Star Wars fans, rejoice! Sierra Space has developed a real-life spacecraft that looks like it came straight out of the Star Wars universe. The new Dream Chaser spacecraft is preparing for its maiden journey to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting development.
Dream Chaser Prepares for Its First Mission
The first member of the Dream Chaser fleet, named Tenacity, has undergone “rigorous environmental testing” at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. Its inaugural flight will test its cargo-carrying capacity to the International Space Station (ISS). However, the company has future plans to transport human astronauts as well. Before its first mission, scheduled for September, Tenacity will undergo several more tests and will be attached to United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket.
Under a contract with NASA, Dream Chaser is set to perform seven cargo missions to the ISS. This spacecraft offers an innovative alternative to SpaceX’s Dragon cargo vehicle. Unlike other spacecraft that rely on large parachutes, Dream Chaser can glide back to Earth and land on any 10,000-foot (3-kilometer) runway. Additionally, it boasts the distinction of being the first spaceplane built by the private sector.
Unique Features and Future Prospects
Currently, the Star Wars-inspired Dream Chaser is surrounded by heat shields for protection during re-entry and needs to be connected to the expendable cargo module known as Shooting Star. While Sierra Space has not specified the exact duration of the preparation process for the first launch in September, they have ambitious targets set for this date.
The design of Dream Chaser bears a striking resemblance to the T-47 Airspeeder from the Star Wars universe. Its aerodynamic structure allows it to glide through the atmosphere and land on runways. Moreover, the multifunctionality of Dream Chaser mirrors the versatility of many spacecraft in the Star Wars films. For instance, the Empire’s Lambda-class T-4a shuttle is used for both cargo and personnel transport, and Dream Chaser offers similar versatility.
Sierra Space states that Dream Chaser has a high reusability capacity, capable of performing at least 15 missions. The company believes that the spaceplane can undertake even more missions. Furthermore, its design enables quick turnaround times between missions, supporting various operations in low Earth orbit. Sierra Space aims to utilize global infrastructure for its launches and landings.
Conclusion
Dream Chaser is generating significant excitement among both Star Wars fans and space enthusiasts. Do you think we’ll see more spacecraft like this in the future? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
