Sierra Space has announced the successful completion of a vital series of pre-flight tests for its Dream Chaser® spaceplane at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, moving the vehicle closer to its debut orbital mission. The company, a leader in defense and space technology, confirmed the spaceplane passed key evaluations that simulate the harsh conditions of spaceflight and landing.
The testing campaign included critical Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility (EMI/EMC) assessments within the Space Systems Processing Facility. This phase ensured the spacecraft’s systems can function reliably without disruption from—or causing disruption to—the intense electromagnetic environment encountered during launch and orbital operations.
In a significant ground test, the winged spaceplane was towed at high speeds by a Freightliner truck along the runway at the Launch and Landing Facility. This tow testing simulated the final approach and landing phase, validating the spacecraft’s aerodynamic handling and autonomous navigation systems for future runway returns. Sierra Space also successfully demonstrated end-to-end communication, with Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado transmitting commands and receiving telemetry via NASA’s satellite relay network, proving robust in-flight control is ready.
The company concluded operations with a full rehearsal of post-landing recovery procedures, focusing on securing the vehicle and providing rapid access to its cargo, a capability crucial for time-sensitive national security and scientific payloads.
With these milestones complete, Dream Chaser is scheduled for a final round of acoustic testing in December 2025. Subsequent modifications at Sierra Space’s Colorado facilities will explore enhancements tailored for specialized national security applications, aiming to expand the spacecraft’s mission versatility for defense needs.
The path is now set for Dream Chaser’s first launch, currently targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. Under a NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS-2) contract, this demonstration mission will see the spaceplane deliver cargo to the International Space Station and autonomously return to Earth with a historic runway landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
“These achievements underscore the innovation and dedication of our team, marking decisive steps toward realizing Dream Chaser’s role as a reusable, multi-mission spacecraft,” said Fatih Ozmen, Executive Chair at Sierra Space. “We are steadily progressing toward our inaugural flight to address urgent national priorities in space.”
Sierra Space’s advancement of the Dream Chaser program underscores its commitment to providing the U.S. with sovereign, flexible capabilities for space transportation, secure operations, and next-generation defense in the orbital domain.
