{"id":6657,"date":"2024-08-06T01:23:59","date_gmt":"2024-08-05T17:23:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/sierra-space-begins-final-testing-for-dream-chaser-at-nasas-kennedy-space-center\/"},"modified":"2024-08-06T01:23:59","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T17:23:59","slug":"sierra-space-begins-final-testing-for-dream-chaser-at-nasas-kennedy-space-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/sierra-space-begins-final-testing-for-dream-chaser-at-nasas-kennedy-space-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Sierra Space Begins Final Testing for Dream Chaser at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Sierra<\/p>\n

Sierra Space, a commercial space-tech company that is Building a Platform in Space to Benefit Life on Earth, announced that final testing and launch preparations for its Dream Chaser spaceplane and Shooting Star cargo module have commenced at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of the company\u2019s inaugural mission to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Sierra Space team is looking beyond first flight, inking an agreement with All Points Logistics for reprocessing the reusable spaceplane onsite in Florida on future missions.<\/p>\n

The revolutionary new spacecraft arrived just before Memorial Day and are now being readied for final assembly, testing and pre-launch processing inside the historic Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF), the staging center for all components of the International Space Station. Sierra Space and NASA teams have spent the last several weeks preparing for the work ahead, which includes final environmental testing, closeout checks on propulsion and electrical systems, the application of remaining thermal protection tiles and pre-launch processing for Dream Chaser\u2019s rocket ride to space.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are on the cusp of achieving a major milestone for Sierra Space and the commercial space industry. 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\u2019s first true spaceliner,\u201d said Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Final Preparations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The launch preparation process now encompasses three primary areas of work:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Final Assembly and System Checks:<\/strong> This includes the installation of the remaining thermal protection system tiles as well as propulsion system closeout and leak testing.<\/li>\n
  2. Continued Environmental Testing:<\/strong> Upcoming tests include Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, ensuring that all electrical components function seamlessly in space\u2019s challenging radio frequency (RF) environment. Additionally, acoustic testing will verify that both Dream Chaser and Shooting Star can withstand the intense noise levels experienced during launch. Runway testing will verify Dream Chaser\u2019s differential braking system upon returning from space and landing at Space Florida\u2019s storied Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) onsite at Kennedy.<\/li>\n
  3. Pre-Launch Processing:<\/strong> The final stage involves getting the spacecraft ready for encapsulation in the rocket fairing and integration with the ULA Vulcan Centaur\u2019s systems.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Vice added, \u201cThe SSPF High Bay, a site rich with historical significance, hosted the foundations of the International Space Station and multiple payloads which travelled to space and subsequently helped unearth key discoveries and scientific breakthroughs which changed life on Earth. Sierra Space is proud to follow in these illustrious footsteps, furthering the legacy of human space exploration. Our work at this facility is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the space community, with systems bound for the space station \u2013 and even lunar-bound Artemis hardware \u2013 sharing the same space.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The Dream Chaser transportation system, which includes cargo delivery and return capability on the world\u2019s first commercial spaceplane \u2013 as well as delivery and disposal capability with the detachable and disposable Shooting Star cargo module \u2013 will add an entirely new dimension to NASA\u2019s Commercial Resupply Services missions. The winged Dream Chaser lands on a runway and will be the first spacecraft to do so on a return mission from the space station since Space Shuttle Atlantis in July 2011. The landing site is the storied Launch & Landing Facility (LLF) at Kennedy.<\/p>\n

    Eyeing the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n

    As regular mission operations near reality, Sierra Space is preparing for ground reprocessing operations of its reusable Dream Chaser spaceplane onsite in Florida to ensure efficient mission turnaround time. To support future missions at Kennedy Space Center from 2026 onwards, Sierra Space is proud to announce a partnership with All Points Logistics for long-term ground processing of the Dream Chaser fleet post-mission. Sierra Space will reap the benefits of All Points’ planned Space Prep facility complex onsite \u2013 near the historic LLF runway \u2013 immediately following flights from Low Earth Orbit.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAll Points is excited to be a part of the Sierra Space team,\u201d said All Points Logistics CEO Phil Monkress.<\/strong> \u201cOur Kennedy Space Center Complex will provide the flexibility needed to support a diverse range of future Dream Chaser missions.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Upon landing, the joint team will transport it to the future-planned Space Prep facility for inspection, offload, and preparation for subsequent missions. According to All Points, the Space Prep complex will boast approximately 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing seamless support for spacecraft operations from the factory to the launch pad.<\/p>\n

    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. 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.<\/p>\n