Kosmýdeník 653 (17-23 Mar) – Kosmonautix.cz
- The past week in space exploration saw developments on several fronts, including updates on the Dream Chaser shuttle, the return of the crew-9 mission, preparations for the Artemis...
- The Dream chaser, a small shuttle, is nearing its first launch after years of development.
- Sierra Space, the company behind Dream Chaser, provided updates on the shuttle's preparation.
The past week in space exploration saw developments on several fronts, including updates on the Dream Chaser shuttle, the return of the crew-9 mission, preparations for the Artemis II mission, and Chinese astronauts’ activities at the Tiangong Station.
Dream Chaser Shuttle: Tenacity Undergoing Final testing
Table of Contents
- Dream Chaser Shuttle: Tenacity Undergoing Final testing
- Crew-9 Mission returns, Artemis II Preparations Continue
- Chinese Astronauts Conduct Activities at Tiangong Station
- Dream Chaser: Your Questions Answered About the mini-shuttle
- What is Dream Chaser?
- What is Dream chaser’s Purpose?
- What is the Current Status of the Dream Chaser?
- What Kind of Rocket Will Launch Dream Chaser?
- What Fuel Does Dream Chaser Use?
- How Much Cargo Can Dream Chaser Carry?
- When is Dream Chaser scheduled to launch?
- What Other Space Missions are in the News?
The Dream chaser, a small shuttle, is nearing its first launch after years of development. The first completed model, named Tenacity, is undergoing final testing before being loaded onto a Vulcan rocket for freight missions to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s Commercial Supply Services contracts.
Sierra Space, the company behind Dream Chaser, provided updates on the shuttle’s preparation. Tenacity is currently undergoing electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) tests in Florida. Thes tests ensure that the shuttle’s electronic systems function correctly during launch, flight, and extended stays in space by verifying that unwanted signals from the electronic systems are within acceptable limits.
Following EMI/EMC testing,Tenacity will undergo acoustic and vibration tests to simulate launch conditions. These tests subject the shuttle to vibrations at higher frequencies than those experienced under normal conditions, ensuring it can withstand the stresses of an eight-minute ascent on the rocket.
The Vulcan rocket, specifically the VC4L configuration with a long aerodynamic cover and four Northrop Grumman Gem-63XL solid rocket boosters, will launch the shuttle. The second Vulcan flight experienced an anomaly with a dropped nozzle from one of the boosters. Sierra Space stated that it is not planning to use any other launch provider, but Dream Chaser is designed to be compatible with any rocket that has a five-meter aerodynamic cover.
Tenacity will also undergo integrated air hardware and software testing to verify the functionality of all systems throughout the flight, from launch to landing. The final tests include towing and travel tests on Earth and a exhibition of the spacecraft’s onboard drive system. Sierra Space uses a mixture of RP-1 missile fuel, a refined form of kerosene, and hydrogen peroxide for maneuvering, which is less toxic than conventional hypergolic fuels like hydrazine.
During its first flight, Tenacity will carry more than 7,800 pounds of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS. The shuttle is designed to return approximately 3,700 pounds of cargo from the ISS back to Earth, landing on a conventional airport runway.
Crew-9 Mission returns, Artemis II Preparations Continue
In other space-related news, the Crew-9 mission recently returned to Earth after a accomplished stay on the ISS. Preparations are also underway for the artemis II mission, which will send astronauts around the Moon.
Chinese Astronauts Conduct Activities at Tiangong Station
Chinese astronauts have been active at the Tiangong space station, conducting experiments and maintaining the facility.
Dream Chaser: Your Questions Answered About the mini-shuttle
What is Dream Chaser?
Dream Chaser is a reusable, mini-shuttle spacecraft developed by sierra Space. Its designed to transport cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s Commercial Supply Services contracts. One of its notable features is its ability to land on a conventional airport runway.
What is Dream chaser’s Purpose?
Dream Chaser’s primary purpose is to transport both pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS. It’s also designed to return cargo from the ISS back to Earth.
What is the Current Status of the Dream Chaser?
The first Dream Chaser model, named “Tenacity,” is undergoing final testing.
Testing Phase: Tenacity is in the final testing phase before its first launch.
Current Tests:
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) tests are being conducted to ensure the shuttle’s electronic systems function correctly.
Acoustic and vibration tests are planned to simulate launch conditions.
integrated air hardware and software testing is in progress to ensure the function of every system.
Towing and travel tests on Earth.
What Kind of Rocket Will Launch Dream Chaser?
Dream chaser will be launched on a Vulcan rocket, specifically the VC4L configuration with a long aerodynamic cover and four Northrop Grumman Gem-63XL solid rocket boosters. Dream Chaser is designed to be compatible with any rocket that has a five-meter aerodynamic cover.
What Fuel Does Dream Chaser Use?
Dream Chaser uses a mixture of RP-1 missile fuel (a refined form of kerosene) and hydrogen peroxide for maneuvering. This fuel mixture is less toxic than conventional hypergolic fuels such as hydrazine.
How Much Cargo Can Dream Chaser Carry?
Dream Chaser can carry more than 7,800 pounds (approximately 3,538 kg) of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS.
It can return approximately 3,700 pounds (approximately 1,678 kg) of cargo from the ISS back to Earth.
When is Dream Chaser scheduled to launch?
The exact launch date for Dream Chaser’s first flight is not mentioned in the provided article.
What Other Space Missions are in the News?
Besides the Dream Chaser,the article mentions the following:
Crew-9 Mission: The Crew-9 mission has returned to Earth.
Artemis II mission: Preparations for the Artemis II mission, which will send astronauts around the Moon, are underway.
* Tiangong station: Chinese astronauts are active at the Tiangong space station.