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DreamChaser spaceplane update
Adding credibility to their statements is that Sierra Nevada got the largest share of a $50 million CCDev Space Act grant just for the development of DreamChaser.
Ain't she purdy?
DC could launch on an Atlas V, Delta IV or a Falcon 9 or Falcon 9 Heavy. She's based on the HL-20 that NASA originally planned to be the crew-taxi backup for the Shuttle if it had to be grounded, but it was canceled when Congress cut their funds. NASA sold the concept to SpaceDev, which was later acquired by proven space systems developer Sierra Nevada. Along with all of NASA's stuff they also got an HL-20, so they aren't starting from zero. In fact they started 2-3 years ago with modernizing its systems and materials.
Prime partner: Lockheed Martin
Flight Global.....
credit: Sierra Nevada / caption: Sierra Nevada's Dreamchaser docks with the International Space Station
In the picture above Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dreamchaser reusable vehicle concept docks with the International Space Station. Of NASA's five Commercial Crew Development initiative funded space act agreements announced on 2 February Sierra Nevada won the largest sum, $20 million out of a total fund of $50 million
Sierra Nevada's Mark Sirangelo told Hyperbola: "We are planning to mature our rocket motor system and develop an early prototype drop test vehicle under this programme and supplementing it with our own resources. It is only an eight month programme in its current form. Our programme goal is to have a usable orbital vehicle in service by 2014. The vehicle will take seven crew and critical cargo to and from [low Earth orbit] destinations and be able to land on a 3,000m [9,800ft] runway. Our team consists of seven prominent space companies and universities all with considerable experience."
Ain't she purdy?
DC could launch on an Atlas V, Delta IV or a Falcon 9 or Falcon 9 Heavy. She's based on the HL-20 that NASA originally planned to be the crew-taxi backup for the Shuttle if it had to be grounded, but it was canceled when Congress cut their funds. NASA sold the concept to SpaceDev, which was later acquired by proven space systems developer Sierra Nevada. Along with all of NASA's stuff they also got an HL-20, so they aren't starting from zero. In fact they started 2-3 years ago with modernizing its systems and materials.
Prime partner: Lockheed Martin
Flight Global.....
credit: Sierra Nevada / caption: Sierra Nevada's Dreamchaser docks with the International Space Station
In the picture above Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dreamchaser reusable vehicle concept docks with the International Space Station. Of NASA's five Commercial Crew Development initiative funded space act agreements announced on 2 February Sierra Nevada won the largest sum, $20 million out of a total fund of $50 million
Sierra Nevada's Mark Sirangelo told Hyperbola: "We are planning to mature our rocket motor system and develop an early prototype drop test vehicle under this programme and supplementing it with our own resources. It is only an eight month programme in its current form. Our programme goal is to have a usable orbital vehicle in service by 2014. The vehicle will take seven crew and critical cargo to and from [low Earth orbit] destinations and be able to land on a 3,000m [9,800ft] runway. Our team consists of seven prominent space companies and universities all with considerable experience."
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