Kennedy Space Center, Florida – Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane is gearing up for its first mission, set to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket bound for the International Space Station. The spacecraft is currently undergoing final preparations at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio before shipping to its launch site in Florida.
After completing a series of environmental tests in Ohio, including shock and vibration tests, the Dream Chaser is now getting ready for its journey to the Kennedy Space Center. There, technicians will conduct additional tests and finalize the spacecraft’s heat shield before it is integrated with the Vulcan launcher.
Sierra Space’s CEO, Tom Vice, expressed confidence in the spaceplane’s readiness, stating that the successful completion of rigorous testing marks a significant milestone in transitioning from research and development to operational missions later this year. This marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Space’s more than 15-year-long journey in developing the Dream Chaser.
Under a NASA contract awarded in 2016, Sierra Space is scheduled to conduct seven resupply missions to the International Space Station using the Dream Chaser. Additionally, the company is working on a second reusable spaceplane to meet its commitments to NASA and potentially support future commercial space stations.
The first spaceplane, named Tenacity, has already left Sierra Space’s factory near Denver and is undergoing testing at the Ohio facility. While the spacecraft was mostly complete during a recent visit, technicians were still working on outfitting the interior compartment and adding tiles for the heat shield, showing the ongoing progress and dedication to ensuring the Dream Chaser’s success.
Overall, with the upcoming launch and subsequent missions to the International Space Station, Sierra Space is on track to revolutionize space operations and further connect space and Earth through its innovative spacecraft technology.