All articles tagged with #sierra space
NASA and Sierra Space have revised the Dream Chaser spaceplane's mission, shifting from ISS resupply to a versatile, free-flying spacecraft set for its first orbital flight in 2026, aiming to support defense, private space stations, and future space ventures as the ISS is decommissioned by 2030.
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser cargo spaceplane's debut has been delayed to no earlier than late 2026, with a shift from docking to the ISS to a free-flyer mission, as part of a contract modification with NASA to allow more flexible testing and future mission capabilities.
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, initially designed for ISS cargo resupply, faces a major shift after NASA removed its guaranteed purchase contract, leading the company to pivot towards defense and commercial markets with a free-flying demonstration planned for late 2026.
NASA has revised its contract with Sierra Space for the Dream Chaser spacecraft, reducing it to a single free flight demonstration mission in 2026 that will not involve cargo delivery to the ISS, as Sierra Space shifts focus toward defense and national security applications.
Sierra Space has launched Sierra Space Defense, a new division focused on national security programs, including satellite components and rapid-response spacecraft, supported by significant U.S. defense contracts and a new manufacturing facility in Colorado.
The Dream Chaser, a commercial spaceplane developed by Sierra Space, is set to embark on its first NASA mission to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) by May 2025. This innovative spacecraft, capable of landing on regular runways, will initially conduct uncrewed cargo missions, with plans to eventually transport crew. The Dream Chaser, starting with the Tenacity model, will be launched atop a Vulcan Centaur rocket and aims to revolutionize space access by offering a reusable, runway-landing vehicle for both cargo and crew missions.
The Dream Chaser, a commercial spaceplane developed by Sierra Space, is set to begin resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) as early as May 2025. This innovative spacecraft, capable of landing on regular runways, will initially conduct uncrewed cargo missions under NASA's Commercial Resupply Service 2 contract. The first spaceplane, named Tenacity, will perform at least seven missions, carrying essential supplies and scientific experiments. Sierra Space plans to eventually upgrade the Dream Chaser for crewed missions, marking a significant advancement in space exploration and international collaboration.
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser Tenacity, an uncrewed spaceplane designed for NASA's commercial resupply missions to the International Space Station, has arrived at Kennedy Space Center for its first mission. Scheduled to deliver 7,800 pounds of cargo using a ULA Vulcan rocket, the spaceplane underwent extensive pre-launch testing and will perform a series of in-orbit demonstrations before docking with the ISS. The Dream Chaser is part of NASA's efforts to expand commercial resupply services in low Earth orbit.
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser space plane, resembling a "Star Wars" spacecraft, has arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for its maiden voyage to the ISS in September. The spacecraft, designed to transport cargo and potentially astronauts, will undergo further testing before being launched by the United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket.
Sierra Space's new space plane, Dream Chaser, is set to launch from Florida in September, aiming to transport cargo to the International Space Station. The first model, Tenacity, recently arrived at Kennedy Space Center. Former NASA astronaut Dr. Tom Marshburn, now with Sierra Space, highlights the company's efforts to facilitate low Earth orbit research and manufacturing, including developing an inflatable space station module.
The Dream Chaser space plane, built by Sierra Space, has arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for final testing before its first cargo flight to the International Space Station, scheduled for late 2024. The space plane, named "Tenacity," will launch atop United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket, delivering 7,800 pounds of cargo to the ISS.
Sierra Space is developing a revolutionary Ghost spacecraft to deliver critical supplies to any location on Earth within 90 minutes, with a focus on aiding national security operations and disaster relief efforts. The spacecraft will be capable of re-entering Earth's atmosphere, withstanding extreme temperatures, and guiding payloads to designated landing areas using a parafoil. This innovative project aims to provide rapid-response courier services and could significantly enhance our ability to deliver essential supplies to those in need.
After the successful debut of the Vulcan rocket, United Launch Alliance faces uncertainty over its next launch due to payload readiness, particularly the Dream Chaser spacecraft for Sierra Space. The company aims to obtain certification from the Space Force for national security payloads, but the spacecraft's potential delay may lead to alternative launch options. Additionally, ULA is eager to exit the certification phase and begin flying contracted missions, but the availability of BE-4 rocket engines remains a pacing item in the supply chain. ULA has reportedly sought an expedited certification process from the Space Systems Command based on the rocket's initial launch data, similar to SpaceX's single-flight certification for the Falcon Heavy rocket in 2018.
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, along with its Shooting Star cargo module, has undergone rigorous testing at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in preparation for its maiden uncrewed flight to the International Space Station later this year. The successful completion of environmental testing marks a significant milestone for the program, positioning it as a potential game-changer in the future of space travel, with the aim of making space more accessible for everyone.
Jeff Bezos' plan for the first private space station, Orbital Reef, has passed four key milestones in its development, including tests on critical life-support systems such as air and water purification, storage, and recycling. The project, a collaboration between Sierra Space and Blue Origin, aims to be operational in low-Earth orbit by 2027 and has received funding from NASA. With the International Space Station set to retire in the next decade, commercial space stations like Orbital Reef are poised to play a significant role in human presence in space for commerce, research, and tourism.