All articles tagged with #spaceplane
China’s secretive space plane Shendong has launched for a fourth time to conduct tests for reusable spacecraft, potentially releasing small objects in orbit, while the U.S. Space Force’s long-running X-37B program remains opaque about its goals. The two programs have sparked speculation about rendezvous proximity operations and a quiet race for orbital dominance, though concrete mission details are not disclosed.
China has launched its fourth Shendong space plane from Jiuquan to test reusable spacecraft tech, joining the U.S. X-37B in orbit with undisclosed objectives; past flights have released small objects and sparked speculation about rendezvous proximity operations and broader space capabilities under the goal of peaceful space use.
The Dream Chaser spaceplane will no longer be visiting the International Space Station in 2026, marking a change in its planned mission schedule.
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.
The US military's X-37B spaceplane has launched on its eighth mission, carrying a quantum GPS alternative that uses atom interferometry to measure position precisely, potentially allowing navigation without traditional satellite systems. This technology, tested in 2025, could enhance future spacecraft and aircraft navigation, raising strategic concerns for China and the US about satellite dependency in warfare.
SpaceX successfully launched the US military's classified X-37B spaceplane into orbit, marking its eighth mission. The autonomous spacecraft, built by Boeing, tests advanced technologies like laser communications and quantum sensors, with mission duration and objectives kept largely undisclosed.
The US Space Force's X-37B spaceplane is preparing for its eighth mission, continuing its secretive operations to test new technologies in space, though its future and role in broader defense initiatives remain uncertain amid questions about its cost-effectiveness and strategic importance.
The US Space Force is launching its eighth mission of the X-37B spaceplane, an autonomous, reusable spacecraft used for testing and experiments in space, with a focus on advanced communication and navigation technologies, from Kennedy Space Center, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The launch of Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, planned for 2025, is likely to be delayed due to ongoing safety reviews, software certification issues, and delays with its launch vehicle, Vulcan Centaur, reflecting the complex and lengthy process of developing advanced spacecraft.
The US Space Force announced that the eighth mission of the X-37B spaceplane, Orbital Test Vehicle-8, is scheduled to launch no earlier than August 21, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
A secretive space plane is set to launch to test advanced quantum navigation technology and high-bandwidth laser communications, aiming to improve satellite communication resilience and enable precise navigation in GPS-degraded environments, with potential applications near the Moon and beyond.
The U.S. Space Force's X-37B spaceplane is launching its eighth mission next month, focusing on experiments in space-based communications using laser technology and quantum sensing for navigation without GPS, aiming to enhance the resilience and security of U.S. orbital systems.
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane aims to revolutionize commercial space transportation with its reusable design, capable of runway landings at conventional airports. This innovation promises cost-effective and environmentally friendly space travel by reducing the need for multiple spacecraft and avoiding ocean splashdowns. Scheduled for its first mission to the ISS in May 2025 under NASA's CRS-2 contract, Dream Chaser can deliver up to 5,500 kg of cargo, supporting scientific research and station maintenance. Its unique design offers a competitive alternative to SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, fostering innovation in the industry.
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.