The Dream Chaser spaceplane, Tenacity, is taking shape and will be the first vehicle in our Dream Chaser fleet of orbital vehicles. Making space more accessible one innovation at a time.
#SierraSpace
#DreamChaser
#Tenacity
#DreamsWorthChasing
Today, the Sierra Space team has arrived at a profound milestone in our amazing journey - one of audacious dreaming and tenacious doing. We are now living in the Orbital Age.
Dream Chaser has arrived at NASA’s Armstrong In-Space Propulsion facility in Ohio for thermal vacuum testing. This will be its last testing phase in Ohio before it makes its way to
@NASAKennedy
in Florida.
The full-scale UBP test unit reached 77 psi before it burst, which well exceeds (+27%)
#NASA
’s recommended level of 60.8 psi (maximum operating pressure of 15.2 psi multiplied by a safety factor of four).
Full video:
@NASA_Marshall
Sierra Space has achieved a major milestone in the development of the first commercial
#space
station. The first Ultimate Burst Pressure test of our full-scale LIFE structure at
@NASA_Marshall
exceeded
#NASA
's recommended x4 safety levels by 27%.
In 2023, we delivered our first Dream Chaser spaceplane and Shooting Star cargo module to NASA. Our team also reached key milestones in developing the first commercial space station.
This is just the beginning.
We are dreamers, believers, and doers.
Here’s to 2024.
Tenacity and its cargo module are currently undergoing thermal vacuum testing at NASA’s Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. These tests are a crucial step in its journey towards the launchpad and for our mission to redefine the future of space commercialization.
Following vibration testing, Dream Chaser will be moved to the propulsion facility for thermal vacuum testing to simulates the environment the spacecraft will encounter during its mission to the
@Space_Station
.
NASA Blog:
As Sierra Space prepares Dream Chaser for missions to the International Space Station in 2023, we move another step forward in realizing our team’s mission to build a platform in space to benefit life on Earth.
The stage is set for the reveal of Dream Chaser in full launch configuration atop the world's largest vibration table at NASA's Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. More to come.
#NASA
@NASAglenn
@Space_Station
Tenacity has successfully completed its first phase of environmental testing at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. This critical phase of pre-flight testing included sine vibration testing, a separation shock test and wing deployment.
Link:
We are developing and testing “game changing softgoods expandable technology” that leverages the ability to “pack and compress” softgoods structures at launch, then deploy to utilize maximum volume for on orbit operations.
“We have arrived at a profound milestone in both our company’s journey and our industry’s future,” said CEO Tom Vice.
Tenacity, the first vehicle in the Dream Chaser fleet is complete, and will ship to NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in coming weeks.
#DreamChaser
is in advanced-stage development under a multibillion-dollar
@NASA
contract to perform cargo resupply missions to the
@Space_Station
. Dream Chaser has 3 variants leveraging flexible design & performance to address cargo, crewed or national security space needs.
Dream Chaser, Reverence, is currently in production along with its Shooting Star cargo module at our Dream Factory in Colorado. This is the second spaceplane in our Dream Chaser fleet which will help carry cargo to the
@Space_Station
.
This is the aft section of the first Dream Chaser spaceplane, where the fuel and helium tanks are located and where our cargo module will mate, helping Dream Chaser carry 12,000lbs of cargo.
It's the only commercial runway capable spaceplane, and we're readying to take flight. Get to know our multi-mission spaceplane, the Dream Chaser®.
Learn more:
#DreamChaser
#SierraSpace
We’re celebrating National Aviation Day with the Dream Chaser® spaceplane! While an astronaut can pilot Dream Chaser, our spaceplane doesn’t actually need a pilot. Learn how it’ll take flight during its first mission to the
@Space_Station
next year
Our team is preparing for the biggest-ever "burst test" of our inflatable, expandable space station technology at
@NASA_Marshall
in Dec. 2023. This will be a significant milestone for Orbital Reef, in co-development with
@BlueOrigin
.
Link:
“The last several years have required an enormous amount of tenacity by our team and no other name would have been more appropriate for our first Dream Chaser spaceplane.” – Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice.
Watch Tenacity's journey:
I spy with my little eye a Dream Chaser spaceplane looking good enough to fly! Our full-scale Dream Chaser model is now officially ready to make the drive to
#CES2022
. Stay tuned for trip updates!
#DreamChaser
#SierraSpace
The full-scale LIFE Habitat test article stands at 20.5 feet tall and is constructed of high-strength "softgoods" materials with a diameter of 27 feet when pressurized. It's supported by a 100,000 lb test core and stand for the upcoming ultimate burst pressure test.
The Sierra Space team has successfully tested our new logistics spacecraft. In just 90 minutes from call-up to deployment, our new Sierra Space Ghost technology will redefine how critical defense supplies are delivered across the globe.
Press Release:
Dream Chaser Tenacity is at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility and set to be vertically stacked in launch configuration with Shooting Star. The two vehicles will soon be subjected to the extreme conditions of launch vibrations.
Sierra Space has successfully completed its second sub-scale Ultimate Burst Pressure (UBP) test and is the only active commercial space company to successfully meet multiple UBP trials.
Press Release:
#Space
#Engineering
Dream Chaser’s journey has been meticulously documented over the last few years to create a time-lapse consisting of over 1 million still images. Our team is proud to share this journey as we prepare for launch this year.
View the full video:
Sierra Space has completed its third successful test of its inflatable LIFE Habitat. This latest assessment called an Accelerated Systematic Creep Test, exceeded
#NASA
certification requirements in Duration Test for Extended Human Missions.
Press Release:
Emboldened by our resolve, our team is pouring incredible skill and dedication into preparing the first Dream Chaser spaceplane, appropriately named “Tenacity,” for its unshakable mission: to make
#space
available to all.
Dream Chaser’s forward down thrusters will experience some of the hottest temperatures on reentry. Shown with the thermal protection system carrier plate, the thruster nozzles help guide Dream Chaser for docking with the
@Space_Station
.
Our team is finalizing preparations for the first ever, full-scale ultimate burst pressure test of our LIFE habitat this month at
@NASA_Marshall
. The test article has two metallic blanking plates to support windows and are specifically designed for maximum performance.
At
@NASA
's In-Space Propulsion Facility in Ohio, Dream Chaser will be exposed to low ambient pressures, low-background temperatures, and replicated dynamic solar heating, to simulate the environment the spacecraft will encounter during its first mission to the
@Space_Station
.
Learn how Dream Chaser flies from launch to landing for its upcoming
#NASA
CRS-2 mission to resupply the
@Space_Station
. With its unique design, Dream Chaser incurs a 1.5g re-entry before landing at
#NASA
’s Shuttle Landing Facility.
Link:
In January our team completed a performance test, swinging the Dream Chaser spaceplane's rudder through its full 60 degree rotation. The rudder which provides stability during re-entry can rotate 30 degrees to the left and to the right.
Link:
To help understand the Dream Chaser® spaceplane’s hypersonic aerodynamics before our ETA test flight in 2017, this 6% stainless steel scale model was tested at speeds up to Mach 14. The test included the use of rudder and wing actuation.
Our team is gearing up for the first-ever, full-scale LIFE Ultimate Burst Pressure (UBP). Today, the team at
@NASA_Marshall
is utilizing the legendary
#NASA
KAMAG transporter tractor to deliver the test article to a secure location on Redstone Arsenal.
We are proud to announce today a record $1.4B Series A investment of primary capital. This investment accelerates our vision of enabling humanity to build civilizations in space, while enhancing life on Earth. See full details here:
Sierra Space is dedicated to ushering in the next era of space exploration with its revolutionary fleet of Dream Chaser spaceplanes.
Under the
#NASA
CRS2 contract, the fleet (including Tenacity) will provide a minimum of seven uncrewed cargo service missions to and from the ISS.
Sierra Space has successfully completed it's first mission Flight Operations Review at
@NASA_Johnson
. The week-long review was a culmination of intensive effort in preparation for Dream Chaser's mission to the
@Space_Station
.
Link:
Our mission isn’t restricted to solely a few.
Instead, we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover, and explore beyond our planet. 🌎
When
#LEGO
Benny isn’t building a spaceship, he’s spending time at our Dream Factory to learn how the Dream Chaser spaceplane is made.
Happy
#NationalLEGODay
!
@LEGO_Group
We have successfully performed a month-long Creep test on LIFE, demonstrating the design has a predicted life far greater than 60 years.
Thanks to a Space Act Agreement with
#NASA
, we will expand our collaborative environment with
@NASA_Marshall
.
LIFE is constructed of high-strength "softgoods" materials, which become rigid when pressurized. The test article stands at 20.5 feet tall, with a diameter of 27 feet and internal volume of 10,000 cubic feet. For the UBP test, it is supported by a 100,000 lb test core and stand.
Today we launch our “Dreams Worth Chasing™” campaign. We honor those who have the courage to dream big dreams, the tenacity to chase their dreams even when others say it can’t be done, and those who achieved their dreams - changing everything.
Release:
Sierra Space has been awarded a Space Act Agreement (SAA) by
@NASA
under the second Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities (CCSC-2) initiative.
Press Release:
Dream Chaser's Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles are unique in design and differ in size, shape, thickness and density. The difference between the black and white tiles is an additive to the outer glass coating that helps to balance the heat absorbed.
Sierra Space and
#NASA
have successfully completed a joint thermal vacuum demonstration test at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. This test was performed in preparation for integrated Dream Chaser spacecraft environmental tests, planned later this year.
After spending three years on Mars,
#NASA
's Ingenuity helicopter mission has come to an end. Sierra Space is proud to have provided more than 75 mechanisms for the
#Mars
Perseverance program. Our team looks forward to supporting the next historic journey.
#ThanksIngenuity
Today we celebrate the Wright Brothers' first flight and the birth of aviation, which transcended the boundaries of our atmosphere.
Our team is driven by the same passion, as we look to make space exploration more accessible than ever.
Wings are Back.
Sierra Space gave
@NASASpaceflight
an inside look at the thermal protection system (TPS) tasked with protecting Dream Chaser, which is covered with more than two thousand individual tiles.
Read more:
Sierra Space is developing the next generation hybrid life support systems to support long-duration missions. Astro Garden is a large-scale vegetable production system that will provide crew with fresh food and deliver an alternate means to augment life support functions.
In place of a nose wheel, Tenacity uses a skid plate. This helps maximize cargo space and reduce the complexity of the system, while maintaining safety.
The stage is set! Our team has been working around the clock to prepare for Dream Chaser Tenacity's arrival at
@NASAKennedy
, offloading four semi-tractor trailers of support equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF).
#DreamChaser
can deliver up to 5,500kg cargo or carry 6 astronauts! “The Dream Chaser spaceplane is hands-down the best way home. A runway landing is the optimum solution for both humans & science.” - Dr. Janet Kavandi, former three-time NASA astronaut & Sierra Space president
Sierra Space has closed a $290 million Series B funding round, bringing the total capital raised to $1.7 billion, the largest ever by a commercial space company over the combined Series A and B rounds, elevating Sierra Space's valuation to $5.3 billion.
We remain committed to
@OrbitalReef
and to the success of
@NASA
’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program. We look forward to the continued milestone progress on the Orbital Reef program and our next successful testing campaign for softgoods space station technology.
We’re fully committed to working with NASA to ensure a continued human presence in low Earth orbit.
@SierraSpaceCo
is a big part of this effort and continues to provide deliverables for our NASA CLD Phase 1 contract. We’re all in on CLD Phase 2.
Sierra Space &
@GeneralAtomics
will develop & demonstrate an on-orbit Nuclear Thermal Propulsion system for
@DARPA
’s program called Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO).
Sierra Space has successfully tested a new 5,500 lbf hypergolic rocket engine allowing for precise control and maneuverability.
The VRM5500-H engine uses a highly innovative burner designed and developed by
@agile_space
.
Press Release:
Environmental testing has begun for the Shooting Star cargo module, which recently arrived at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. The spacecraft is undergoing comprehensive testing as it's readied for its inaugural mission to resupply the ISS.
Our team's groundbreaking milestone is just the beginning as we push the limits of technology to develop the world's first commercial
#spacestation
. In the coming years, we will test designs that could surpass the size of the ISS in a single launch.
Sierra Space is building the next generation of space transportation systems, in-space infrastructure & destinations that will enable humanity to build & sustain thriving civilizations beyond Earth. Imagine what’s next with us at
#CES2022
booth CP-13.
#DreamChaser
#LIFEhab
Yesterday, our team welcomed members of the news media to see Dream Chaser stacked in launch configuration for the first time at NASA's Neil Armstrong Test Facility. The spaceplane is loaded on the world's largest shake table and being exposed to launch-like vibrations.
More than a decade ago we bid farewell to an icon of spaceflight.
On July 21, 2011, the last space shuttle mission landed at
@NASAKennedy
.
We are dedicated to bringing the runway back to life with Dream Chaser, for the future of space exploration.
Sierra Space and
@Spaceport_NM
announced today the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement adds the world-class NM spaceport to a portfolio of potential global landing sites for the Dream Chaser® spaceplane.
Link:
Our team proud to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts as we encourage young professionals to pursue careers that will help shape the future of
#space
.
Today, we celebrate National STEM/STEAM Day.
Sierra Space will be creating the world’s first fully integrated commercial human spaceflight center and astronaut training academy, led by Dr.
@JanetKavandi
.
Press Release:
Sierra Space has been awarded a $740M prime contract by
@SemperCitiusSDA
to build 18 missile warning and tracking satellites for national security, growing the company's backlog to $1.3B for classified programs.
Press Release:
Our team successfully completed a fifth, sub-scale test of the revolutionary LIFE habitat at
@NASA_Marshall
. This test article included a blanking plate and allows the team to move onto full-scale testing of the LIFE product line development.
Link:
Our team has completed the first ever, full-scale ultimate burst pressure test for our commercial space station at
@NASA_Marshall
. We look forward to sharing more in January 2024.
YouTube:
Our first full-scale ultimate burst pressure test exceeded
#NASA
's recommended x4 safety levels by 27%. This year our team will conduct additional structural tests of our pressure shell as we continue to develop the world’s first commercial space station.
Inside the low bay of the Space Station Processing Facility at
@NASAKennedy
in FL, workers assisted as the Dream Chaser pressure test article was lowered by crane for its move into the high bay on June 3, 2020.
Credit:
#NASA
#SierraSpaceHistory
#Space
#Florida
Sierra Space has been recognized in Built In's 2024 Best Places to Work Awards, highlighting the 100 Best Large Places to Work in Colorado. The awards program honors companies that offer the best compensation packages, total rewards and culture programs.
Space. The final frontier.
And also, a place where anybody can go. Out of 7.9 billion people on Earth, there are only 14 living and working in space.
We're going to change all that. This is the dream that we had when we launched
#SierraSpace
, after all, space is for everyone.
Sierra Space has secured a contract by
@DARPA
for the 10-year Lunar Architecture capability study. This study intends to integrating oxygen extraction, electrical storage and hydrogen-oxygen engine technology into an architecture on the Moon's surface.
Dream Chaser wouldn’t be on the verge of changing our relationship with
#space
without hard work and dedication.
Learn how the spaceplane’s pivotal 2017 test flight, set us on the path to achieve our goal of opening low-Earth orbit to everyone:
At Sierra Space the countdown clock has already started.
Preparing for the actual moment - go for launch.
This is mission control.
Video:
#DreamChaser
#Space
#Video
Sierra Space hosted its first-ever official Dream Chaser training for astronauts, Jasmin Moghbeli (
@NASA
) and Satoshi Furukawa (
@JAXA_en
), of the upcoming
#SpaceX
Crew-7 mission to the
@Space_Station
.
Press Release:
Sierra Space is a leading, pureplay commercial space company at the forefront of innovation and the commercialization of space in the Orbital Age™, building an end-to-end business and technology platform in space to benefit life on Earth.
Video:
Some may say that our dreams of inhabiting
#space
are audacious but we’ve never shied away from a challenge.
We will open space up to millions of people to explore, discover, and learn.
Our Purpose:
She’s got her bags packed & ready to go! Our full-scale Dream Chaser spaceplane model has officially begun the road trip to Las Vegas for
#CES2022
. We’re excited to make our big debut
@CES
Jan. 5th!
#DreamChaser
#SierraSpace
This investment will also support development of our Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) Habitat, a modular, 3-story habitation, business & science platform.
#DreamChaser
& LIFE are critical components of the
#OrbitalReef
space station.