Sierra Nevada and Stratolaunch study new Dream Chaser launch option
Posted: Sat, Oct 4, 2014, 10:44 AM ET (1444 GMT)
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Stratolaunch Systems announced this week that they two companies have been studying developing a modified version of the Dream Chaser spacecraft that could fly on Stratolaunch's vehicle. In the proposal the two companies are considering, a version of Dream Chaser 75 percent the size of SNC's original design would be launched by Stratolaunch's air-launch system, carrying two or three people, or cargo, into orbit. The companies said the design is technically feasible, but no decision has been made to proceed with its development. Stratolaunch Systems, funded by Paul Allen, plans to make the first launch of its launch system in 2018, with test flights of the larger carrier aircraft slated to begin in 2016. SNC, which failed to win a NASA commercial crew award last month, is examining what it calls "strategic options" for the program while also filing a protest with the Government Accountability Office about the NASA awards.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Stratolaunch Systems announced this week that they two companies have been studying developing a modified version of the Dream Chaser spacecraft that could fly on Stratolaunch's vehicle. In the proposal the two companies are considering, a version of Dream Chaser 75 percent the size of SNC's original design would be launched by Stratolaunch's air-launch system, carrying two or three people, or cargo, into orbit. The companies said the design is technically feasible, but no decision has been made to proceed with its development. Stratolaunch Systems, funded by Paul Allen, plans to make the first launch of its launch system in 2018, with test flights of the larger carrier aircraft slated to begin in 2016. SNC, which failed to win a NASA commercial crew award last month, is examining what it calls "strategic options" for the program while also filing a protest with the Government Accountability Office about the NASA awards.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, September 10
Axiom Space, ESA Partner On Innovation, LEO Access
Aviation Week — 12:59 am ET (0459 GMT) Eutelsat Taps Airbus and Aerospacelab for OneWeb and IRIS² Satellites
ViaSatellite — 12:57 am ET (0457 GMT) Eutelsat Readies Another OneWeb Top-Up Order With Airbus
Aviation Week — 12:57 am ET (0457 GMT) Eutelsat selects Arianespace for two launches to support the renewal of its OneWeb constellation
Arianespace — 12:57 am ET (0457 GMT) Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 16th Electron Mission Of The Year, Solidifies Status as World’s Leading Small Launch Provider
Rocket Lab — 12:56 am ET (0456 GMT) |
