The Dream Chaser spacecraft from Sierra Space features an expandable habitat equivalent to a three-story building.
Sierra Space, a startup based in Colorado, USA, is developing the Dream Chaser as part of its plan to become the largest real estate developer in space alongside Blue Origin. The Dream Chaser is expected to conduct its first crewed mission in 2026. This reusable spacecraft can be used approximately 15 times and is capable of carrying 5,440 kg of cargo or 12 passengers.
Design of the Dream Chaser spacecraft. (Photo: Sierra Space).
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, is collaborating with Sierra Space on the commercial space station project Orbital Reef. Recently, the two companies launched a prototype module of the space station as part of their testing campaign. Orbital Reef, one of the private stations intended to replace the International Space Station (ISS), will include a space hotel, restaurant, and research facilities for companies and scientists. Once operational in orbit in 2027, people will be able to travel to the station aboard the supersonic spacecraft named Dream Chaser.
In addition to transporting passengers to Orbital Reef, the Dream Chaser will also carry cargo and crews to the ISS under a $3 billion contract with NASA. This contract is part of NASA’s initiative to reduce reliance on SpaceX, the only American company currently capable of sending astronauts to the ISS.
The Dream Chaser will be four times shorter than NASA’s space shuttle, with a total length of just over 9 meters. However, the spacecraft will feature a Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE). This inflatable habitat can expand to a diameter of 8.2 meters, equivalent to a three-story building. The soft material of LIFE can deflect small meteoroids and other space debris.
The relatively small size of the spacecraft also provides significant advantages. It can land on any runway that can accommodate a Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. The company’s long-term goal is to have the Dream Chaser land on commercial runways at international airports. Sierra Space is also building a network of spaceports for the Dream Chaser, including Spaceport America in New Mexico, Cornwall in the UK, and Oita in Japan. Once operational, the Dream Chaser could reach the Orbital Reef station in low Earth orbit within three days.
