Testing of Dream Chaser spaceplane for ISS resupply to undergo final NASA evaluation

Sierra Space Introduces Dream Chaser Spaceplane Tenacity

The landscape of commercial space technology has evolved significantly in recent years. Gone are the days when space exploration and technology development were solely the domain of government-funded space agencies like NASA, ROSCOSMOS, JAXA, and ISRO. The entry of private companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic has transformed space tech into a promising entrepreneurial venture.

Sierra Space, a key player in the industry, recently reached a major milestone with the completion of its first Dream Chaser spaceplane, named Tenacity. The innovative spacecraft, which can launch vertically on the Vulcan Centaur rocket and land horizontally on runways, represents a significant advancement in space technology. This marks a significant achievement for the company and the industry as a whole, as highlighted by Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice.

Measuring 30 feet in width, the Dream Chaser spaceplane is designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS) with a payload capacity of 5,500 kg. Additionally, the spacecraft has the unique capability to bring cargo, experiments, and hardware back to Earth, setting it apart from other shuttles. Moreover, the company has prioritized environmental sustainability in the spaceplane’s design, with a focus on lasting at least 15 space missions and incorporating a sustainable propulsion and oxidizer-fuel system to minimize environmental impact.

A notable engineering feat of the Dream Chaser spaceplane is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures during reentry, reaching upwards of 1650 degrees Celsius, while remaining cool to the touch minutes after landing. This resilience allows the spacecraft to undergo the reentry process multiple times, demonstrating its exceptional durability.

As the commercial space tech industry continues to push boundaries and unlock new potential, the introduction of Sierra Space’s Tenacity Dream Chaser spaceplane represents a significant step forward in advancing space exploration and technology development.