"In its own statement on the announcement, Sierra Space said the new approach will provide it with more "flexibility" as the company seeks to attract national defense contracts. "Dream Chaser represents the future of versatile space transportation and mission flexibility," said Fatih Ozmen, executive chair at Sierra Space, in the statement. "This transition provides unique capabilities to meet the needs of diverse mission profiles, including emerging and existential threats and national security priorities that align with our acceleration into the Defense Tech market.""
"Although the NASA news release does not detail the space agency's concerns about allowing Dream Chaser to approach the station, sources have told Ars the space agency has yet to certify the spacecraft's propulsion system. The spacecraft is powered by more than two dozen small rocket engines, each capable of operating at three discrete levels of thrust for fine control or more significant orbit adjustments. Certification is a necessary precursor for allowing a vehicle to approach the orbiting laboratory."
"Sierra said it is now targeting a "late 2026" debut for Dream Chaser, but that date is far enough in the future that it is likely subject to Berger's Law, and probably means no earlier than 2027. This all but precludes a cargo mission to the International Space Station, which is scheduled to be deorbited in 2030, and presently has two more-than-capable supply vehicles with SpaceX's Dragon and Northrop's new, larger Cygnus."
Sierra Space seeks national defense contracts and says a new approach will provide greater flexibility. Dream Chaser's propulsion system has not yet been certified; the vehicle uses more than two dozen small rocket engines, each with three discrete thrust levels for fine control and orbit adjustments. Certification is required before allowing the spacecraft to approach the station. Sierra Space targets a late 2026 debut, likely slipping to 2027. The ISS is scheduled for deorbit in 2030, and SpaceX Dragon and Northrop Cygnus currently fulfill cargo roles. Dream Chaser could serve future commercial stations if it achieves reliable, frequent, and low-cost operations.
Read at Ars Technica
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