The company Sierra Spacein collaboration with the POTis about to launch its innovative spacecraft Dream Chaserdesigned for reusable cargo missions to the International Space Station (ISS). This vehicle, which evokes the futuristic designs of the universe of Star Warsis an evolution of the concept HL-20 from NASA of the years 80. It stands out for its retractable wings and the ability to land on almost any conventional airport runway, marking a milestone in space technology.
The Dream Chaser can be reused up to fifteen times, making it an efficient and sustainable option for space transportation. This feature has been essential for Sierra Space to secure a contract with NASA to supply materials to the ISS. “We want to offer efficient and sustainable space transportation,” the company declares.
The first vehicle in this series is the Tenacity, which is preparing to carry out at least seven unmanned missions. With a length of nine meters and a pressurized volume of 33 cubic meters, the Tenacity is touted as “highly customizable” and the most sustainable and easy-to-maneuver spacecraft in its category. Its retractable wings fold into a cargo fairing during launch, protecting the vehicle from debris as it exits the atmosphere.
The Tenacity can deliver up to 5,500 kilograms of pressurized and non-pressurized cargo, making it versatile for different types of missions. Its design facilitates soft landings on the runway, ideal for handling fragile cargo. These features position the Tenacity as a robust option for space transportation.
First test mission
Sierra Space plans to conduct the first Tenacity test mission this year, using the rocket Vulcan Centaur of United Launch Alliance (ULA). This mission will be a prelude to future operations of the Dream Chaser fleet, demonstrating the viability and efficiency of the Tenacity design.
In addition to the model DC-100which represents Tenacity, Sierra Space is developing the module Shooting Star and the DC-200, a variant with the capacity to carry a crew. This latest model is intended for missions both to the ISS and to other planned facilities in low Earth orbit. The diversification of these models shows Sierra Space’s ambition to expand its capabilities in the space sector.
The collaboration between Sierra Space and NASA marks a significant advance in the development of reusable space technologies. With a design based on the HL-20 concept and innovative features such as retractable wings and the ability to land at conventional airports, the Dream Chaser is positioned as a versatile and sustainable option for cargo missions to the ISS.
The reuse of the Dream Chaser and the focus on customization and maneuverability of the Tenacity model evidence Sierra Space’s commitment to efficient space transportation. The first test mission, scheduled for this year, anticipates a series of future operations of the Dream Chaser fleet.
The development of variants such as the DC-200, with the capacity to carry a crew, and the Shooting Star module 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. @mundiario
Read more
