The company Sierra Spacein collaboration with the POThas developed the innovative spacecraft Dream Chaserdesigned to carry out reusable cargo missions towards the International Space Station (ISS). This vehicle is an evolution of the concept HL-20 of NASA, abandoned in the 80s, and stands out for its retractable wings and the ability to to land on almost any conventional airport runway.
The futuristic design of the ship, which may remind vehicles from the universe of Star Wars, Allows it to be used up to a maximum of 15 times before being removed and dismantled. This feature has been key for Sierra Space secure a contract with the POT for the supply of materials to the ISS. “We want to offer efficient and sustainable space transportation”says the company.
The first vehicle in this series is the Tenacityprepared to perform at least seven unmanned missionsacting as an efficient ‘truck’ of space transportation. With a length of nine meters and a pressurized volume of 33 cubic metersthis ship is touted as “highly customizable” and the most sustainable and easiest to maneuver in its category. Tenacity’s retractable wings fold into a cargo fairing during launch, protecting the vehicle from debris as it exits the atmosphere.
Tenacity It has a length of nine meters and a pressurized volume of 33 cubic meters. This capacity allows, according to the company, to be the spacecraft “more sustainable and easier to maneuver”. Its design facilitates soft landings on the runway, ideal for handling fragile cargo. It can deliver up to 5,500 kilograms of pressurized and non-pressurized cargo, making it versatile for different types of missions.
The ship’s retractable wings are another notable element of its design. “During launch, these wings are placed folded inside a cargo fairing.”details Sierra Spaceensuring the protection of the vehicle against any type of debris during its exit from the atmosphere.
Sierra Space plans to carry out the first test mission of Tenacity this year, using the rocket Vulcan Centaur of United Launch Alliance (ULA). This mission will serve as a prelude to future operations of the Dream Chaser fleet. In addition to the model DC-100which represents Tenacity, the company is developing the module Shooting Star and the DC-200a crew-capable variant, intended for missions both to the ISS and other planned facilities in low Earth orbit.
In the short term, Sierra Space plans to carry out the first test mission of the Tenacity this same year, using United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket (ULA). This mission will serve as a prelude to future operations of the fleet of ships Dream Chaser that the company seeks to deploy.
In addition to the model DC-100 which represents the Tenacity, Sierra Space is developing the module Shooting Star and the DC-200, a variant that will have the ability to carry a crew. This last model could be used not only for missions towards ISSbut also to other planned facilities in low Earth orbit.
The collaboration between Sierra Space and the POT marks an important advance in the development of reusable space technologies with the ship Dream Chaser. With its design based on the HL-20 concept and features such as retractable wings and the ability to land at conventional airports, this vehicle represents a versatile and sustainable option for cargo missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
Reusability up to 15 times and focus on model customization and maneuverability Tenacity They underscore Sierra Space’s commitment to efficient space transportation. The first test mission, scheduled for this year with the rocket Vulcan Centaur of United Launch Alliance (ULA)anticipates a series of future operations of the Dream Chaser fleet.
Furthermore, the development of variants such as DC-200with the capacity to carry a crew, and the module Shooting Star They expand the possibilities of use in missions not only to the ISS, but also to other facilities in low Earth orbit. This positions Sierra Space as a key player in the space industry, with the potential to revolutionize space transportation and logistics in the near future.
