Sierra Nevada Begins Production of Dream Chaser Spacecraft

Sierra Nevada Corp. is slated to begin full assembly efforts for a spacecraft that will work to support NASA's cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station.

The 30-foot Dream Chaser’s primary structure, an aerodynamic spaceframe built through 3D construction methods, has arrived at Sierra Nevada’s Colorado site, the company said Tuesday. Dream Chaser can hold over 12K pounds of cargo.

In addition, the spacecraft contains a Lockheed Martin-built composite structure that can carry pressurized payloads to ISS.

“Our team has been looking forward to this day for a long time so that we can fully assemble America’s spaceplane in preparation for its first mission for NASA,” said Eren Ozmen, chairwoman and president at Sierra Nevada.

Dream Chaser is slated to carry out six cargo resupply missions beginning in 2021 under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 program.