Dream Chaser Tenacity's First Launch & Future Propulsion

Dream Chaser is scheduled to lift off for the first time in the third quarter of this year. This long-awaited mission will be the first test of a handful of different systems. This includes the heat shield, rocket body, thrusters, and main propulsion, just to name a few. All of which will be put to the test with a mission profile that takes Dream Chaser Tenacity to the International Space Station and back for a runway landing.

One of the most important yet often overlooked components of Dream Chaser is its two main engines on the rear of the spacecraft. While unlike the Space Shuttle, these won’t be used during liftoff, they will help Dream Chaser get into its operational orbit depending on the mission profile. It’s important to point out however that the Vortex Engine has yet to be flown in space.

Originally, on-orbit propulsion of the Dream Chaser was proposed to be provided by twin hybrid rocket engines capable of repeated starts and throttling. This was before an acquisition by the company all the way back in 2014. Here I will go more in-depth into the primary Dream Chaser propulsion system, what this looks like on Tenacity, what to expect in the coming months, and more.

Credit:

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:57 - Dream Chaser Propulsion
3:31 - Tenacity's First Mission

[LightWingStudios]

I've been waiting over 10 years for Dream Chaser to launch ever since I saw a mockup at Kennedy Space which is only a few miles from where I live. Up close, it is a beautiful and elegant vehicle whose time has come. I wish Sierra Space all the success in the Universe! :)

[dylangtech]

I love how it looks straight out of a movie, yet there’s function in every piece of it. I really have to wonder what the public’s reaction will be once these start going up and back

[WWeronko]

1:04 The Dream Chaser vortex rocket engines are fascinating. Most liquid rocket engines the fuel and oxidizer fed through injectors and feed manifold located at the top end of the combustion chamber. Some or all the fuel is passed through tubes, channels, or in a jacket around the combustion chamber and nozzle to regeneratively cool the engine. In a vortex rocket engine in the combustion chamber liquid oxygen is fed in from the bottom of the combustion chamber and is directed into a swirling flow adjacent to the walls of the chamber. When the oxygen reaches the top of the chamber, it spirals inward to form a second swirling vortex flowing toward the exit nozzle. The fuel is injected into the inner vortex where it mixes with the oxygen and burns. Combustion occurs only in the inner vortex, so that the combustion products are isolated from the outer wall by the outer vortex. The chamber wall is exposed only to radiant heat and is kept cooled by the flow of oxygen along the wall. Only the nozzle needs to be regeneratively cooled by the LOX. As you stated this makes for a cheaper, less complex, and more reliable rocket engine. I might add the latest 1:21 information offered by SNC of Dream Chaser with the Shooting Star cargo module, shows the combination spacecraft has 26 RCS vortex thrusters including 6 aft facing thrusters on the cargo module. The bulk of forward and retro thrust will come from these engines. The solar panels on the Shoot Star block aft facing RCS thrusters on Dream Chaser until separated.

[tomgreaney]

It should look pretty spectacular, good luck to all involved

[antonnym]

Very nice reporting. I found you recently and subscribed. You pick very interesting subjects to talk about!

[komolkovathana]

2:15 Hybrid rocket is controllable (solid) booster engine, by throttable oxygen amount.!!

[michaelreid]

Good update, thanks. Are you able to get up to date photos of the human rated version of the spacecraft interior and egress path for passengers when docked

[IbnBahtuta]

I find the Dream Chaser pure eye-candy. Dan Dare would have been delighted to fly it.

[arthurwagar]

Don't know about the tech but sure do like the look of dream chaser. Hope it is a total success.

[stardolphin]

These would also be the launch abort engines. DC isn't the only one using it, but I'm still surprised that liquid-fueled engines can startup in a sufficiently short time...

[RamblingRodeo]

I cant wait for Dream Chaser to make its launch! we need more private companies having the ability to launch.

[davidboyle]

Lots of visuals showing people in DreamChaser. Except that DC won’t be flying people for years, if ever. And good luck with Vulcan.

[hawklord]

Does this rely on the B2 Bezo's rocket to launch it into LEO....

[hughwitherington]

WHEN SOMTHING LOOKS RIGHT . . . . .it usually is . . . . . . . . .

[clarencehopkins]

How is it possible Boeing win this guys contract?

[egomaniac]

This thing needs to be given nitrogen propulsion and used on the moon for transport around quickly.

[charlesastle]

the very high atmosphere of earth is somewhat similar to mars and its one percent of our atmosphere. could a dream chaser type vehicle with expanded wing area land on mars. the lighter gravity would help .... next...could low tech balloons fly on mars. . i propose a hybrid heated helium balloon. . for mars with balloons acting to relay data n . internet. ...???..
how about on earth hmm. mm .

[scottsuttan]

Bah And now for the sloww people
Copy copy copy is this all Americans know of... this is such a weak version of the Russian deal