Welcome to the latest news in the world of space exploration! Sierra Space has an exciting update regarding its Dream Chaser spaceplane and its involvement with United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur flights.
Unfortunately, Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane will not be part of ULA’s second Vulcan Centaur flight as originally planned due to scheduling delays. An “inert payload” will be taking its place, allowing ULA to proceed with its certification process with the Department of Defense. ULA CEO Tory Bruno expressed the importance of this upcoming launch as it marks the final certification step for the new rocket to carry out national security missions for the DOD.
Despite this setback, Sierra Space remains determined to launch its first Dream Chaser spaceplane, named Tenacity, before the end of the year. This spacecraft, alongside its Shooting Star cargo module, has completed rigorous environmental testing and is currently undergoing final preparations at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Tenacity, a 30-foot-long spaceplane, is unique in its ability to land horizontally on a runway, reminiscent of NASA’s retired space shuttle.
In addition to its cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station, Sierra Space has ambitious plans for a crewed version of Dream Chaser and an inflatable habitat module for low Earth orbit. With $1.7 billion raised to date, the company is at the forefront of cutting-edge space exploration projects.
While the Dream Chaser may be temporarily grounded for ULA’s second Vulcan Centaur flight, the future looks bright for Sierra Space and its innovative space technologies.