NASA's new prototype cargo spaceplane, Dream Chaser, is currently undergoing vibration and vacuum testing at the Neil Armstrong test facility. The spaceplane is designed to attach to a conventional rocket and land like a plane, with a cluster of propane and nitrous oxide Vortex engines for propulsion. It also features an expendable cargo module called Shooting Star. Testing began on February 1st.
It’s been a while since NASA has had a spaceplane on the launchpad but this now feels closer than ever again. Their new prototype cargo spaceplane known as Dream Chaser is now undergoing vibration and vacuum testing at the Neil Armstrong test facility. The tests sound a little strange perhaps but on launch and during re-entry it will most definitely experience shaking during these phases of the flights.
The Dream Chaser spaceplane has been designed to attach to the top of a conventional Vulcan Centaur rocket and land like a plane. Its propulsion is to be a cluster of propane and nitrous oxide Vortex engines which differs from the originally planned hybrid rocket engines. The plane has an expendable cargo module called Shooting Star which can carry an additional 4,500 kg of cargo. It’s been designed so that it can dispose of unwanted cargo by burning up on re-entry. The spaceplane and its new cargo unit have been going through rigorous testing at the NASA facility since the 1st Februar
NASA Spaceplane Dream Chaser Testing Cargo Rocket Propulsion Shooting Star
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