SNC Dream Chaser spaceplane (major update)

[Dr Mordrid]

Dream Chaser Rolls Through Ground Tests

Published on Aug 13, 2013

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) put its Dream Chaser flight vehicle through a series of ground tests at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The 10, 20, 40 and 60 mile per hour range and taxi tow tests along concrete runways are helping the company assess the performance of the winged vehicle's braking and landing systems. SNC's ongoing development work supports its funded Space Act Agreement with NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) during the agency's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) phase. SNC currently is one of three companies working with NASA during CCiCap to return a national capability to launch astronauts to low-Earth orbit from U.S. soil.

image.jpg

[Dr Mordrid]

Closing in fast on a drop-glide-landing test at NASA's Dryden test facility. Aftrr s few of those crews will commence atmospheric tests, both unpowered and under dual hybrid rocket power.

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser® Takes Flight at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center

Sparks, NV – August 22, 2013 – Today Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser® spacecraft successfully completed a full-scale captive-carry test. The test in which the Dream Chaser was carried under an Erickson Air-Crane helicopter was conducted at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif.

The captive-carry test was performed in order to test and validate several of the Dream Chaser systems and sub-systems prior to the upcoming free-flight test. The software tested included: flight computer; guidance, navigation and control; aero surfaces; and the landing gear and nose skid, which was deployed during flight. In May 2012, SNC performed a similar, but less extensive, captive-carry test in Broomfield, Colo., under the Commercial Crew Development 2 (CCDev2) agreement with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

“Today is the first time we have flown a fully functional Dream Chaser spacecraft, and we are very pleased with the results,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “Our team represents the very best in collaboration between industry and government. We have worked closely with NASA, Dryden and the Air Force to reach this important milestone in our flight test program. We will continue to work together to prepare for the approach-and-landing free-flight test. We look forward to seeing Dream Chaser land on the same runway as the space shuttle orbiters once did as we move forward in the development of the next-generation crew transportation vehicle.”

The captive-carry test is just one in a series of tests completed at Dryden. To date, the Dream Chaser team has completed ground taxi- and tow-tests, evaluated the performance of the main landing gear and completed a flight test readiness review. All systems have been verified and the Dream Chaser flight vehicle will undergo final preparations for the upcoming approach-and-landing test (ALT) scheduled for fall 2013.

"It's great to see real American-made hardware taking flight right here in the U.S.," said Ed Mango, CCP manager. "This is just the start of an exciting flight test campaign for SNC's Dream Chaser at Dryden."

SNC is one of three companies funded under NASA’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative to develop a next-generation crew transportation vehicle and the only reusable, lifting body vehicle with runway landing capability. The Dream Chaser space vehicle is on the forefront of the commercial human spaceflight industry, offering safe, reliable, and cost-effective crew and critical cargo transportation to low-Earth orbit.

http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=563

[Dr Mordrid]

Closing in fast on a drop-glide-landing test at NASA's Dryden test facility. Aftrr s few of those crews will commence atmospheric tests, both unpowered and under dual hybrid rocket power.

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser® Takes Flight at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center

Sparks, NV – August 22, 2013 – Today Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Dream Chaser® spacecraft successfully completed a full-scale captive-carry test. The test in which the Dream Chaser was carried under an Erickson Air-Crane helicopter was conducted at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, Calif.

The captive-carry test was performed in order to test and validate several of the Dream Chaser systems and sub-systems prior to the upcoming free-flight test. The software tested included: flight computer; guidance, navigation and control; aero surfaces; and the landing gear and nose skid, which was deployed during flight. In May 2012, SNC performed a similar, but less extensive, captive-carry test in Broomfield, Colo., under the Commercial Crew Development 2 (CCDev2) agreement with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

“Today is the first time we have flown a fully functional Dream Chaser spacecraft, and we are very pleased with the results,” said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems. “Our team represents the very best in collaboration between industry and government. We have worked closely with NASA, Dryden and the Air Force to reach this important milestone in our flight test program. We will continue to work together to prepare for the approach-and-landing free-flight test. We look forward to seeing Dream Chaser land on the same runway as the space shuttle orbiters once did as we move forward in the development of the next-generation crew transportation vehicle.”

The captive-carry test is just one in a series of tests completed at Dryden. To date, the Dream Chaser team has completed ground taxi- and tow-tests, evaluated the performance of the main landing gear and completed a flight test readiness review. All systems have been verified and the Dream Chaser flight vehicle will undergo final preparations for the upcoming approach-and-landing test (ALT) scheduled for fall 2013.

"It's great to see real American-made hardware taking flight right here in the U.S.," said Ed Mango, CCP manager. "This is just the start of an exciting flight test campaign for SNC's Dream Chaser at Dryden."

SNC is one of three companies funded under NASA’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative to develop a next-generation crew transportation vehicle and the only reusable, lifting body vehicle with runway landing capability. The Dream Chaser space vehicle is on the forefront of the commercial human spaceflight industry, offering safe, reliable, and cost-effective crew and critical cargo transportation to low-Earth orbit.

http://www.sncorp.com/press_more_info.php?id=563

[Dr Mordrid]

Video of the DC captive carry flight, a rehersal for an actual 14,000 ft drop-glide test.

The tiny drogue chute is to keep DC aligned at speeds too low for its control surfaces to have sufficient authority. Later high altitude drops (50,000 ft +/-) will be done, carrier aircraft unlnown, including some with a crew and under rocket power to much higher altitudes.

[Dr Mordrid]

Coming out from embargo -

Weather permitting, a second Dream Chaser ETA (Engineering Test Article) captive carry is immenant and then the free-flying drop test will happen within the next 10 days.

Dream Chaser ETA will drop from a Skycrane helicopter, then maneuver to an autonomous runway landing at NASA's Dryden flight test center. The flight should last about 30 seconds.

There have been rumors that if something goes amiss a parachute system will activate and bring her down. Unconfirmed.

SNC & NASA Dryden staff are in place and the Skycrane helicopter is ready. So far preps are going smoothly.

Also, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works are constructing the Dream Chaser Flight Test Article (FTA), which will do piloted glide and rocket powered atmospheric flights. Skunk Works is Lockheed Martin's advanced and top-secret fabricator.

[Dr Mordrid]

Free flight rescheduled to Saturday - incoming suits from DC & corporate.

[Dr Mordrid]

Official:

The debut orbital launch of Dream Chaser on an Atlas V HR (human rated) is November 2016. They'll be using Lockheed Martin's space inside the O&C, right next to NASA's Orion.

[Dr Mordrid]

The new Dream Chaser team member is Teledyne Brown Engineering.

Dream Chaser will have 3 mission configurations, shown in the image at bottom.

http://www.sncspace.com/press_more_info.php?id=386

Sierra Nevada Corporation Expands Work in Huntsville with*
Marshall Space Flight Center and Teledyne Brown Engineering for*
Dream Chaser Advanced Development Applications

Sparks, Nev., March 11, 2014 –*Sierra Nevada Corporation*(SNC) announces the expansion of its*Dream Chaser® program team and scope of work in Huntsville, Ala., with the signing of a Space Act Agreement (SAA) Annex with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and a Teaming Agreement with Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE).

During today’s press conference at MSFC,*Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s Space Systems, presented details of the two new agreements that advance the Dream Chaser spacecraft to enable science payload operations and technology development in support of continued growth and utilization of space and the International Space Station (ISS).*

Sirangelo outlined the substantial contribution each partner will make towards the Dream Chaser Advanced Development program. Sirangelo stated, “Today we are pleased to announce that we are increasing our presence in Alabama by expanding our relationship with theMarshall Space Flight Center*and adding Teledyne Brown Engineering to our growing Dream Chaser team. Each of these organizations provide experts in their respective fields and have already begun applying their invaluable knowledge and experience. We will work together to evaluate future low-Earth orbit (LEO) mission concepts for the Dream Chaser in the area of scientific payload operations with the goal of enhancing and enabling science in LEO. We are honored they are joining our already dynamic list of partners – our *“Dream Team” - which now includes over 15 companies, seven NASA centers and a growing list of universities.* The team spans more than 30 states and several countries with the common goal of furthering the development of the multi-mission Dream Chaser spacecraft.”

SNC’s Space System’s Advanced Development group is responsible for overseeing the multi-mission capability of the Dream Chaser spacecraft which includes crew-capable LEO servicing, science and transportation missions. The inherent capabilities of the reusable Dream Chaser lifting body spacecraft, as illustrated by its low-g reentry and runway landing, make it an ideal vehicle to support a variety of LEO missions.

SNC selected MSFC’s Mission Operations Laboratory (MOL), an authority in mission operations for science payloads aboard the ISS, to collaborate with SNC’s engineers to evaluate Design Reference Missions, operations planning, training and mission execution for utilizing the Dream Chaser as a platform to complement and support science being performed on the ISS.*

“We are glad to share the knowledge and expertise we’ve gained through our decades of experience with payload development for space shuttle missions and operating and maintaining science research on the International Space Station,” said Patrick Scheuermann, Marshall director. “We have enjoyed a successful partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation for more than two years and look forward to continued collaboration.”

The MOL is run by a dedicated team of civil servants and experienced commercial contractors led by*Teledyne Brown Engineering, a close partner to SNC. Under the Teaming Agreement, SNC and TBE are working together to evaluate strategic and technical partnership opportunities for the Dream Chaser Advanced Development team and other space systems collaborations.

“We are very pleased to team with Sierra Nevada Corporation in the development of the Dream Chaser,” said Rex D. Geveden, executive vice president, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated.* “This is an exceptional opportunity to apply our capabilities in payload development and integration to an exciting new space transportation system.”

SNC signed its first Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Marshall Center in 2012 leveraging MSFC’s expertise and resources to perform wind tunnel testing on various configurations of the Dream Chaser/United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch stack in MSFC’s trisonic wind tunnel lab. The data generated from the series of tests helped define the vehicles’ aerodynamic characteristics in flight.

SNC*opened its Huntsville office on Perimeter Parkway in 2011 and occupies hangar space at the Huntsville airport. In addition to the many subcontracts supported throughout the state of Alabama, SNC operates three of its six business areas in Huntsville, including Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management, Integrated Mission Systems, and Space Systems, which leads its Dream Chaser thermal protection system development in Huntsville.

[Dr Mordrid]

From the European Space Agency (ESA) Bulletin #157, re: Dream Chaser

Sounds like they're serious about collaborating on a non-Russian space access option.

http://esamultimedia.esa.int/multime...ile/index.html

ESA - DC summary on page 67

Page 90....

International Berthing Docking Mechanism (IBDM)

The mechanical design of the IBDM data package continues. The avionic architecture definition has been completed and the new electro-mechanical actuators and the mechanism lock-down system have been tested. The Sierra Nevada Corporation confirmed their interest in the use of the IBDM on their Dream Chaser vehicle. Technical exchanges over the features of the IBDM and the main aspects of the mechanism to vehicle interface took place in December.
>
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Operation Avionics Subsystem (OAS)

The SRR for the cockpit mock-up was performed on 15 November. A set of activities based on the work performed in the OAS was discussed with the Sierra Nevada Corp. for application in the development of Dream Chaser. These include cockpit layout definition, displays (based on X-38/CRV programmes), simulators, certification of software and electronic procedures.

[Dr Mordrid]

News report from Michoud, Louisiana, which is where Sierra Nevada and Lockheed Martin will be building the Dream Chaser spaceplane fleet,

[Dr Mordrid]

YAY!! 3 days early!

Video on the way.

An orbital test flight on Atlas V should come in the next year so Dream Chaser can enter cargo service to ISS. It can also fly on Falcon 9/Heavy and Ariane 5. Ariane 6 is unknown. Vulcan and New Glenn are likely.

The United Nations is working on a Dream Chaser mission, flying payloads for member nations without the resources to fly on commercial flights, and the German DLR is working on DC4EU - a project to use Dream Chaser for EU flights.

Sierra Nevada Corp ✔@SierraNevCorp
SNC is proud to announce the Dream Chaser® spacecraft had a successful free-flight test today @EdwardsAFB, with support of @NASAArmstrong. The Dream Chaser had a beautiful flight and landing!
8:43 PM - Nov 11, 2017

[Umfriend]

So two wheels nearer to the end of the fuselage, but was i thing in front that it lands on?

[MultimediaMan]

So two wheels nearer to the end of the fuselage, but was i thing in front that it lands on?

The front nose skid.

The Scaled Composites Spaceship One uses a similar arrangement. It saves a lot of space and weight. If you look at the diagrams, the Pressurized compartment is a cylinder. Putting a nose wheel in the front of the vehicle would cause an impingement into the cylinder, which is not ideal.

Engineers in general like to keep things as simple as possible for the requirements. Antoine Saint-Exupery said it best: "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

[Umfriend]

But how does that not damage the tarmac? I guess it can be done, the Me163 had it as well IIRC, but still...

[MultimediaMan]

The tip of the skid has a polymer wear strip; it's actually a pretty good sized piece of material.