Sierra Space's Dream Chaser Progresses Towards NASA's Space Station Resupply Mission - written by Harsha varthini.B (B-Tech AI&DS)

NASA and Sierra Space are advancing the development of the Dream Chaser spacecraft for its inaugural flight to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's commercial resupply services. The uncrewed cargo spaceplane, slated for a 2024 demonstration mission, plays a pivotal role in NASA's efforts to enhance resupply capabilities to the orbital complex.

Dream Chaser and Shooting Star:

Manufactured by Sierra Space in Louisville, Colorado, the Dream Chaser cargo system comprises two key components: the reusable Dream Chaser spacecraft and the single-use Shooting Star cargo module. Adapted from NASA's HL-20 spacecraft, Dream Chaser, a lifting-body spacecraft, is designed for up to 15 reuses. Its cargo module companion, Shooting Star, facilitates the transportation and disposal of both pressurized and unpressurized cargo to and from the space station.

 

Launching atop a ULA Vulcan Centaur rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Dream Chaser will unfold its wings after reaching orbit, deploying solar arrays during its autonomous rendezvous with the space station. Engineered for a rapid 24-hour turnaround in case of a launch scrub, Dream Chaser's mission is to certify its capabilities through in-orbit demonstrations for future ISS missions.

Mission Overview:

Sierra Space's Dream Chaser will undergo thorough monitoring by teams at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center, and the Dream Chaser Mission Control Center during its first flight. The mission involves both far-field and near-field demonstrations, focusing on attitude control, translational maneuvers, abort capabilities, LIDAR sensor activation, response to space station commands, and precise station approach.

Following these demonstrations, Dream Chaser will move towards the space station, allowing a station crew member to grapple its cargo module using the Canadarm2 robotic arm. After successful integration, the spacecraft is set to deliver over 7,800 pounds of cargo on its maiden voyage, with future missions targeting longer stays and increased cargo capacity.

Return to Earth:

Dream Chaser is expected to remain attached to the space station for approximately 45 days before detachment using Canadarm2. Its unique re-entry method involves gliding through Earth's atmosphere, akin to NASA's space shuttle, making it the first spacecraft to land at Kennedy's Launch and Landing Facility since 2011. The craft is equipped to land within 11 to 15 hours, contingent upon favorable weather conditions meeting specific criteria.

Upon landing, Dream Chaser will be transferred to the Space System Processing Facility for inspections, unloading of remaining cargo, and preparations for subsequent missions. Sierra Space, chosen as NASA's third commercial cargo resupply spacecraft in 2016, continues to play a vital role in advancing space station resupply capabilities.