Sierra Space completes key Dream Chaser test for ISS mission

Joint Test 10B confirmed the spaceplane's ability to power and support payloads ahead of its first resupply flight.

Sierra Space has completed its Joint Test 10B milestone in collaboration with NASA, demonstrating Dream Chaser’s capability to power, cool and exchange data with multiple payloads inside its pressurised cabin. The successful test progresses the spaceplane closer to its planned mission to resupply the International Space Station (ISS).

The test confirmed that Dream Chaser can provide power within required voltage ranges, maintain environmental conditions, and relay data between Sierra Space’s mission control in Colorado and NASA’s support rooms in Alabama. Three payloads were evaluated: Polar, a cryogenic preservation system; the Powered Ascent Utility Locker (PAUL) for biological research; and NASA’s Single Stowage Locker for experiment transport.

Pablo Gonzalez, Vice President of Crew & Cargo Transportation Systems at Sierra Space, says: "Tests like these are critical demonstrations of the capabilities of the Dream Chaser spaceplane and confirms our ability to handle specialized payloads such as vital scientific research that will be integral to our mission to the ISS. This milestone highlights Dream Chaser’s flexibility, reliability, and capability to meet the diverse needs of our payload customers – including NASA and commercial partners – and it brings us another step closer to launch."