Dream Chaser Tenacity Is Officially Complete

After decades of development and testing, the first Dream Chaser test article is complete and preparing for its maiden flight. In the past, the Space Shuttle was a staple within the industry flying over 100 times both with crew and cargo. Its unique design allowed it to be reused after landing on a runway. However, it was far from perfect, and was eventually retired in 2011.

Now, a new modern spaceplane is getting ready to lift off and mark the beginning of Dream Chaser’s busy future. This includes multiple variants, meant for crew and cargo, a smaller size, folding wings, and a host of features hoping to improve on past designs.

This news from Sierra Space comes just in time as they prepare for a launch in only a few months from now. Here I will go more in-depth into the completion of Dream Chaser Tenacity, the final steps before launch, why this mission is so important, and more.

Credit:

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Tenacity Is Complete
4:14 - A Modern Spaceplane

[markmaz]

A space plane has flown to orbit 4 times since the retirement of the Shuttle - 2 different X-37Bs. The last landed less than a year ago.

[SierraSpace]

Thank you for sharing the hard work being done by our Sierra Space team on Dream Chaser Tenacity.

[WWeronko]

I would think Dream Chaser is more related to the U.S. Space Force's Boeing X-37 than it is to the Space Shuttle. The X-37 is unmanned, launched enclosed in a fairing on an expendable Atlas V sized rocket, a similar launch weight and size to the Dream Chaser. I greatly look forward to see it operate.

[plainText]

4:17 The last time we saw a spaceplane launch was probably in 2022 when the Chinese CSSHQ lifted off on a Long March 2F to do some secrete spaceplane stuff.

[Errationatus]

It looks like John Crichton's module 'Farscape' from Farscape! Sweet!

[AMERICANPATRIOT]

If this works it will be a monumental achievement! With any luck and lots of skill, this project will enable us to fly to space and return safely on a regular, safe, and profitable basis.

[T_Mo]

Tons of risk on that first flight - getting to orbit on a rocket that's only flown once before, complicated mission, long on-orbit station before returning, re-entry, landing. Will be very impressive if this particular ship survives to make a second flight.

[boyfrmnewyork]

I've been waiting for this since I first saw the HL-20 at Langley 30 years ago!

[andy-smart]

The eyeballs at 1:15 makes me laugh every time and I can NOT look away. Hahahaha

[vanguard]

I sure hope the seams where the folding wings are well protected when they are locked into place.

[chrischeshire]

Just what I wanted for Christmas! Hope she passes all test with flying colors. Good luck.

[JohnVance]

Now we just need John Crichton to pilot it

[robertarmstrong]

Compatibility with multiple launch vehicles seems to be overstated, or perhaps under-reported. Are there any actual plans/studies to launch on any other than Vulcan?

[johnsteiner]

I do get a kick out of Dreamchaser being referred to modern when a similar design, known as the BOR-4 was tested in 1980.

[berthageorge]

Absolutely
The decades of Space Shuttle, tremendously used .This is a great salute to the Shuttle and I feel it too can carry on more effectively than 👍
Thanks for
Would be nice to take off from a runway and go into outer space ( the outer shall dose need protecting for sure during that process .)👍😊

[AZREDFERN]

SpaceX: we fixed the tile issue by reducing the amount of unique tile shapes. Sierra: we fixed the tile issue by making every individually unique tile bigger, so there's technically less of them.

[Poe]

I love it, it is so beautiful and futuristic looking. I really hope all goes as planned or better for the dream chaser

[stupidburp]

Space plane has the lowest potential return and refurbish costs. A capsule splashdown in seawater requires expensive extraction, extensive inspection, and deep refurbishment. A dry land capsule impact is less expensive to refurbish but has high forces on crew and cargo and still has to be retrieved.

The booster costs are separate and either capsule or spaceplane can be carried on disposable or reusable boosters. Current booster options don’t fully realize this cost savings potential for dreamchaser yet because there isn’t a reusable booster with a large enough fairing yet.

[PutitinDaramen]

thanks for not dramatizing, you got the info across in a way that felt respectful of the viewer and their time.

[Nightscape_]

Dream Chaser is hella sick! I am super excited for the upcoming launch next year and to see how it performs.