Sierra Space Wraps Environmental Testing; Prepares To Ship Dream Chaser To Florida

Sierra Space has announced the successful completion of a series of crucial environmental tests for its Dream Chaser cargo spaceplane at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. This milestone marks a significant step forward toward the maiden flight of Dream Chaser.

Named "Tenacity," the Dream Chaser spacecraft, alongside its indispensable companion, the Shooting Star cargo module, underwent a battery of rigorous assessments, including shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum tests within the chambers of the renowned facility. The tests, conducted in close collaboration with NASA, have validated the readiness of the spacecraft for its forthcoming journey.

“Successful completion of an incredibly rigorous environmental testing campaign in close partnership with NASA is a significant milestone and puts Dream Chaser on track for operations later this year.” - Tom Vice, Chief Executive of Sierra Space

Following the conclusion of these pivotal tests, the next destination for Dream Chaser and Shooting Star is the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; where, the spacecraft will undergo additional acoustic and electromagnetic testing, ensuring its resilience to the harsh conditions of space. Following those final tests, the installation of crucial elements of thermal protection system will be completed and Dream Chaser will undergo payload integration for its imminent flight.

Despite the absence of a precise launch date, Sierra Space remains resolute in its commitment to delivering on its promises. Initially slated for a June launch, industry insiders now anticipate a fall departure for Dream Chaser.

This slight delay is attributed to remaining pre-launch preparations for the spacecraft, alongside the intricate schedule of visiting vehicles to the International Space Station (ISS), including the highly anticipated Crew-9 Crew Dragon mission in late summer, followed by a cargo Dragon mission.

The journey towards this momentous launch has not been without its challenges. Delays in Dream Chaser's development, coupled with hurdles faced by the United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, have contributed to the extended timeline. However, with Vulcan's successful inaugural launch in January, the stage is set for Dream Chaser to become the rocket's second mission, thus certifying it for carrying national security payloads.

The upcoming mission marks the beginning of a new partnership between Sierra Space and NASA, with seven cargo missions to the ISS currently under contract. Looking ahead, Sierra Space is already laying the groundwork for future endeavors.

The construction of a second Dream Chaser vehicle, named "Reverence," is underway, bolstering the company's capacity for future missions and potential applications.

Sierra Space has also revealed its intention to develop a crewed version of Dream Chaser, further cementing its position as a trailblazer in space exploration.

As the final preparations unfold and anticipation builds, Sierra Space stands poised to embark on a new chapter in space exploration, propelled by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to pushing the boundaries of human achievement.