Credit: NASA/Ken Ulbrich

May 20, 2025

A spaceflight first is poised to take place in May. Sierra Space Corporation, the private Colorado-based company, has been developing a reusable “spaceplane.” This aims to be the next step in utilizing reusable craft technology to service the International Space Station. It operates under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Service 2 contract, along with Northrup Grumman’s resupply vehicle, Cygnus, and SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon.

Dream Chaser’s Tenacity, the first to fly, is a lifting body craft. A design with a minimal conventional wing allows for less drag on the craft and maximizes greater speeds. With a streamlined shape, the craft can be launched on a variety of rockets. Its inaugural flight is set aboard ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. Dream Chaser intends to be the next-generation uncrewed Space Shuttle, operating with major advances.

An updated thermal protection system (TPS) uses tiles that serve multiple purposes. Not only do they protect during re-entry, but they also regulate heat when temperatures soar during orbital daylight. Tenacity will be covered in over two thousand individual black and white tiles that can tolerate multiple re-entries as the goal is to be a “mini-shuttle.” Several cargo missions are already planned.

The Space Shuttle’s historic landing site at Kennedy Space Center has been quiet since Atlantis closed the successful program in 2011. Tenacity’s return to Earth will bring new life to the famed runway and future crewed flights.

Are you as fascinated by the night sky as we are?

Join us for SkyWatch: Carnegie Science Center’s monthly opportunity to catch a glimpse of the stars with professional telescopes. Get a great view of the Pittsburgh skyline as you stargaze with other space enthusiasts. Plus, watch a feature show at the Buhl Planetarium and participate in fun, astronomy-themed activities.