Dawn of a DreamMeet the
Dream Chaser® – a
winged, lifting-body spacecraft that provides a flexible, credible, affordable
solution for ISS crew transportation and a viable path to the future of human
space flight operations for NASA, international and commercial space
applications. Dream Chaser is the product of a dynamic collaboration among
well-known, well-established industry leaders, experts and universities. SNC is
currently working with NASA's
Commercial
Crew Program to develop and configure Dream Chaser for International Space
Station servicing.
Developed under our Space Exploration Systems Product Line, we are leveraging
our long history and unrivaled record of success in developing innovative space
technology and integrated systems. We are changing how space is accessed,
explored and utilized through commercial means. Through our depth of capability
and human spaceflight expertise, SNC's Space Exploration Systems is continually
advancing systems and technologies to support the future of human
spaceflight.
The spacecraft is being refined and validated through partnership
agreements with seven NASA field centers, ensuring maximum customer insight and
access throughout the development and testing process. But then, NASA is more
than just a customer … it is a trusted partner in our endeavor to provide broad
utilization of space.
In the latest example of NASA Kennedy Space Center's transformation into a
multi-user spaceport, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) of Louisville, Colo.,
announced Thursday steps it will take to prepare for a November 2016 orbital
flight of its Dream Chaser spacecraft from Florida's Space Coast.
The announcement included the purchase of an Atlas V rocket from United
Launch Alliance (ULA) for the launch, sharing the Operations and Checkout
(O&C) development and testing facility with Lockheed Martin Space Systems,
establishing an operation center at Kennedy Space Center and using the former
Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) runway at Kennedy. The steps are considered
substantial for SNC and important to plans by NASA and Space Florida for
Kennedy's new availability to both commercial and government customers.
"Today's announcement is the latest major milestone in the transformation of
the Kennedy Space Center into a 21st century launch complex, serving both
private sector and government users," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "I
salute Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana for his leadership in
transitioning the space coast for the future, and applaud Sierra Nevada
Corporation on their decision to carry out their ground-breaking work at
Kennedy."
SNC said it plans to work with ULA to launch the company's winged Dream
Chaser spacecraft into orbit from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station.
"SNC is thrilled to confirm a launch date for our country’s return to orbital
human spaceflight and the restart of human spaceflight operations from Florida’s
Space Coast," said Mark Sirangelo, corporate vice president and head of SNC’s
Space Systems. "We could not have done this without the spirit and engagement
from our national and state governments, the best aerospace companies in the
industry, and several major universities, which all hail from over 30 states.
Together these passionate people will return our astronauts to space on American
spacecraft and rockets launched from America’s space coast right here in
Florida."
The Dream Chaser spacecraft is designed to carry crew and critical cargo to
destinations, as well as perform servicing and science in low-Earth orbit. SNC
said intends to complete Dream Chaser missions with a landing on the 3.5-mile
runway at the SLF. Space Florida, which will operate the SLF in the future, will
negotiate the terms and conditions for the runway's use with SNC.
"We are pleased to see continued growth of the State's investment into KSC
facilities like the O&C," said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. "It is
clear that the future of commercial space growth is happening right now in
Florida and we couldn't be happier to work with companies like Sierra Nevada to
realize their Florida-based expansion goals."
The company said it plans to prepare the Dream Chaser spacecraft in the high
bay of the O&C building at Kennedy, with Lockheed Martin performing the
work. The facility also is used for the development, assembly and testing of
NASA's deep space Orion spacecraft. Dream Chaser testing will take place without
disrupting Orion, NASA's flagship human exploration vehicle.
"The O&C is a state-of-the-art facility that will greatly enhance Dream
Chaser’s future operations through an innovative co-use plan with Orion," said
Vice President and General Manager, Civil Space, Lockheed Martin Space Systems,
James H. Crocker. "The result will maximize efficiency for both the Dream Chaser
spacecraft and Orion and will provide continuity for our highly trained,
motivated and certified workforce."
SNC also plans to lease office space at Exploration Park, located just
outside Kennedy’s gates.
"We have been diligent in our efforts, and I consider this a strong vote of
confidence from a company that expects to be a major force in the future of
human spaceflight," said Bob Cabana, Kennedy center director. "Sierra Nevada
Corporation will find in our workforce and facilities the same dynamic and
professional people who have made successful missions from here for more than 50
years."
Cabana said SNC's involvement with the Florida spaceport shows the conversion
to a 21st Century spaceport is succeeding, although work remains to keep the
transformation on pace.
"We are honored that Sierra Nevada Corporation has reserved a proven Atlas V
to launch its first flight test in 2016,” said Michael Gass, United Launch
Alliance president and CEO. “With 42 successful missions spanning a decade of
operational service, the commercially-developed Atlas V is uniquely qualified to
provide launch services for the Crew Transportation System. Because Atlas is
already certified by NASA to fly the nation’s most complex exploration missions,
ULA is able to provide a wealth of flight data, design implementation, detailed
system and sub-system analysis, qualification and certification documentation to
support the Atlas V for human spaceflight."
The Dream Chaser spacecraft is deep into development of flight hardware and
specific plans ranging from ground support equipment to what to include in a
mission operations center.
"I had the privilege of piloting and commanding five space shuttle flights as
a NASA astronaut," said Steve Lindsey, former NASA astronaut and SNC’s senior
director and Dream Chaser program manager. "This included the last flight of
Discovery which was processed, launched, and on March 9, 2011, made its final
landing at the SLF after 39 flights and 148 million space miles. Mark, the
entire SNC Dream Chaser team, and I look forward to seeing Dream Chaser continue
this legacy from Discovery when it flies in 2016."
For more information about Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser,
visit:
For more information about NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit:
