NASA is set to test the first commercial spaceplane, Dream Chaser, constructed by Sierra Space in their own laboratories. Dream Chaser, a creation of Sierra Space, will be transported to a NASA facility in Ohio. This aircraft holds the distinction of being the world’s first commercial spaceplane. Critical tests for the spacecraft will be conducted in NASA’s laboratories to ensure that Dream Chaser can survive the Earth’s hot atmosphere. Here are the details:
The world’s first commercial spaceplane, Dream Chaser, will undergo testing in NASA’s laboratories. The initiation of these tests signifies that Dream Chaser is preparing for flights. Moreover, these tests mark a significant step toward potential commercial space travel, making it a momentous milestone in the space industry.
Sierra Space has entered into a contract with NASA, and as part of the agreement, the company aims to see the spaceplane fly to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. The world’s first commercial spaceplane is currently located at the company’s facility in Louisville, Colorado. It will soon embark on a journey of approximately 96 kilometers to the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio.
Angie Wise, Sierra Space’s Chief of Safety, stated, “We’re pretty much buttoned up. We’re buttoning up all the closure panels. We’re actually getting it ready for transport. We’ve done inspections on the landing gear. We’re going to put everything back in, stack it, and then we’ll move it out of here.”
The world’s first commercial spaceplane will stay at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility for a period of one to three months. During this time, engineers will test the spacecraft’s ability to withstand the vibrations and acoustics of a rocket launch, as well as extreme temperatures it will encounter during flight.
The spaceplane will be placed inside a massive thermal vacuum chamber. In June, Sierra Space will continue subjecting the Dream Chaser spaceplane to further tests. Following that, the company will run the spaceplane at the facility for the first time.
Dream Chaser will be tasked with missions in low Earth orbit, transporting cargo and passengers to destinations like the ISS. Once all tests are completed, the spaceplane will be launched into space atop a rocket.
Sierra Space’s engineers have designed the Dream Chaser with foldable wings that can fully extend and generate power through solar panels when the spacecraft is in flight. Additionally, the spacecraft is equipped with plates to serve as a heat shield, protecting it from high temperatures.
