Sierra Space Transitions To Free-Flying Multi-Use Demo

Sierra Space announced it has made a strategic adjustment for its Dream Chaser spaceplane, saying its first flight will be a free-flyer, demo mission to validate technology and deliver crucial data to NASA. The approach gives the company flexibility to address national security challenges while also advancing the vehicle’s capabilities for NASA and commercial customers.

Sierra Space is focusing its efforts on getting Dream Chaser prepped for its first flight with a target date of late 2026 when a launch vehicle would be available.

The company has worked with NASA to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that provides flexibility for the spaceplane’s first flight. It intends to demonstrate capabilities for both NASA’s ISS resupply missions as well as future Commercial LEO (low Earth orbit) Destinations (CLD). Doing so will also make Dream Chaser available as a national asset for national security and defense demonstrations.

Sierra Space says Dream Chaser’s adaptability as an orbital hypersonic spacecraft and rapid deployment are critical to the nation’s priorities and threats. Its capabilities as an autonomous commercial spaceplane enable reusability, fast turnaround time, and cost-efficient operations for space missions.

Fatih Ozmen, Executive Chair at Sierra Space said, “Dream Chaser represents the future of versatile space transportation and mission flexibility. This transition provides unique capabilities to meet the needs of diverse mission profiles, including emerging and existential threats and national security priorities that align with our acceleration into the Defense Tech market. Together with NASA, we are seeking to preserve the exceptional potential of Dream Chaser as a national asset, ensuring its readiness for the next era of space innovation.”

FMI:  www.sierraspace.com/