Sandusky, Ohio – Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane has completed its environmental testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility, marking a significant milestone towards its upcoming launch. The spacecraft underwent rigorous shock and vibration testing before enduring thermal vacuum testing in a chamber where temperatures ranged from -150°F to 250°F.
Sierra Space CEO, Tom Vice, expressed excitement about the successful completion of the testing campaign, stating that it puts Dream Chaser on track for operations later this year. The company’s transition from research and development to regular orbital operations is expected to revolutionize the connection between space and Earth.
Following the completion of the testing, Sierra Space is now preparing Dream Chaser and Shooting Star for shipment to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. In collaboration with NASA, Sierra Space has been preparing for this crucial phase since being selected for the Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract in 2016.
With Dream Chaser set to be the payload for United Launch Alliance’s second certification mission for its Vulcan rocket, the launch schedule will need to align with other missions, including those on the International Space Station calendar. Despite potential delays, preparations are underway for a successful launch, with contingency plans in place if necessary.
The development of Vulcan’s rocket and its launch cadence have been under scrutiny, with concerns raised about manufacturing scalability. ULA’s progress towards launching 25 rockets per year by 2025 is contingent on the efforts of its suppliers, such as L3Harris and Northrop Grumman, to expand their production lines.
In parallel, Sierra Space’s role in national security missions is highlighted, with the completion of the second certification flight as a crucial step towards launching critical payloads. ULA’s award of 60 percent of National Security Space Launch Phase 2 missions underscores the importance of meeting production demands to ensure the success of future missions.
As Sierra Space and its partners work towards achieving their ambitious goals in space exploration, the industry faces challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of space travel. Despite uncertainties and delays, the dedication and collaboration of key players in the aerospace sector demonstrate a commitment to unlocking new possibilities in the vast expanse of space.