Sierra Space Dream Chaser DISCUSSION Thread (was SNC)

[meekGee]

Because Drsgon was so reliable there wasn't urgency in NASA for alternative so they weren't worried about delays with Starliner.

Turns out,  there was/is an unreliable element of the Dragon, just one that isn’t technical.

Now that this problem has been demonstrated, it will be addressed in an appropriate way.

The appropriate way being a twitter fight?

[Skye]

Because Drsgon was so reliable there wasn't urgency in NASA for alternative so they weren't worried about delays with Starliner.

Turns out,  there was/is an unreliable element of the Dragon, just one that isn�t technical.

You mean like POTUS trying to cancel Dragon contract?

Yes. Quite literally, figuratively, etc. etc., that.

[StraumliBlight]

Ars Technica: Is the Dream Chaser space plane ever going to launch into orbit? [Aug 4]

First mission may not berth with ISS

According to one source, Sierra is considering a modification to its first mission to shorten the certification period.

The company had planned to fly the vehicle close enough to the space station such that it could be captured and berthed to the orbiting laboratory. One option now under consideration is a mission that would bring Dream Chaser close enough to the station to test key elements of the vehicle in flight but not have it berth.

This would increase confidence in the spacecraft's propulsion system and provide the data NASA and partner space agencies need to clear the vehicle to approach and berth with the station on its second flight. However, this would require a modification of the company's contract with NASA, and a final decision has not yet been reached on whether to perform a flyby mission before an actual berthing.

It appears highly unlikely that Dream Chaser will be ready for its debut spaceflight this year for these technical reasons. Another challenge is the availability of its Vulcan launch vehicle. After years of delays, Vulcan is finally due to make its first national security launch as early as this coming Sunday. Assuming this launch is successful, Vulcan has a busy manifest in the coming months for the US Space Force.

[vt_hokie]

I thought we were home free once it got to Cape Canaveral! Then I started hearing about tow tests and other system tests, and thought, do they really mean with the orbital vehicle that was sent there for final launch preps? Seems there's a long way to go yet and a lot of uncertainty. Would be a shame to get this close and not make it to ISS!

[JAFO]

We can wait. Do it right.

[vt_hokie]

We can wait.

But not too much longer or there won't be an ISS to service when it gets there!

[Tomness]

We can wait.

But not too much longer or there won't be an ISS to service when it gets there!

Matters not Destination but the Journey. Axiom, Vast & Blue Reef. Just send it 😆