Chase Dreams: Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser Spaceplane Nears Completion
Colorado-based space startup Sierra Space is making significant progress on its Dream Chaser spaceplane, an innovative spacecraft that is designed to glide back to Earth after traveling through space. The company is currently adding the final touches to the craft, including a pressurized compartment for astronauts to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).
Similar to SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, the Dream Chaser’s primary goal is to deliver cargo to the orbital outpost after launching on top of a rocket. Once the cargo is delivered, the spaceplane reenters the Earth’s atmosphere and safely lands using its wings on a landing strip.
This marks an exciting new chapter in the history of spaceflight, reminiscent of NASA’s retired Space Shuttle program.
Plane Jane: The Journey Ahead
Although Sierra’s Dream Chaser, named “Tenacity,” has made significant progress, there is still work to be done before it can be sent into orbit. The first step is to transport the spaceplane to a NASA facility in Ohio to ensure that it can withstand the extreme conditions during launch and in outer space.
Chief Safety Officer, Angie Wise, stated, “We’re almost done with everything. We’re finishing all the closeout panels and essentially preparing it for shipping.” She further explained that they have checked the landing gear and are ready to move the craft onto the transport fixture for shipping.
Unlike Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo spaceplane, Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser is being developed with actual orbital capabilities in mind. It is also significantly smaller than NASA’s Space Shuttle, weighing approximately a quarter of its size.
The Dream Chaser has been built to deliver up to 12,000 pounds of cargo to the ISS and has the ability to jettison unwanted cargo at the end of its mission, ensuring it burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Next Steps: From Ohio to Space Coast
The launch of the Dream Chaser spaceplane into orbit is still uncertain. Prior to its maiden voyage, it must withstand extreme temperatures in a vacuum during testing at NASA’s Ohio facilities. If successful, it will be shipped to the Space Coast for further preparations.
Sierra Space aims to complete its first uncrewed test flight by April of next year. However, this timeline is ambitious, especially considering that the rocket, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, has not yet completed its first test flight.
Sierra Space is paving the way for future space travel, pushing the boundaries in commercial spaceplane capabilities. It is an exciting time for the space industry as we eagerly await the launch of the Dream Chaser spaceplane into the depths of space.
