SpaceDev Dream Chaser

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The SpaceDev Dream Chaser is a planned crewed suborbital and orbital spacecraft being developed by SpaceDev. Dream Chaser will be able to carry six to eight people to and from space. The vehicle launches vertically and lands horizontally on conventional runways.

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[edit] History

The Dream Chaser was publicly announced on September 20, 2004[1] as candidate for NASA's Vision for Space Exploration and later Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program.

When the Dream Chaser was not selected under Phase 1 of the COTS Program, SpaceDev founder Jim Benson stepped down[2] as Chairman of SpaceDev and started Benson Space Company to pursue the development of the Dream Chaser.

In April 2007, SpaceDev announced that it had partnered with the United Launch Alliance to pursue the possibility of utilizing the Atlas V booster rocket as the Dream Chaser's launch vehicle.[3]

[edit] Specifications

The original design concept calls for a spaceplane with a single hybrid rocket engine, launching vertically from the ground. Current plans are to launch it from an Atlas V. It will carry one to six humans and/or cargo to orbital destinations such as the International Space Station. The vehicle will be able to return from space by gliding and landing at almost any aircraft runway in the world.

The Dream Chaser was originally based on the X-34 for the COTS program. The design have since been revised and is now based on NASA's HL-20 lifting body design.[4] It is intended to be an orbital spacecraft, with a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 431 launch vehicle as the main booster.

The Benson Space Company was expected to be one of SpaceDev's largest customers, purchasing up to 3 initial spaceships and safe hybrid rocket motors for use in personal spaceflight.[5] However, the Benson Space Company have since decided to pursue its own sub-orbital design.[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ SpaceDev Begins Work on Dream Chaser Space Vehicle. SpaceDev.
  2. ^ SpaceDev Announces Founder James Benson Steps Down as Chairman and CTO; Benson Starts Independent Space Company to Market SpaceDev’s Dream Chaser. SpaceDev.
  3. ^ SpaceDev and United Launch Alliance to Explore Launching the Dream Chaser(TM) Space Vehicle on an Atlas V Launch Vehicle.
  4. ^ SpaceDev's Dream Chaser. SpaceDev.
  5. ^ SpaceDev Founder Jim Benson Launches Civilian Spaceflight Venture, Benson Space Company. SpaceRef (September 28, 2006).
  6. ^ BENSON SPACE IMPROVES DESIGN OF ITS SPACESHIP. Benson Space Company (May 25, 2007).

[edit] External links

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