Sierra Space has reached a milestone in the development of its reusable spaceplane , Dream Chaser, after successfully passing Joint Test 10B in collaboration with NASA . This evaluation confirms the craft’s ability to handle payloads and operate in demanding flight conditions.
A breakthrough in space transportation technology
The aircraft is designed to carry supplies and experiments to the International Space Station (ISS). The recent test verified that the craft can power up, exchange data with various payloads, and maintain the environmental conditions required for orbital missions .
According to Pablo Gonzalez, vice president of cargo and crew transportation systems at Sierra Space, this test confirms that the spaceplane is capable of handling critical scientific experiments and meeting the requirements of NASA and commercial partners.
Dream Chaser and payload testing
During Joint Test 10B, three key systems were evaluated that could fly on Dream Chaser’s first mission:
- Polar: A cryogenic scientific sample storage system developed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
- Powered Ascent Utility Locker (PAUL): Designed by Space Tango, it houses biological experiments in microgravity.
- NASA Storage Compartment: Standard space for experiments and other equipment.
These elements will demonstrate the versatility of Dream Chaser on future resupply missions to the ISS.
Dream Chaser aircraft at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Source: Sierra Space
Preparations for the first launch
The tests were conducted at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida , under the supervision of Sierra Space and NASA. This success puts Dream Chaser one step closer to its first operational mission, scheduled for the coming months.
With its ability to land on conventional runways and its reusable design, the Dream Chaser is emerging as an innovative solution for commercial space transportation, strengthening orbital logistics and scientific research on the ISS.
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Source and photo: Sierra Space
