Tag: CCDev
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SNC building test schedule for Dream Chaser – Dryden Drop Tests upcoming
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) are in the process of creating a test flight schedule that will reach through to a debut mission for Dream Chaser’s arrival at the International Space Station (ISS). The plan – involving three versions of Dream Chaser – will next involve drop tests of their Engineering Test Article (ETA) at the…
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Blue Origin capsule successfully pad aborts via pusher-escape system
Although no longer a leading contender to fly NASA astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), Blue Origin are successfully concluding their Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev-2) milestones, marked by a firing of their BE-3 engine and the visually dramatic sight of their capsule conducting a pad abort test via their unique pusher-escape motor…
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Atlas V completes SAA milestones in preparation for crewed launches
The famous Atlas rocket continues to show it’s ready to once again launch humans into space, following the completion of NASA’s Space Act Agreement (SAA) milestones. Although the Atlas V is still in a competition to launch US astronauts, this latest milestone “establishes a technical foundation for potentially certifying its Atlas V rocket” as a…
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ULA interested in launching Atlas V or Delta IV from KSC
As the United Launch Alliance (ULA) look forward to a potential surge in activity later this decade, the question of requiring additional launch infrastructure to cater for demand has led to discussions with the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The discussions may result in Atlas V or Delta IV rockets launching from a former Shuttle launch…
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OPF-3’s conversion into Boeing’s C3PF to begin on September 10
The removal of work stands in Orbiter Processing Facility -3 (OPF-3) will begin next week, as the former home to Shuttle orbiters is converted into the new processing facility for Boeing’s future crewed spacecraft, CST-100. The conversion is expected to take a year, as the OPF changes call signs to the Commercial Crew and Cargo…
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Dream Chaser aims to use Space Shuttle’s legacy to its advantage
The lifting body concept – made famous by the Space Shuttle and now living on with Dream Chaser – will provide NASA with the necessity of diversity, according to Commercial Crew integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative award winner Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), who have promoted the advantages of having a reusable, low G-force, runway return vehicle.…
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NASA CCiCAP funding for SpaceX, Boeing and SNC’s crew vehicles
NASA’s Commercial Crew integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative award winners were announced on Friday, with SpaceX, Boeing and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) all winning agency money to develop their vehicles to the next stage of providing domestic access to the International Space Station (ISS) for US astronauts. CCiCAP: The follow-on to the Commercial Crew Development (CCDev-2)…
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NASA and ULA confirm Atlas V baseline for human rated launches
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) have completed a major review into the ability to Human Rate the Atlas V launch vehicle. In cooperation with NASA, ULA engineers conducted a System Requirements Review (SRR) and Systems Design Review (SDR), creating the certification baseline to launch NASA astronauts into Low Earth Orbit via Atlas V’s various crewed…
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KSC All Hands: Spaceport must continue to adapt to NASA changes
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Director Bob Cabana has stated his world famous spaceport must continue to adapt and respond to Agency changes, although he remains buoyant about the center’s strategic role over the coming years, as part of NASA’s evolution and long term exploration plan. The former Shuttle Commander made his rallying call at this month’s…
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Dream Chaser Nose Landing Gear Skid System ready for landing tests
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have completed another milestone in their Commercial Crew Development (CCDev-2) contract with NASA, by testing the Dream Chaser’s Nose Landing Gear. The system comprises of a skid strip at the business end, which will be put to the test for real during the upcoming landing tests, scheduled to be conducted at…