Dream Chaser: Ohio’s Private Space Plane Prepares for Historic Mission to International Space Station
Ohio, known as the “Birthplace of Aviation,” is not only home to the Wright Brothers but also has a significant presence in the field of spaceflight. This was evident during an event held on February 1st, where NASA and Sierra Space showcased the Dream Chaser, a private space plane that is set to embark on its first-ever mission to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. The event took place at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, where the robotic Dream Chaser and its cargo module, named “Tenacity” and “Shooting Star” respectively, were displayed vertically, replicating their launch configuration. Standing at an impressive height of 55 feet, roughly the length of a school bus, the duo captured the attention of reporters and space enthusiasts alike.
Former NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn, now Sierra Space’s chief medical officer, spoke passionately about the significance of the Dream Chaser’s mission. He explained that naming their products after emotional characteristics such as tenacity, perseverance, confidence, determination, and passion was a way to embody the qualities required to turn bold dreams into bold action. Marshburn emphasized the challenges faced during the development of Tenacity and how the name perfectly encapsulates the spirit that propelled them forward over the past six years.
Tenacity’s highly anticipated debut will involve ferrying cargo to the ISS for NASA. This uncrewed demonstration mission aims to advance scientific research in space and contribute to the growing economy in low Earth orbit. However, before embarking on its inaugural journey, Tenacity and Shooting Star must undergo a series of rigorous tests. These tests are currently being conducted at NASA’s Mechanical Vibration Facility in Sandusky, where the spacecraft are subjected to various harsh environments they will encounter during their mission. This includes simulating the intense vibrations experienced during launch atop a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket. Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice explained that the remaining testing focuses on replicating the space environment, including the vacuum of space, which will be done in the thermal vacuum chamber.
Sierra Space was awarded a Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS2) contract by NASA in 2016, securing at least six ISS cargo delivery missions. This partnership with private industry is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to expand commercial resupply options in low Earth orbit. In addition to Sierra Space, NASA has also collaborated with companies like Boeing and SpaceX for crewed missions to the ISS. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has already completed seven operational crewed missions and is preparing for its eighth. Boeing aims to launch the first crewed test flight of its Starliner capsule later this year.
The involvement of private players in ISS resupply missions is expected to significantly enhance scientific research opportunities in space. Marshburn highlighted the impact of weightlessness on human cells and bacteria, explaining that it opens up new possibilities for developing vaccines and studying crystal growth. He believes that we are just scratching the surface of what can be achieved once we start exploring this new frontier.
While Shooting Star will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere after its mission, Tenacity is designed for reusability and can undertake up to 15 missions. On its first flight, Tenacity will carry over 7,800 pounds of cargo, with the potential to transport up to 11,500 pounds on future missions. The space plane will return with more than 3,500 pounds of cargo and experiment samples, while over 8,700 pounds of waste can be disposed of in the cargo module during reentry.
Sierra Space aimed to create a vehicle that is both reusable and reliable, with a smaller environmental footprint. By using a unique fuel combination of hydrogen peroxide and refined kerosene, they have minimized the use of hazardous materials. The launch of Tenacity and Shooting Star is scheduled for the first half of this year from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. A collaborative effort between Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser Mission Control Center in Colorado, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will monitor the flight, control the spacecraft, and conduct in-orbit demonstrations to certify the system for future missions.
The research conducted on the ISS has far-reaching implications, not only for space exploration but also for advancements on Earth. Phil Dempsey, transportation integration manager for NASA’s International Space Station Program, emphasized the importance of space travel in expanding our knowledge and capabilities as a species. He highlighted the collective learning and industry growth that comes from overcoming the challenges of space travel. The benefits extend beyond any individual reason, contributing to our overall progress and enhancing research that benefits humanity.
As Ohio prepares to make history with the Dream Chaser’s mission to the ISS, the state’s legacy in aviation is being extended into the realm of spaceflight. With private companies like Sierra Space pushing the boundaries