NASA Delays Dream Chaser Launch, Changes Mission Plans

HOUSTON, Texas — NASA has announced a significant delay in the debut of Sierra Space’s cargo space plane, Dream Chaser. Initially set to dock with the International Space Station (ISS), the mission has been altered following a statement from NASA on Thursday.

The inaugural flight of the Dream Chaser, now referred to as Tenacity, is rescheduled for no earlier than late 2026. Instead of docking with the ISS, Tenacity will conduct a free-flyer mission. This change follows a contract modification between NASA and Sierra Space, which now stipulates that NASA is no longer obliged to conduct a specific number of resupply missions.

“Development of new space transportation systems is difficult and can take longer than what’s originally planned,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program. She emphasized the importance of flight demonstrations in enabling a spacecraft’s readiness and flexibility.

The original Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract required a minimum of seven flights to the ISS. Recently, NASA extended the CRS-2 contract through December 31, 2030, allowing for continued resupply missions as the ISS approaches its deorbit timeline in 2030.

Currently, the ISS is serviced by SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft and Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft. A NASA spokesperson mentioned that the timeline for awarding Sierra Space a mission to the ISS is uncertain, dependent on a successful free-flyer mission and subsequent certification.

Sierra Space, in a press release, expressed that the free-flyer mission will showcase technology that delivers critical data to NASA, while also allowing the company to address national security challenges. The Dream Chaser is a key part of Sierra Space’s plans for a commercial space station, Orbital Reef, being developed in partnership with Blue Origin.

Faith Ozmen, Executive Chair of Sierra Space, stated, “Dream Chaser represents the future of versatile space transportation and mission flexibility,” highlighting its role in supporting diverse mission profiles.

Originally designed as a crewed vehicle for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the Dream Chaser was ultimately not selected. Since then, Sierra Space has focused on developing a cargo version of the space plane.

After prior delays, Tenacity arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in May 2024 for final testing. According to Sierra Space, testing continues, with significant manufacturing milestones achieved. Testing phases are now focused on meeting rigorous pre-launch requirements.

The development process for the Dream Chaser has not been without challenges, as noted by former Sierra CEO Tom Vice during a 2024 event. He expressed excitement for entering orbital operations for NASA soon, a significant step in connecting Earth and space.