Space Exploration Systems
SNC’s Space Exploration Systems product line is changing how space is accessed, explored, and utilized through commercial means. With its broad technology base, depth of capability, and human spaceflight expertise, Space Exploration Systems is continually advancing systems and technologies to support the future of human spaceflight.
The focus of the Space Exploration Systems (SES) product line is the Dream Chaser® Space System (DCSS). The Dream Chaser Space System is on the forefront of the commercial human spaceflight industry, offering safe, reliable, and cost effective crew and cargo transportation to low Earth orbit. The Dream Chaser Program’s primary mission is to provide the United States with human spaceflight capability by transporting up to seven crew and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) and returning both crew and cargo safely to Earth.
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SNC's Space Systems is currently working with NASA's Commercial Crew Program on the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCAP) Program to develop and configure the system for ISS servicing. SNC is leading a team of global industry experts, universities and companies to continue developing the Dream Chaser Space System. One such company is United Launch Alliance (ULA) which is evaluating man-rating the Atlas 5 launch vehicle and configuring it for use with Dream Chaser to provide a launch configuration based on the exceptional heritage of the Atlas family of launch vehicles.
Dream Chaser® Space System Features:
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Reusable lifting-body spacecraft carries up to seven crew and cargo to and from low Earth orbit
- Including the transportation of NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station
- Vehicle design derived from NASA’s HL-20 , which has years of development, analysis, and wind tunnel testing by the Langley Research Center
- Launches vertically on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V Launch Vehicle
- Capable of free flight in low Earth orbit and of docking to the International Space Station & other orbital destinations
- Low-g reentry (< 1.5 gs) protects crew & science experiment return samples
- Low-impact horizontal landing on a conventional runway
- Large cross-range with frequent landing opportunities
- Exceptional crew safety features, such as non-toxic propulsion systems
- On-board propulsion system derived from SNC’s SpaceShipOne & SpaceShipTwo hybrid rocket motor technology
- Designed for simple maintenance and quick turnaround
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Winner of Two NASA Commercial Crew Development Awards, totaling $100 Million
- Space Exploration Systems has successfully completed all Commercial Crew Development Program milestones on time and within budget
- Winner of a Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCAP) Award, totaling $212.5 Million
- Winner of a Certification Products Contract, totaling $10 Million
