SNC Enlists Japan for Dream Chaser Study

摘要

Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) Space Systems added the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the expanding stable of international space agencies exploring mission concepts for the Louisville, Colorado-based company's Dream Chaser lifting-body spacecraft, SNC announced July 23. Under the cooperative understanding, the two sides will collaborate on mission concepts and potential applications of Japanese technologies for Dream Chaser, SNC said in a press release. In addition, JAXA and SNC will explore the possibility of launching and landing the spacecraft in Japan, the release said. SNC is developing Dream Chaser, which the company describes as "the only multi-mission space utility vehicle in the world," under a funded cooperative agreement with NASA as a possible means of transporting astronauts to and from the international space station. The vehicle is designed to launch atop an expendable rocket and, after re-entry, glide back to Earth for a runway landing.