Sierra Space, a Colorado-based company, is set to launch the world's first commercial spaceplane, the Dream Chaser, later in 2024. This unmanned mission aims to deliver over 7,800 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) in low Earth orbit. Designed for horizontal runway landings similar to NASA's retired Space Shuttles, the Dream Chaser has undergone extensive testing, including shock and temperature resistance trials at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio.
The Dream Chaser, part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program initiated in 2011, distinguishes itself as the only spaceplane under this initiative, alongside competitors like SpaceX and Boeing. SpaceX has already achieved significant milestones with its Crew Dragon spacecraft, while Boeing continues to face delays with its Starliner craft.
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser is integral to NASA's strategy of outsourcing ISS transport solutions to private companies, reducing dependency on foreign space agencies. The spaceplane is scheduled to be transferred to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for its upcoming mission. Upon completion of its cargo delivery, Dream Chaser will return to Earth, demonstrating its reusable technology by landing on a runway. This mission presents a pivotal advancement in commercial spaceflight, marking a transition from development to operational status in orbital operations.