Dream Chaser: Development of the spaceplane continues despite uncertain future
Originally, the Dream Chaser was due to fly transport missions to the ISS this year. That won't happen, but tests for a first mission in late 2026 are underway.
Dream Chaser in tow test
(Image: Sierra Space)
The Dream Chaser, described as an unofficial successor to the Space Shuttle, has completed a series of critical tests in recent days in preparation for the first mission of this spaceplane. This was reported by the US space company Sierra Space, which developed and built this unmanned space transporter. After passing the test for a cargo mission earlier this year test for a cargo mission, the Dream Chaser was scheduled to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) in mid-2025, but this did not happen. Sierra Space is now targeting the fourth quarter of 2026 for the first mission of this spacecraft.
During the recent tests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the spaceplane was checked for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). According to company statements According to company statements, this confirms “the spacecraft's ability to operate in expected electromagnetic environments during various missions.” In addition, communication between ground stations and the space transporter was tested, with the Dream Chaser receiving commands via a satellite network and telemetry data being exchanged.
Test for landing as well
Furthermore, the spaceplane underwent rigorous tow tests. The Dream Chaser was pulled by a truck at high speeds to simulate and validate dynamics and navigation parameters during autonomous landing. During one of the first landing attempts in 2013, the private space transporter made a crash landing. Finally, the process after a successful landing was tested, securing the spacecraft and potentially sensitive payloads.
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In concept and appearance, the Dream Chaser resembles the Space Shuttle. It is a reusable spacecraft that is launched into space by a rocket and lands on a runway like an airplane at the end of its mission when returning to Earth. However, the Dream Chaser is unmanned and significantly smaller than the Space Shuttle. It is 9 meters long, and its upward-angled wings have a span of 7 meters. For comparison, the Space Shuttles were over 37 meters long and had a wingspan of almost 24 meters.
No more ISS missions needed
Originally, the Dream Chaser was supposed to carry out transport missions to the ISS after the Space Shuttle program was discontinued. However, in 2014, NASA commissioned SpaceX and Boeing. Sierra Space protested against this, but in early 2015, the protest against the award to Boeing and SpaceX was rejected. Although NASA had planned seven ISS flights for the Dream Chaser starting in 2021, reports NASASpaceflight, this was postponed several times. The flights were ultimately removed from the NASA contract. What remains is a test flight into orbit, far from the ISS. Furthermore, the end of ISS transport missions is foreseeable, as the space station's operation will cease in 2030. The ISS is scheduled to crash into the Pacific in January 2031.
Nevertheless, the Dream Chaser is scheduled to launch into low Earth orbit for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2026 and land in California at the end of this test flight. However, the future of the spaceplane remains unclear. “We are in active discussions with many stakeholders about the potential use of the vehicle as a national asset and beyond,” Sierra Space stated in response to a query from NASASpaceflight. The change in the NASA contract allows the company to offer alternative missions, including military use.
(fds)
