SPARKS, Nev. , November 14, 2013 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has successfully completed three captive carry flight tests of the Dream Chaser® spacecraft to date under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Discovery Channel Canada has documented a rare, behind the scenes look at the systematic approach SNC’s Dream Chaser team performed during one such flight test.
Discovery Channel Canada’s Daily Planet filmed pre-flight and flight operations showing the SNC Dream Chaser team at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center during a recent captive carry flight test. The broadcast, which includes segments of the Dream Chaser spacecraft in flight and interviews with the team, aired on November 13, 2013 and can be viewed here.
The first captive carry test of SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft was completed at Rocky Mountain National Airport in Boulder County, Colo., in May 2012. The second and third captive carry tests were completed at Dryden in Edwards, Calif., on August 22 and October 23, 2013. All three tests validated the Dream Chaser spacecraft software and hardware systems and subsystems. Each of the test flights increased in complexity.
SNC is funded under NASA’s Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative to develop a next-generation crew transportation vehicle and is the only reusable, lifting body spacecraft with commercial runway landing capability anywhere in the world. The Dream Chaser spacecraft is on the forefront of the commercial human spaceflight industry, offering safe, reliable and cost-effective crew and critical cargo transportation to low-Earth orbit.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area based in Louisville, Colo., designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the US Government, commercial customers as well as for the international market. SNC’s Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage in space and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components. During its history, SNC’s Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), headquartered in Sparks, Nev., is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO Fatih Ozmen and President Eren Ozmen, SNC employs over 2,500 people in 30 locations in 16 states. SNC’s six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.
SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen’s leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of telemedicine, nanotechnology, cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit and follow us on Facebook at Sierra Nevada Corporation.