Dream Chaser Space Plane- Close to Launch to ISS
Tenacity is the name of the Dream Chaser airplane developed by Sierra Space designed to enter Earth's orbit and service the International Space Station (ISS).
Tenacity is the result of decades of design, and after revisions in 2006 and 2017, Tenacity is nearing its test flight to the ISS. Tenacity is designed to take cargo and crew from the ground to the ISS. Some design improvements since the last engineering evolution in 2006 include foldable wings, autonomous flight controls and engine upgrades to the Vulcan Centaur model. A space plane will reduce costs and save waste that rockets incur as the ISS requires restocking and astronaut arrival. Saving fuel is also good for the environment.
Sierra Space and NASA have been working together to coordinate testing and simulations for the Dream Chaser, and a December 5th simulation designed to test Tenacity's landing onto the ISS went well. The simulations have focused on Tenacity approaching the ISS and being caught and locked by a cargo arm on the ISS.
Tenacity was originally scheduled to take its test flight to the ISS in 2023, but this has been delayed. Currently, Sierra Space is working to develop procedures and is testing and simulating situations and failures Tenacity may encounter while in flight. A space plan le that has been in development since the late 1980s such as this is exciting to see in action. I am looking forward to it's voyage to the ISS.
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