (first national security Vulcan flights) this year, assuming Cert-2 goes well;- 20 launches next year, split half-and-half between Atlas and Vulcan;- first Atlas 5 Kuiper launch slips to early next year;- room in the manifest next year for Dream Chaser, but no date set yet.
Dreamchaser-1 is now NET May 2025. I'm not sure I would feel particularly confident in that date either, but there you go.
Crew-8 Awaits Splashdown; Expedition 72 Stays Focused on ScienceOctober 15, 2024[...]The first flight of Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser to the International Space Station is now scheduled for no earlier than May 2025 to allow for completion of spacecraft testing. Dream Chaser, which will launch atop a ULA (United Launch Alliance) Vulcan rocket and later glide to a runway landing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will carry cargo to the orbiting laboratory and stay on board for approximately 45 days on its first mission.
Launch possibly delayed to beyond May. [Oct 21]QuoteDue to unforeseen circumstances, testing needs to carry on through no later than summer of 2025, and an STA is being sought herein to cover operations expected to occur no later than 06/01/2025.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, testing needs to carry on through no later than summer of 2025, and an STA is being sought herein to cover operations expected to occur no later than 06/01/2025.
2315-EX-ST-2024 [Dec 13]QuoteThe primary purpose of this operation is to deliver cargo to the ISS using DCCS, conduct ISS attached operations/experiments, dispose/return cargo from the ISS, and to land Dream Chaser. There has been a delay in the DCC-1 mission. The current request for an STA covering the new DCC-1 mission dates, nominally 45 days with an expected launch date of May 21, 2025. Out of abundance of caution to account for possible slips in the Launch date, an STA is being requested from 05/01/2024 to 10/28/2025.
The primary purpose of this operation is to deliver cargo to the ISS using DCCS, conduct ISS attached operations/experiments, dispose/return cargo from the ISS, and to land Dream Chaser. There has been a delay in the DCC-1 mission. The current request for an STA covering the new DCC-1 mission dates, nominally 45 days with an expected launch date of May 21, 2025. Out of abundance of caution to account for possible slips in the Launch date, an STA is being requested from 05/01/2024 to 10/28/2025.
One interesting note from a #satshow panel this morning: Erik Daehler of Sierra Space says the company is now targeting the end of summer for the first Dream Chaser mission.
In today's CRS-32 Prelaunch News Teleconference (at 27:30), Dream Chaser launch date is now expected "sometime later this fall".
I have to wonder what in the world is going on with Dream Chaser that it has fallen this far behind in its preparations for launch.
Authorized is requested to conduct continued EMI testing of the Dream Chaser spacecraft (Call Sign WX9XBF) in order to ensure mission safety and support flight readiness. Additional considerations regarding the EMI testing are also provided on a confidential basis. The rationale for confidential treatment, reproduced herein, is as in file number 0660-EX-ST-2024 (grant call sign WX9XQL) which has a description of the mission to International Space Station which the testing is supporting. Two additional Exhibits are provided in this respect, replacing the Exhibit previously provided with this application.Operation Start Date: 06/20/2025Operation End Date: 12/20/2025
This application seeks to allow further testing due to unforeseen delays which have led to a new launch date in May 2025. Taxi Tow Testing of Sierra Space Corporations Dream Chaser Space Plane ahead of its first mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for Cargo delivery and return. (See also grant call sign WX9XXS)
Sierra Space seeks a Special Temporary Authority for further testing of its Dream Chaser spacecraft (Vehicle Transmitter) planned to be launched for a mission to support cargo delivery to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Sierra Space is requesting an STA for testing to occur between June 20, 2025 to December 20, 2025. The testing will support Sierra Space Corporations DC-101 mission using the Dream Chaser Cargo System (DCCS), as part of the NASA Commercial Resupply Services.Testing of its Dream Chaser spacecraft planned to be launched for mission support of cargo delivery to and from the ISS. The EMC test and RF capabilities of the vehicle testing will demonstrate, amongst other, that electromagnetic interference characteristics of the subsystem, under normal operating conditions, do not result in malfunction of the subsystem. It also demonstrates that the subsystem does not emit, radiate, or conduct interference, which could result in malfunction of other subsystems.
This application seeks to allow further testing due to unforeseen delays which have led to a new launch date in May 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.
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/nasa-sierra-space-modify-commercial-resupply-services-contract/After a thorough evaluation, NASA and Sierra Space have mutually agreed to modify the contract as the company determined Dream Chaser development is best served by a free flight demonstration, targeted in late 2026. Sierra Space will continue providing insight to NASA into the development of Dream Chaser, including through the flight demonstration. NASA will provide minimal support through the remainder of the development and the flight demonstration. As part of the modification, NASA is no longer obligated for a specific number of resupply missions, however, the agency may order Dream Chaser resupply flights to the space station from Sierra Space following a successful free flight as part of its current contract. Mod edit: deleted tracker from premalink.
‘Launch in late 2026’ – that means in about a year. After so many years of waiting, it's not that long, is it?https://twitter.com/SierraSpaceCo/status/1971274959700873501QuoteDream Chaser’s first flight will be a free-flyer, demonstration mission, which is expected to prove the technology and deliver critical data to @NASA. We believe this approach will provide us with the flexibility to address the nation’s most pressing national security space challenges, while continuing to advance Dream Chaser’s capabilities for NASA and commercial customers. Our team will be prioritizing first-flight readiness with Dream Chaser, targeting a launch in late 2026 to align with expected launch vehicle availability as we position Dream Chaser as a national asset available for future national security and defense demonstrations.Press Release: https://www.sierraspace.com/press-releases/dream-chaser-advances-toward-first-flight-eyes-multi-use-applications/
Dream Chaser’s first flight will be a free-flyer, demonstration mission, which is expected to prove the technology and deliver critical data to @NASA. We believe this approach will provide us with the flexibility to address the nation’s most pressing national security space challenges, while continuing to advance Dream Chaser’s capabilities for NASA and commercial customers. Our team will be prioritizing first-flight readiness with Dream Chaser, targeting a launch in late 2026 to align with expected launch vehicle availability as we position Dream Chaser as a national asset available for future national security and defense demonstrations.
