The International Space Station (ISS) may never again be visited by a space plane, marking a significant shift in the landscape of space travel. NASA's space shuttle orbiters played a crucial role in both the construction of the ISS and its operational status during its first decade. These reusable spacecraft efficiently transported astronauts to and from the orbiting outpost until their retirement in 2011.
In 2016, five years after the retirement of the space shuttle fleet, NASA opened the door to potential space plane collaborations by signing a cargo contract with Sierra Space. This Colorado-based company is known for its innovative Dream Chaser vehicle, which is designed for resupply missions to the ISS. The contract initially awarded Sierra Space a minimum of seven ISS resupply flights using Dream Chaser and its accompanying cargo module, Shooting Star.
Fast forward nine years, and Dream Chaser has yet to reach space, prompting a recent modification to the contract. Following a comprehensive evaluation, NASA and Sierra Space have agreed to alter the terms of their agreement. Sierra Space has determined that the most beneficial path forward for Dream Chaser is to conduct a free flight demonstration, which is now targeted for late 2026. According to an emailed statement from NASA officials on September 25, this new direction aims to enhance the vehicle's development.
As part of the contract modification, NASA is no longer bound to a specific number of resupply missions. However, there remains the possibility for the agency to request Dream Chaser resupply flights following a successful free flight demonstration, as stipulated in their current agreement. The timeline for potential ISS missions is tightening, especially with the ISS slated for deorbit in 2030.
In light of the ISS's impending departure, NASA is actively encouraging the development of commercial space stations in low Earth orbit. This opens up the possibility that Dream Chaser could serve one or more of these future facilities in the coming years, thus extending its relevance in the evolving space marketplace.
In a separate statement released on the same day, Sierra Space, which spun off from Sierra Nevada Corp. in 2021, highlighted various potential missions for Dream Chaser. Company officials emphasized that the space plane remains capable of undertaking diverse missions, even if it never docks with the ISS. "Dream Chaser represents the future of versatile space transportation and mission flexibility," stated Fatih Ozmen, executive chair at Sierra Space.
Ozmen further explained that this transition provides unique capabilities to address a wide range of mission profiles, including emerging threats and national security priorities. He noted that Sierra Space is collaborating with NASA to preserve the exceptional potential of Dream Chaser as a valuable national asset, ensuring its readiness for the next era of space innovation.
The modification to the Dream Chaser contract signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of space exploration. While the ISS may not see the space plane, Dream Chaser's journey is far from over. With a focus on versatility and adaptability, Dream Chaser is poised to play an important role in the future of space missions, catering to both commercial and national security needs.
