The first commercial spaceplane won't be launching soon

Dream Chaser's 2025 launch likely delayed due to NASA safety reviews.

: The Dream Chaser spaceplane, developed by Sierra Space, faces potential delays for its first commercial launch initially planned for 2025. Despite holding a Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract since 2016, numerous hurdles such as unresolved technical issues and certification requirements have slowed progress. Dana Weigel of NASA highlighted the ongoing safety and schedule assessments needed before the spaceplane can make its debut trip to the ISS. Meanwhile, the United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket, designated for this mission, also awaits final certification amid earlier test setbacks.

The Dream Chaser, a revolutionary spaceplane developed by Sierra Space, has garnered much anticipation for its commercial launch, originally set for 2025. The experimental vehicle, which aspires to carry cargo to the International Space Station (ISS), may face delays due to unresolved technical and certification issues. Dana Weigel, NASA's program manager for the ISS, stated that integrated safety reviews are incomplete, and the schedule for these crucial elements is still being updated. This setback is not unusual in spacecraft development, where preparation often spans eight to ten years, as Weigel explained.

Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contracts awarded by NASA mandate Sierra Space to deliver at least seven cargo flights to the ISS. These agreements, established in 2016, showcase Sierra's innovative plans to utilize Dream Chaser as a shuttle-like vehicle, capable of surviving atmospheric reentry and conducting runway landings, akin to NASA's Space Shuttle. The spaceplane includes pioneering features like foldable wings and solar array power generation, yet these merits have not shielded its timeline from persistent challenges.

Learning from past experiences, NASA is cautious about launching another vehicle following issues with Boeing's Starliner. The Starliner project suffered significant delays due to software failures during its orbital test in December 2019, resulting in the crew being stranded for nine months. Thorough certification of Dream Chaser's software is underway to prevent similar mishaps. Dana Weigel's remarks highlight the meticulous efforts to avoid repeating past aerospace challenges, underscoring why the 2025 launch is increasingly doubtful.

Another hurdle in Sierra Space's path involves the Vulcan Centaur rocket, an integral component of Dream Chaser's launch. This 200-foot-tall rocket, from United Launch Alliance, experienced an anomaly in October 2024, delaying its own certification for national security missions. The Vulcan awaits final approval from the U.S. Space Force, and the backlog of missions complicates a quick shift to focusing exclusively on Dream Chaser's needs. Consequently, the critical window for timely coordination between spacecraft and launcher appears narrow.

Despite the setbacks, enthusiasm for Dream Chaser remains. Space fans view it as a modern-day Space Shuttle, long awaited by the spaceflight community. The Dream Chaser represents a significant step forward in NASA's crew and cargo transportation strategy. However, with neither SpaceX's Dragon nor Boeing's Starliner offering uninterrupted service over the years, patience is essential as the Dream Chaser endeavors to become the next reliable vehicle for space missions.

Sources: Gizmodo, NASA, Aerospace America

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