Tag: SNC
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Facilitating the commercial crew era for Kennedy’s OPFs
As the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) continues its transformation into a multi-user spaceport, the three buildings dedicated to processing the since-retired Space Shuttle orbiters are aiming to once again host engineers busily tending to their spacecraft. However, only one of the buildings has confirmed a tenant for the new era at this time. OPF Transition:…
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MAF undergoing major modification work ahead of SLS production
The Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) has begun its transformation back into the birth place of giant rockets that will enable the United States to return to deep space exploration. Modification work for the Space Launch System (SLS) is taking place across huge areas of the New Orleans facility, which will soon host the world’s largest…
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Dream Chaser to breathe new life into Michoud
Following this week’s announcement of a deal between Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Lockheed Martin, the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) will gain a much-needed boost. The facility, that once built the giant External Tanks (ETs), will soon host composite airframe fabrication for new Dream Chasers. SNC/Lockheed Martin Deal: SNC’s ongoing effort to prove they have…
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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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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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SNC evaluating KSC processing facilities to house the Dream Chaser fleet
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have stepped up their evaluations into finding a suitable facility to house the Dream Chaser fleet in Florida. With the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) confirmed as their fleet’s HQ, several buildings – ranging from an Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to other available buildings at the famous spaceport – may become viable…
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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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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…
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Sierra Nevada’s 5-year partnership with NASA – Progress on Dream Chaser
Five years after joining forces with NASA’s Langley Research Center, the Sierra Nevada Corporation continues to narrow its focus on their Dream Chaser spaceplane – a NASA Commercial Crew Development-funded vehicle that will one day transport astronauts to Low Earth Orbit destinations including but not limited to the International Space Station. NASA Langley and Sierra…
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Dream Chaser passes PDR, heads towards integrated system testing
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have announced they have “a credible system design which is now approved to proceed towards integrated system testing” after their Dream Chaser Space System (DCSS) passed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) – the 17th overall milestone in the company’s Commercial Crew Development contract. Chasing The Dream: The PDR – a key…