SIERRA SPACE’S DREAM CHASER SPACEPLANE ACHIEVES KEY NASA TEST MILESTONE
On February 3, 2025, Sierra Space, located in Louisville, Colorado, announced the successful completion of its Joint Test 10B with NASA. This important milestone marks significant progress in the testing of the Dream Chaser spaceplane, which is designed to transport cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).
The latest test was critical in demonstrating the capabilities of the Dream Chaser. Key functionalities such as powering on, air cooling, and data exchange with multiple powered payloads within its pressurized cabin were successfully validated. These features are essential for the spacecraft’s role in upcoming ISS resupply missions.
Pablo Gonzalez, Sierra Space’s vice president of crew and cargo transportation systems, commented, "Tests like these are essential demonstrations of the Dream Chaser’s capabilities, confirming our ability to manage specialized payloads including vital scientific research that will be key to our ISS missions."
During the test, engineers assessed three specific payloads set to fly on Dream Chaser’s inaugural mission, known as DCC-1:
- Polar: A cryogenic preservation system created by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and operated by NASA’s Cold Stowage Lab. It is intended for storing scientific samples aboard the ISS and visiting spacecraft at temperatures between -95°C and +10°C.
- Powered Ascent Utility Locker (PAUL): Developed by Space Tango, this payload facility supports two CubeLab experiments that require power during launch, primarily for biological research involving cell and tissue cultures.
- NASA’s Single Stowage Locker: A standardized storage system for various experiments and payloads on the Dream Chaser.
Anne Currin, director of mission management at Space Tango, mentioned, "Space Tango’s recent integration tests with the Sierra Space Dream Chaser were successful, and all teams were pleased with the results. We appreciate Sierra Space’s efforts in preparing both the vehicle and Space Tango for a successful flight as we move towards our maiden launch, aimed at enhancing payload delivery to the ISS."
As development progresses, the Dream Chaser looks to become a vital asset in commercial spaceflight, effectively supporting missions that contribute to significant scientific advancement onboard the ISS.
