Tag: Dream Chaser
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Dream Chaser ETA heads to Dryden for drop tests
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have shipped their Dream Chaser ETA (Engineering Test Article) to the Dryden Flight Research Center in California. The vehicle will be prepared for a series of drop tests, a key Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) milestone. Dream Chaser’s road trip to California: SNC are one of the three companies who won…
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USCV-1: NASA planners slip first ISS commercial crew mission to late 2017
The first NASA crew to ride to the International Space Station on a commercial spacecraft may have to wait until at least the end of 2017, after NASA’s planning group realigned the US Crew Vehicle -1 (USCV-1) mission to a launch date of November 30, 2017. The new schedule includes the Russian Soyuz manifested as…
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Facilitating the commercial crew era for Kennedy’s OPFs
As the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) continues its transformation into a multi-user spaceport, the three buildings dedicated to processing the since-retired Space Shuttle orbiters are aiming to once again host engineers busily tending to their spacecraft. However, only one of the buildings has confirmed a tenant for the new era at this time. OPF Transition:…
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MAF undergoing major modification work ahead of SLS production
The Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) has begun its transformation back into the birth place of giant rockets that will enable the United States to return to deep space exploration. Modification work for the Space Launch System (SLS) is taking place across huge areas of the New Orleans facility, which will soon host the world’s largest…
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Dream Chaser to breathe new life into Michoud
Following this week’s announcement of a deal between Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Lockheed Martin, the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) will gain a much-needed boost. The facility, that once built the giant External Tanks (ETs), will soon host composite airframe fabrication for new Dream Chasers. SNC/Lockheed Martin Deal: SNC’s ongoing effort to prove they have…
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SNC building test schedule for Dream Chaser – Dryden Drop Tests upcoming
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) are in the process of creating a test flight schedule that will reach through to a debut mission for Dream Chaser’s arrival at the International Space Station (ISS). The plan – involving three versions of Dream Chaser – will next involve drop tests of their Engineering Test Article (ETA) at the…
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Modifications planned for Atlas V SLC-41 Pad and SLS Mobile Launcher
United Launch Alliance (ULA) have recruited Hensel Phelps to design the modifications to their Atlas V pad at Space Launch Complete 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral ahead of hosting human rated vehicles. The Orlando company previously constructed the Ares Mobile Launcher (ML), which is also set to be modified to host the Space Launch System…
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ULA interested in launching Atlas V or Delta IV from KSC
As the United Launch Alliance (ULA) look forward to a potential surge in activity later this decade, the question of requiring additional launch infrastructure to cater for demand has led to discussions with the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The discussions may result in Atlas V or Delta IV rockets launching from a former Shuttle launch…
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Dream Chaser aims to use Space Shuttle’s legacy to its advantage
The lifting body concept – made famous by the Space Shuttle and now living on with Dream Chaser – will provide NASA with the necessity of diversity, according to Commercial Crew integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative award winner Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), who have promoted the advantages of having a reusable, low G-force, runway return vehicle.…
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SNC evaluating KSC processing facilities to house the Dream Chaser fleet
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have stepped up their evaluations into finding a suitable facility to house the Dream Chaser fleet in Florida. With the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) confirmed as their fleet’s HQ, several buildings – ranging from an Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to other available buildings at the famous spaceport – may become viable…