The Dream Chaser, a complex machine that rivals other spacecraft like SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner, has been making headlines for quite some time. With its lifting body design, reminiscent of NASA’s HL-20 from decades ago, it has a sleek aircraft shape that is perfect for space travel.
The primary purpose of the Dream Chaser is to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) for the remaining years it will be in orbit. Currently, the first version of the spacecraft is being developed as an uncrewed cargo hauler. Measuring 30 feet long and 15 feet wide, it has the capacity to carry up to 11,500 pounds of cargo. The cargo will be distributed between the spaceplane’s payload bays and an attached cargo module known as the Shooting Star.
During its inaugural mission to the ISS, the spaceplane, named Tenacity, will carry 7,800 pounds of cargo exclusively inside the Shooting Star. This mission will serve as a critical test for the Dream Chaser’s systems and validate its concept.
Originally planned for a spring launch this year, the first flight of the Dream Chaser has been delayed. The new launch date has yet to be determined, but it is expected to take place next year with the assistance of a ULA Vulcan Centaur rocket. Both Sierra Space and NASA teams are diligently working towards making this launch a reality.
Currently, the spacecraft is in its final testing and launch preparations phase at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Inside the Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF), where components of the ISS were once housed, the Dream Chaser is undergoing extensive work. This includes the installation of the thermal protection system to ensure it can withstand re-entry, as well as propulsion system closeout and leak testing.
The Dream Chaser is on track to become a vital asset in space exploration, providing crucial supplies to the ISS. With its advanced design and capabilities, it is poised to make a significant impact in the future of space travel.
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spacecraft is undergoing rigorous environmental tests to ensure its ability to withstand electromagnetic interference and loud sounds during flight. These tests aim to replicate the conditions experienced by the spacecraft during its journey. The successful completion of these tests is crucial for the safe return of the spacecraft from space.
Unlike traditional space shuttles, the Dream Chaser will land like an aircraft on the runway of the Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at the Kennedy Space Center. This facility, which was previously home to the Space Shuttle, will now serve as the landing site for the Dream Chaser. To ensure a smooth landing, tests are being conducted on the differential braking system of the spacecraft.
In preparation for launch, the Dream Chaser must be securely attached to the carrier rocket’s fairing. Unlike the Space Shuttle, which was attached to the side of a booster, the Dream Chaser will depart inside the nose of the Centaur. This unique configuration requires meticulous pre-launch processing to ensure a seamless integration.
Sierra Space has partnered with a logistics company, All Points Logistics, to facilitate regular operations from Kennedy Space Center starting in 2026. All Points Logistics will assist in reprocessing the reusable spaceplane onsite in Florida. This includes transporting the Dream Chaser from the runway to the Space Prep facility, where it will undergo inspection, unloading, and preparation for future flights. The Space Prep facility, spanning an impressive 500,000 square feet (46,500 square meters), will also house the transportation system to the launch pad.
If all goes according to plan, the cargo version of the Dream Chaser will complete seven missions to the International Space Station (ISS) under a contract with NASA. In the future, there may be a version of the spacecraft capable of carrying astronauts. For now, Sierra Space is focused on ensuring the success of the cargo missions to the ISS.
Photo from Dream Chaser
