Is the Space Shuttle Back?

Nitish Manocha
Oct 9, 2023
6 min read

Updated: Oct 9, 2023

No, the space shuttle is not coming back. It is a bummer, but, something similar and modern is coming: Talk about The Dream Chaser by Sierra Space!

So, my dear space enthusiasts, fellow cosmic explorers, and lovely stargazers, welcome aboard as we embark on a journey to uncover the marvel of Sierra Space's Dream Chaser Spacecraft. In this comprehensive technical article, we will study the Dream Chaser's cutting-edge technology, examine what sets it apart, evaluate its profound importance, decode the challenges it elegantly solves, and draw insightful comparisons with iconic space vehicles like the NASA Space Shuttle, SpaceX's Falcon 9, and the ambitious SpaceX Starship.

History Brief: How did it come into existence?

Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane is a multi-mission space utility vehicle designed to transport crew and cargo to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) destinations such as the International Space Station (ISS). The Dream Chaser was initially created as a crewed spaceplane, developed partly within NASA's Commercial Crew Program, with the ability to transport up to seven astronauts.

Recently, it was selected by NASA to provide cargo delivery, return, and disposal service for the space station under the Commercial Resupply Service 2 (CRS-2) contract. The Dream Chaser Tenacity™ spaceplane will be the first vehicle in the Dream Chaser fleet of orbital vehicles. It will provide a minimum of six cargo missions to and from the space station carrying critical supplies like food, water, and science experiments, returning to Earth with a gentle runway landing. The Dream Chaser has a length of 30 feet or about 9 meters, which is approximately one-fourth of the total length of the legendary space shuttle orbiters.

The Two Versions of Dream Chaser:

The Dream Chaser, although initially designed to carry astronauts, also has a cargo version of the spaceship.

The crewed and cargo versions of the Dream Chaser are largely similar, sharing about 85% of their components with each other. The primary modifications are focused on elements such as windows, environmental control systems, and life support systems. Additionally, it features an integrated main propulsion system that can be used for abort maneuvers and significant orbital adjustments. The cargo version is expected to bring experiments, equipment, and other payloads to the International Space Station (ISS) no earlier than December 2023.

The Technology: Dream Chaser's Engineering Marvel

At the core of Dream Chaser is the triumph of human engineering and innovation. It is designed to transport cargo and astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). But, it has many defining and differentiating features from its spacefaring predecessors. Here they are:

Reusability: Designed for high reusability, Dream Chaser reduces overall cost, providing quick turnarounds between missions. Its ability to liftoff on top of multiple launch vehicles and land at a wide variety of runways makes Dream Chaser a flexible option for reliable transportation. Moreover, the reaction control system thrusters in Dream Chaser burn ethanol-based fuel. Therefore, since the fuel is not an explosively volatile material, it allows for the spacecraft to be handled immediately after landing, unlike the Space Shuttle, which used toxic fuel like hydrazine.
Autonomous Flight: The Dream Chaser doesn't stop at reusability. It showcases remarkable autonomous flight capabilities, making it expertly capable of navigating space precisely and efficiently when required.

Still, Dream Chaser isn't your typical spacecraft; it is a modern space vessel designed for multipurpose missions. It is the world’s first-ever winged commercial spaceplane with some advantageous capabilities.

It is capable of gentle 1.5G runway landings, ideal for precious and critical cargo, especially human passengers and delicate scientific equipment.
It is compatible with a wide array of current and future launch vehicles. It was first planned to be launched on the human-rated Altas V N12 rocket but has the ability to launch on any sufficiently capable vehicle such as Ariane 5. This is possible due to the Dream Chaser’s ability to fit into a rocket’s payload fairing.
With the help of its Shooting Star™ service module, Dream Chaser can deliver up to 5,500 kg of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the space station, including food, water, supplies, and science experiments, and returns to Earth.
After leaving the space station, the Dream Chaser Cargo System also offers disposal services via the Shooting Star transport vehicle. Once separated from Dream Chaser, Shooting Star burns up safely in Earth’s atmosphere, disposing of any waste not required to land on Earth.

To put these capabilities into perspective, we will discuss some of its key competitors at a further point in the article.

The Challenges: Why do we even need another kind of Spacecraft?

The Dream Chaser is different. So, let's unravel some critical issues that the Dream Chaser adeptly addresses.

Space Debris: Imagine Earth's orbit as a cluttered attic filled with defunct satellites and discarded rocket stages – a celestial junkyard fraught with hazards. The fact is, this is real. The Earth’s orbit is filling with discarded satellites and rocket stages at an unprecedented speed. It makes having further missions to space a bit more difficult every time, and with more than 11,000 satellites already in space, and thousands more planned to enter the Earth’s orbit in the next decade, it is very important to address this issue. Therefore, Dream Chaser's reusability comes to the rescue, reducing the number of abandoned spacecraft and contributing to a safer space environment. Moreover, by mitigating space debris through reusability, Dream Chaser actively contributes to preserving a cleaner and safer space environment, a mission critical to the long-term sustainability of space activities.
Cargo Challenges: As humanity's cosmic ambitions expand, so does the demand for efficient cargo delivery to space. This is where the Dream Chaser shines as a versatile solution, transporting supplies, experiments, and equipment to destinations like the International Space Station (ISS). With its technology and, thus, reliability increasing in the future, you can take the Dream Chaser to become a daily driver for cargo delivery soon. Moreover, its adaptability renders Dream Chaser a versatile asset in various space endeavors, from commercial and scientific research to servicing the ISS, helping streamline operations and accelerate humanity's cosmic pursuits.
Autonomous Advancements: Safety and efficiency are paramount in space missions. The Dream Chaser's autonomous flight capabilities offer a solution to both, as it can independently rendezvous with space stations or embark on autonomous missions, reducing risks associated with human error.
Economic Impact: Dream Chaser's reusability model revolutionizes the economics of space travel. Reduced mission costs make it an attractive choice for governmental agencies, commercial entities, and international collaborations, ushering in an era of cost-effective space exploration. For reference, transporting through the Space Shuttle in the late 1900’s costed upwards of $37,000 per pound of payload.

The Competition: Is the Dream Chaser Alone?

Short answer: No.

Long Answer: To provide a holistic perspective, let's compare the Dream Chaser with its primary counterparts: the legendary NASA Space Shuttle, SpaceX's reliable Falcon 9, and the visionary SpaceX Starship.

NASA Space Shuttle:

The Space Shuttle was a trailblazer in its era and an icon for American Space Technology, but it lacked full reusability. It was partially reusable, and each mission required extensive refurbishment, resulting in high costs. Its use of toxic fuel in reaction control thrusters meant it could not be serviced for another mission immediately. The longer turnaround times and high maintenance costs resulted in an average price of more than US$450 million per launch. Dream Chaser's reusability elevates efficiency and cost-effectiveness, marking a significant leap forward.

SpaceX Falcon 9:

The Falcon 9 is SpaceX’s workhorse for launching payloads into space, and is celebrated for its reusability and vertical landing abilities. While it excels in satellite deployment and cargo missions, the Dream Chaser focuses on crewed and uncrewed missions with a unique emphasis on cargo transport to and from ISS and autonomous operations. Therefore, even though the two spacecraft are similar regarding reusability and versatility, they serve different purposes in the current space industry.

SpaceX Starship:

SpaceX's Starship, the ambitious spacecraft designed for interplanetary travel, shares reusability with Dream Chaser. However, Starship is a heavyweight champion on the block. Therefore, their missions and destinations differ significantly. Dream Chaser is tailored for Earth orbit missions, especially cargo resupply to the ISS, while Starship is poised for celestial journeys to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Validation: What do other Cool Cats in the Space Biz have to say about Dream Chaser?

Let's turn to the wisdom of cosmic luminaries:

Jim Bridenstine, the former NASA Administrator, has hailed the Dream Chaser as the "future of space exploration." Such commendation underscores the Dream Chaser’s far-reaching implications in the realm of space endeavors in the future.

For deeper technical insights, the article on Space.com (also linked below) provides a comprehensive perspective, delving into Dream Chaser's capabilities and potential role as a "space delivery truck" for cargo missions in the near future.

The Odyssey Continues

In conclusion, the Dream Chaser isn't just a spacecraft; it's a disruptor, shaping a path toward a promising spacefaring future. Its innovative brilliance, sustainability, and adaptability offer profound solutions to contemporary space challenges. While we salute the historical legacy of the Space Shuttle, the ultimate reliability of SpaceX's Falcon 9, and eagerly anticipate the future potential of the Starship, the Dream Chaser occupies a unique niche, bringing the past, present, and future of space exploration together. And with a $1.4 billion investment in Series A funding secured by Sierra Space’s parent organization Sierra Nevada Corporation in 2021, Dream Chaser is only getting better, with the aim to fly astronauts to space by 2025.

So, fellow cosmic voyagers, prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey to the future with Sierra Space's Dream Chaser. It's not merely a spacecraft; it symbolizes the forefront of humanity’s technological revolution in space and beyond. With endorsements from renowned organizations like NASA and accolades from authorities in the space industry, the Dream Chaser is poised to etch its name indelibly in the annals of space exploration. The cosmos beckons, and the Dream Chaser is our key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, one step at a time. Bon voyage!