Mon, Aug 05, 2024
Reusable Shuttle-Alike Readies For Action With Final Touches to Thermal Protection, Environmental Systems
Sierra Space has begun its final test phase for the Dream Chaser spaceplane at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, good news for fans of the ongoing commercial space race.
Sierra Space is hoping that its Dream Chaser, and corresponding Shooting Star cargo module will offer a competitive, affordable option to those looking to deliver payloads into orbit and beyond. With production complete, Sierra Space will now move on to final testing and launch prep for its inaugural mission to resupply the International Space Station. The Dream Chaser now has to look forward to its closeout checks on propulsion, electrical, and pre-launch processing, along with the completion of its thermal protection tiles.
“We are on the cusp of achieving a major milestone for Sierra Space and the commercial space industry,” said Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space. "The final testing and launch preparations of the first Dream Chaser happening inside such a historic NASA facility underscore the significance of our mission to revolutionize space transportation with an innovative new commercial spaceplane and the world’s first true spaceliner."
The goal of a reusable spacefaring aircraft remains alive and well, with plans reprocess the Dream Chaser after its first flight and bear out some quick turnaround time. Along those lines, Sierra Space announced a deal with All Points Logistics to tackle the long-term ground processing of the Dream Chase fleet post-mission. Sierra Space will use All Points' planned facility near the Launch & Landing Facility at Kennedy, following in the footsteps of the Space Shuttle program. After the Dream Chasers land, they'll be brought over to All Points' 500,000-square-foot facility, to be inspected, offloaded, and prepped for their next turn at bat.
"This approach streamlines Dream Chaser flight turn-around preparations by consolidating ground infrastructure and operations such as turnkey propellant servicing and de-servicing, pre- and post-mission payload integration and servicing, extensive equipment storage and dedicated control centers in a single complex conveniently located on Kennedy Space Center near the runway and launch pads," reads a Sierra Space brief describing the partnership. "The unique Space Prep processing center design features dual processing spaces to eliminate processing chokepoints and advanced technology that avoids facility evacuations during hazardous operations to ensure efficient Dream Chaser flight preparations."
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