NASA and Sierra Space have joined forces to launch the first flight of the Dream Chaser spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). Set to take place in 2024, this mission is part of NASA’s commercial resupply services. The Dream Chaser system includes the Dream Chaser spacecraft and the Shooting Star cargo module. The spacecraft is a reusable lifting body based on the HL-20 spacecraft developed at NASA’s Langley Research Center, while the cargo module is designed to support the delivery and disposal of cargo to and from the ISS.
To reach the ISS, the Dream Chaser system will be launched with its wings folded inside a five-meter fairing aboard a ULA Vulcan Centaur rocket. Once in space, the cargo module and wings will deploy their solar arrays to power the spacecraft during its rendezvous with the ISS. During its first flight, Sierra Space will conduct in-orbit demonstrations to certify the Dream Chaser for future missions. These demonstrations will include far-field and near-field tests to showcase attitude control, maneuvers, and abort capabilities.
When approaching the ISS, a crew member will use the Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple the Dream Chaser spacecraft’s cargo module. On this initial flight, Dream Chaser is scheduled to deliver more than 7,800 pounds of cargo to the ISS. The spacecraft is designed to remain attached to the ISS for up to 75 days and has the ability to deliver up to 11,500 pounds of cargo in future missions. It can also return over 3,500 pounds of cargo and dispose of more than 8,700 pounds of trash during reentry.
After completing its mission, Dream Chaser will be uninstalled from the ISS and land at Kennedy’s Launch and Landing Facility. Sierra Space will then transfer the spacecraft to the Space System Processing Facility for inspections and preparations for its next mission. The selection of Sierra Space as NASA’s third commercial cargo resupply spacecraft for the ISS was made in 2016. This collaboration represents a significant step in NASA’s pursuit of reliable and efficient commercial partnerships for space exploration.
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