SpaceDev Dream Chaser
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The SpaceDev Dream Chaser is a planned crewed suborbital spacecraft being developed by SpaceDev for Benson Space Company.
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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.
[edit] Specifications
The design concept calls for a spaceplane with a single hybrid rocket engine, launching vertically from the ground. 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.[3] It is intended that the design could be scaled up to make an orbital spacecraft, launching on the side of three large hybrid rocket boosters in a similar configuration as the Space Shuttle. Most likely there would be an intermediate stage also.
The Benson Space Company is 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.[4] The first flights by BSC of the Dream Chaser are expected in 2008, with commercial BSC flights beginning by 2009.[5]
[edit] Launch Sites
A number of launch sites are being evaluated. These sites include Mojave Spaceport in California, the Kennedy Space Center and Titusville's Space Coast in Florida, the Southwest Regional Spaceport in New Mexico, the Maryland and Virginia Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport near NASA Wallops, and Nevada.
[edit] References
- ^ SpaceDev Begins Work on Dream Chaser Space Vehicle. SpaceDev.
- ^ SpaceDev Announces Founder James Benson Steps Down as Chairman and CTO; Benson Starts Independent Space Company to Market SpaceDev’s Dream Chaser™. SpaceDev.
- ^ SpaceDev's Dream Chaser. SpaceDev.
- ^ SpaceDev Founder Jim Benson Launches Civilian Spaceflight Venture, Benson Space Company. SpaceRef (September 28, 2006).
- ^ Frequently Asked Questions: When can I fly?. Benson Space Company. Retrieved on 2006-10-01.
[edit] External links
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