What is the rocket capsule?

A space capsule is an often-crewed spacecraft that uses a blunt-body reentry capsule to reenter the Earth’s atmosphere without wings. Capsules are distinguished from satellites primarily by the ability to survive reentry and return a payload to the Earth’s surface from orbit.

Who makes the Dream Chaser?

Sierra Nevada Corporation
Dream Chaser/Manufacturers

How does the capsule get back to Earth?

A reentry capsule is the portion of a space capsule which returns to Earth following a spaceflight. Because a capsule shape has little aerodynamic lift, the final descent is via parachute, either coming to rest on land, at sea, or by active capture by an aircraft.

Does Sierra Nevada have a space vehicle?

In July 2020, Sierra Nevada announced a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to use its Shooting Star expendable cargo vehicle as a possible commercial solution for a high-powered unmanned orbital outpost. The name “Dream Chaser” had been previously used for two separate space vehicle concepts.

How many people can the Dream Chaser space system carry?

Originally intended as a crewed vehicle, the Dream Chaser Space System is set to be produced after the cargo variant, Dream Chaser Cargo System, is operational. The crewed variant is planned to carry up to seven people and cargo to and from low Earth orbit.

What is SNC Dream Chaser?

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is partnering with NASA to advance the development of a commercial crew space transportation system as part of the Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program. The Dream Chaser is based on NASA’s HL-20 lifting body design and will be launched on the Atlas V launch vehicle.

How much did it cost to build the Dream Chaser?

Sierra Nevada proposed Dream Chaser for the CCDev phase 2 solicitation by NASA in October 2010, with an estimated project cost of less than $1 billion. On 18 April 2011, NASA awarded $80 million to Sierra Nevada Corporation for Dream Chaser.