In a spectacular event at the Armstrong Facility, the DC-101 Tenacity stole the spotlight as it sat proudly on a towering 55-foot vertical test stack. This groundbreaking spaceplane, set to become the first privately-owned orbital space vehicle in low-Earth orbit, is the brainchild of Sierra Space. As the first commercial product manufactured by Sierra Space since its independence from Sierra Nevada Corporation, Tenacity is a true testament to their expertise in developing cutting-edge technology for space exploration.
With its compact size and remarkable capabilities, Tenacity is a spiritual successor to the iconic Space Shuttle. Drawing inspiration from a range of NASA vehicles and concepts, this spaceplane embodies the legacy of innovation in aerospace engineering. The X-20 Dyna-Soar program of the 1960s served as a pivotal influence on Tenacity’s design, particularly its lifting body construction and expendable rocket launch platform.
Throughout the years, advancements in lifting body airframes by Northrop and Martin Marieta further refined the concept of lifting body flight, contributing to the development of Tenacity. Additionally, NASA’s early 1990s concept of the HL-20, a compact spaceplane designed for missions to the International Space Station, shared striking similarities with Dream Chaser. Although the HL-20 never had the opportunity to fly, it played a significant role in shaping the future of spaceplane technology.
Sierra Space’s journey began in 2004 when a group of visionary engineers at SpaceDev, a startup aerospace firm in Southern California, unveiled their plans to create a bespoke spaceplane based on the HL-20 architecture. Collaborating with the United Launch Alliance, SpaceDev set out to construct the carrier rocket platform for their ambitious design. This partnership ultimately led to the development of the Vulcan Centaur rocket, featuring state-of-the-art technology inherited from the Apollo era.
Today, SpaceDev has merged with Sierra Space, forming a powerhouse in the aerospace industry. With seventeen years of relentless development, Tenacity has finally arrived at NASA’s esteemed Northern Ohio test facility. As it prepares to make history as the first privately-owned orbital spaceplane, Tenacity carries the hopes and dreams of a new era in space exploration.
[Photo: Sierra Space]
Sierra Space, NASA, and media personnel gathered at the Space Environmental Complex for a momentous event. Among the notable figures in attendance were Sierra Space’s CEO Tom Vice, Dr. James A. Kenyon, Director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, and Dr. Thomas Marshburn, Sierra Space’s Chief Medical Officer and former NASA astronaut. The collaboration between Marshburn and the International Space Station partners resulted in Dream Chaser securing seven resupply missions for the ISS.
During the press conference, the crowd witnessed the unveiling of Dream Chaser alongside its companion cargo module, Shooting Star. With a length of 15 feet (4.6 m) and a capacity of 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg), Shooting Star will serve as an essential conduit for delivering supplies to the crew aboard the ISS.
The spacecraft, named Tenacity, showcased its heat-resistant panels inspired by the Space Shuttle program. These panels, designed to withstand the intense friction and heat of atmospheric re-entry, covered most of Tenacity’s exterior. Additional heat absorption tiles will be added to the remaining sections before the spacecraft’s launch.
Prior to its first rendezvous with the ISS later this year, Tenacity will undergo rigorous tests at the Mechanical Vibration Facility. These tests will simulate the forces experienced during launch and re-entry, ensuring the spacecraft’s structural integrity.
Dream Chaser’s inaugural flight will be unmanned, evident from the absence of cockpit glass on DC-101. The wing design of the spacecraft, with its folded wings resembling those of US Navy jets on aircraft carriers, pays homage to the iconic Space Shuttle orbiters. Dream Chaser aims to combine the successful features of the Space Shuttle program with a more scalable and efficient production process, enabling consistent and reliable supply deliveries to the ISS.
Sierra Space plans to accomplish its first Dream Chaser rendezvous with the ISS, accompanied by Shooting Star, by the first half of 2024. Following this milestone, preparations will commence for the construction of the DC-200 series spaceplane, which will be capable of transporting human astronauts.
SIERRA SPACE: PREPARING FOR LAUNCH IN 2024
Sierra Space, the aerospace company, is making significant progress in their mission to launch the DC101 spacecraft. In collaboration with NASA, the company is currently conducting crucial vibration and acoustic tests on the spacecraft. These tests are essential to ensure the safety and success of the upcoming launch, which is expected to take place in the late spring or early summer of 2024.
The DC101 spacecraft has undergone rigorous testing to meet the highest standards set by NASA. Sierra Space is leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to guarantee a flawless launch. Once the remaining housekeeping tasks are completed, the spacecraft will be fully prepared for its momentous journey into space.
The anticipation surrounding the launch is palpable. With a timeline as ambitious as this, it’s hard not to feel excited about Sierra Space’s upcoming achievement. The company’s dedication to excellence and their collaboration with NASA are clear indicators of their commitment to success in the aerospace industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sierra Space’s progress as they work tirelessly towards their goal of launching the DC101 spacecraft. The late spring or early summer of 2024 promises to be an exciting time for space enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
