Sierra Space's Dream Chaser: Know all about the future of the ISS transportation services

Aero company Sierra is doubling down on development of its Dream Chaser plane which will be used for NASA’s resupply missions. Meant to launch in 2023, Dream Chaser will take flight under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract for seven cargo missions to and from ISS. Recently, company shared an update on craft's delivery and offered glimpses of  commercial runway-capable flying machine.

Introducing Dream Chaser

company is ramping up Dream Chaser's development before NASA's resupply missions to station that starts in 2023. According to Sierra , ir plane can accommodate more than 5,500 kg of supplies and equipment and is capable of gentle 1.5G runway landings, ideal for precious cargo, especially human passengers. Apart from heavy lifting of cargo, craft has a configuration intended for seven passengers and is compatible with a wide array of current and future launch vehicles.

( Dream Chaser proto; Im: Sierra )

Measuring 30 feet, or 9 meters long, Dream Chaser is roughly a quarter of  total length of shuttle orbiters. company also claims that  craft is designed for high reusability as it provides quick turnarounds between missions at a relatively low cost. Furr, craft is also being touted as a flexible option for reliable transportation for its ability to liftoff and land on top of different launch vehicles and a variety of runways. 

"After leaving station, Dream Chaser Cargo System also offers disposal services via Shooting Star transport vehicle," Sierra says. "Once separated from Dream Chaser, Shooting Star burns up safely in Earth’s atmosphere."

  craft is also being me flexible for customisation as it can be shaped accordingly for both domestic and international customers on factors such as vehicle configuration, launch site, destination, landing site, duration, and a host of or variables. 

Once Sierra is rey for frequent launches, it would also use Dream Chaser for transportation services to Orbital Reef, a commercial station that company is jointly building with Blue Origin and or partners.