So - multi-stage, but a more refined design than the space shuttle.
In May 2013, The Dream Chaser Engineering Test Article (ETA) was shipped to the Dryden Flight Research Center in California for a series of of ground tests and aerodynamic flight tests. "The testing at Dryden will include tow, captive-carry and free-flight tests of the Dream Chaser. A truck will tow the vehicle down a runway to validate performance of the nose strut, brakes and tires. The captive-carry flights will further examine the loads the vehicle will encounter during flight and test the performance and flutter of the vehicle up to release from an Erickson Skycrane helicopter. The free-flight tests are designed to validate the Dream Chaser's aerodynamics as well as test the flight control surfaces to verify flight characteristics for approach, flare and landing." The first drop test is expected sometime during the summer of 2013.
So yes - the craft with the apt development name Dream Chaser will be making its first drop test will be at some point during the summer.
Additional info, as explained by James Voss, VP of Sierra Nevada Corporation, the company behind the Dream Chaser design:
[youtube][/youtube]
And Mark Sirangelo explains more of its role, both in historically and in present design, as well as what NASA plans to use it for:
[youtube][/youtube]
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."
- William Gibson
Josh wrote:What? There's nothing weird about having a pet housefly. He smuggles cigarettes for me.
