Sierra Space has announced the successful completion of a crucial series of pre-flight tests for its Dream Chaser spaceplane, moving the innovative spacecraft closer to its inaugural orbital mission. The testing, conducted at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, marks a significant stride in preparing the reusable vehicle for its debut flight.
The comprehensive campaign included Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing at the Space Systems Processing Facility. This verified that the spacecraft’s electronic systems can function effectively without interference in the complex electromagnetic conditions of space.
In a dynamic phase of testing, the Dream Chaser was towed at high speeds by a Freightliner Cascadia truck along the runway of the Launch and Landing Facility. This tow testing simulated the critical final moments of a real mission, validating the spaceplane’s landing dynamics and autonomous navigation systems for a precise runway return.
The team also successfully demonstrated the end-to-end mission control link. Using NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, they established a seamless communication loop, transmitting telemetry from the Dream Chaser to Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado, and sending commands back to the spacecraft. This confirms robust, real-time command and control capabilities for future operations. The campaign concluded with a recovery rehearsal, practicing the safing of the vehicle and access to payloads shortly after landing.
With these milestones complete, Dream Chaser is scheduled for a final round of acoustic testing in December 2025. Subsequent modifications in Colorado will focus on enhancing the vehicle for national security applications, expanding its mission versatility.
Targeted for a Q4 2026 launch, the Dream Chaser is on track for its first demonstration mission to the International Space Station. The mission will culminate in a landmark runway landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base, heralding a new chapter in reusable spaceplane technology.
