The inaugural flight of Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane has been postponed to no earlier than late 2026, according to a recent announcement from NASA. The mission profile has also been significantly altered; instead of docking with the International Space Station (ISS), the vehicle will now conduct a free-flying demonstration in orbit.
This change is part of a major modification to the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract between NASA and Sierra Space. The revision provides both organizations with greater flexibility as they navigate the complexities of developing a new space transportation system.
Key Takeaways
- New Launch Target: The first Dream Chaser mission, named Tenacity, is now scheduled for late 2026, a significant delay from previous targets.
- Mission Change: The debut flight will be a free-flyer demonstration instead of an ISS docking mission as originally planned.
- Contract Revision: NASA and Sierra Space have modified their CRS-2 contract, removing the obligation for a specific number of resupply missions.
- Future Missions: After a successful demonstration, NASA may order cargo flights from Sierra Space based on the agency's needs.
NASA and Sierra Space Revise Mission Plan
NASA confirmed on Thursday that it had reached a mutual agreement with Sierra Space to adjust the terms of their space station resupply contract. The primary change involves converting the Dream Chaser's first flight into an orbital demonstration mission. This free-flyer test is designed to validate the spaceplane's technology and gather critical performance data before it is tasked with delivering cargo to the ISS.
The contract modification also affects long-term commitments. According to the space agency, it is “no longer obligated for a specific number of resupply missions” from Sierra Space. The original CRS-2 agreement stipulated a minimum of seven flights for the company.
“Development of new space transportation systems is difficult and can take longer than what’s originally planned,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program. “The ability to perform a flight demonstration can be a key enabler in a spacecraft’s development and readiness, as well as offering greater flexibility for NASA and Sierra Space.”
Weigel also noted that this decision provides a path forward for testing and verification as NASA and its partners prepare for the space station's deorbit in 2030. A successful demonstration would certify Dream Chaser for potential future resupply missions in low Earth orbit.
The CRS-2 Contract
In 2016, NASA awarded Commercial Resupply Services-2 contracts to three companies: Sierra Nevada Corporation (now Sierra Space), Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX. The contracts, with a potential value of up to $14 billion, were intended to keep the ISS supplied through 2024. In November 2024, NASA extended the contract period for all three providers through the end of 2030, aligning with the station's planned operational life.
A Strategic Pivot for Sierra Space
Sierra Space presented the contract change as a strategic move that enhances the Dream Chaser's versatility. The company stated that the free-flyer mission will prove the vehicle's technology while offering the flexibility to pursue other opportunities, including national security missions.
In a press release, Sierra Space emphasized that this new path allows it to address pressing needs in the defense sector. The company is actively positioning itself in the Defense Tech market, and a versatile, runway-landing spaceplane like Dream Chaser could be a valuable asset.
“Dream Chaser represents the future of versatile space transportation and mission flexibility,” said Sierra Space Executive Chair Faith Ozmen. “This transition provides unique capabilities to meet the needs of diverse mission profiles, including emerging and existential threats and national security priorities that align with our acceleration into the Defense Tech market.”
This shift also supports Sierra Space's commercial ambitions. The company is a key partner with Blue Origin in developing Orbital Reef, a planned commercial space station. Dream Chaser is slated to be a primary cargo vehicle for the future outpost, and the company is also developing inflatable LIFE Habitat modules for the project.
Dream Chaser's Long Development Journey
The Dream Chaser has been in development for many years, originally as a potential crew transport vehicle. It was a competitor in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program but was ultimately not selected, with the agency choosing SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Boeing's Starliner instead. Following that decision, Sierra Space pivoted to a cargo-only version for the CRS-2 contract.
The vehicle was scheduled to make its debut on the second certification flight of United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan rocket. However, delays in the Dream Chaser's readiness led ULA to proceed with that launch without a primary payload to maintain its own schedule.
Key Vehicle Components
- Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A reusable, lifting-body vehicle named Tenacity for its first flight. It is designed to land on conventional runways.
- Shooting Star Cargo Module: An attached, disposable module that carries additional pressurized and unpressurized cargo. It is jettisoned before reentry.
The challenges of developing a new spacecraft were highlighted by former Sierra Space CEO Tom Vice in February 2024. “We are coming out of years of development, years of hard work, years of resolving really tough engineering challenges that come from revolutionizing the way we do things,” he said during a media event in Ohio.
Current Status and Path to Launch
The first flight vehicle, Tenacity, arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in May 2024 for final testing and prelaunch processing. Since then, work has continued to prepare the spaceplane and its Shooting Star cargo module for the rigors of spaceflight.
In a recent statement, Sierra Space confirmed that the vehicle has achieved “significant manufacturing milestones” and is now in its final testing phases. According to the company, Dream Chaser has begun Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) testing, an essential step to ensure all electronic systems function correctly without interfering with each other.
While Sierra Space remains focused on completing preparations for a successful first flight, the company attributed the new late 2026 launch target to “launch vehicle availability.” Following the successful completion of its demonstration mission and subsequent NASA certification, Dream Chaser could be ordered for ISS cargo runs as needed by the agency.