Sierra Nevada and UNOOSA to develop Dream Chaser mission

US-based Sierra Nevada (SNC) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to develop one or more Dream Chaser missions.

The missions will host payloads from UNOOSA member countries.

As part of the deal, both parties will work with member countries to develop an interface control document and payload hosting guide to help payloads developed by participating countries to be hosted and operated on a dedicated mission.

The collaboration aims to provide the participating countries affordable access to space.

Sierra Nevada space systems business area corporate vice president Mark Sirangelo said: "Our vision, in partnership with the UN, is to provide UN member countries affordable access to space and a range of multimission opportunities using the Dream Chaser spacecraft to host a wide range of payloads.

"Countries will be able to customise their participation level commensurate with the maturity of their space capabilities and national desires, while engaging their universities, industrial companies and government laboratories, and most importantly, their people.

"We offer a complete turnkey solution for participants, providing not only the spacecraft, but all aspects of flight, including mission planning and operations."

SNC’s Dream Chaser is a reusable, orbital spacecraft, designed to be a flexible space utility vehicle (SUV) and transportation system for various low-Earth orbit (LEO) missions.

Dream Chaser has recently been selected to provide cargo delivery, return and disposal services for the International Space Station (ISS) under Nasa’s commercial resupply services 2 (CRS2) contract.

The spacecraft is designed for both manned and unmanned transportation services to LEO destinations.

---

Image: Rendering of SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft and cargo module in orbit. Photo: courtesy of Sierra Nevada Corporation.