The New Space Shuttle | Sierra Space's Dream Chaser

🚀 Sierra Space's Dream Chaser Update: Covering the latest milestones for Sierra Space's Dream Chaser, the future of space station resupply missions. Comprehensive testing is taking place at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio, leading up to its inaugural flight to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket in 2024.

🛰️ Innovative Cargo Module: Includes a look at the "Shooting Star" cargo module, capable of carrying 9,000 pounds of supplies to the ISS, and its potential for future scientific experiments and cargo delivery.

🌍 Global Launch Ambitions: Also covers Sierra Space’s aspirations for global Dream Chaser launches and landings, including potential operations from Japan and other strategic locations worldwide, marking a new era in space exploration and commercialization.

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🎥 On Site Camera: Brady Kenniston & Max Evans.
🎥 Video from Trevor Sesnic, NASA, Sierra Space, SpaceX.
✂️ Edited by Sawyer Rosenstein.

L2 Boca Chica (more clips and photos) from BC's very early days to today.

[MrGoesBoom]

Just think, Dream Chaser was in the running for the commercial crew program but got passed up for Starliner....and here they are ready for their test flights while the Starlemon is still a mess

[pipersall]

Sawyer, I admire what looks like a shrine to lost astronauts on your back wall there. Well done. Ad Astra.

[drdoakcom]

I would fly in a spacecraft without windows to get to space, BUT: not being able to see the earth from space (or space at all) will kill the overview effect. I can see "earth from space" from a screen here. But much like being able to touch a thing can make it more real to you or give you a more personal connection, SEEING it with your own eyes is just not the same as a screen. That's less of a concern with flying it or space operations, but it's a big deal for the human experience.

[MickRonald]

I would love to see this land on a runway at a commercial airport, especially one near me (ie. JFK). Thanks Sawyer, everyone providing video and photos, and Kevin.

[neukin]

Pretty cool vehicle with special ability. Looks it holds half as much return cargo as Dragon. Being able to land at any airport seems like an amazing benefit.

[CommonTerry]

Thanks, Sawyer. Huntsville has been designated as a U.S. Spaceport for this spacecraft, because all of the space companies here can load their devices locally instead of shipping them to Florida. We are very proud of Dream Chaser.

[SierraSpace]

Glad that Brady Kenniston and Max Evans were able to join us at NASA's Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. We look forward to launching later this year. 🚀

[Westytherd]

So excited to see Dream Chaser fly! thanks for the great video Sawyer & Co

[BESTISD]

We finally have something to root for this damn year.

[schrodingersjet]

As an American, I thank you for giving priority to metric measurements over imperial.

[bat]

Correction: Dream Chaser does not have wings. That's why it is called a "lifting body". The parts you referred to as "folding wings" are in fact folding stabilizing fins. They are carefully blended into the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle to create a stable lifting body.

A small point, I know... But if you are going to report on Space Tech, get your terms right please. (Subscribed, but not liked.)

[galas]

As a pilot I would absolutely fly the space plane without windows, the technology today allows us to more clearly see our outside environment.

[traceyleewahlberg]

I would want windows and in flight drinks and snacks. Good luck Dream Chaser

[corrinastanley]

Good luck Dream Chaser, team space for the win. Thanks NSF team.

[frhyuhy]

Reminds me of early shuttle designs before the DOD got involved. Will it have the dual sonic booms? Can't wait to see it fly.

[M_IkeLeBlanc]

Great report Sawyer!

As others have pointed out, this should have been chosen over Starliner.

[skinnwalker]

Photogenic, for sure! I want this thing to succeed.

[faisalsvideoworld]

Wow im looking forward to sierra spaces dreamchaser launch

[MGAFFY]

Slow but steady process on this 20 year project, although technically 60+ year old design.

[Nowhereman]

Spaceplanes are back? They never left. Or do you not count X-37B, among others?

Also, the tiles on Dream Chaser are somewhat tougher being an offshoot of research done during the Space Shuttle program to improve the tiles called Toughened Uni-Piece Fibrous Reinforced Oxidation-Resistant Composite (TUFROC). Only a relative handful were used on the Shuttle orbiters before that program ended, but X-37B and Dream Chaser benefit by using nearly all tiles that are derived from that and can even use them in places the Shuttle couldn't, such as the nosecap and leading edges.