Sierra Space's Dream Chaser Completes Key Tests Ahead of 2026 Orbital Debut

Sierra Space has finalized a rigorous series of essential pre-flight evaluations for its Dream Chaser spaceplane, named Tenacity, advancing the vehicle toward its initial uncrewed mission scheduled for late 2026. This comprehensive testing campaign took place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, confirming the vehicle's readiness for operational flight profiles.

A significant part of this validation phase involved Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) assessments conducted within NASA's Space Systems Processing Facility (SSPF). These trials ensured the spacecraft's onboard electronics would operate reliably without self-disruption or external interference in the space environment. Furthermore, the team validated dynamic ground operations through high-speed tow tests simulating critical runway landing scenarios. Daimler Truck North America supplied a Freightliner Cascadia truck to tow the spaceplane at elevated velocities across the runway at KSC and Space Florida's Launch and Landing Facility, verifying autonomous navigation parameters planned for landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The program also confirmed a crucial two-way communication link, establishing the ability to transfer real-time command and telemetry data between Dream Chaser and Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado, utilizing NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System network. These successes follow a contractual adjustment for the vehicle, which was initially part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract awarded in 2016 to Sierra Nevada Corporation, the former parent of Sierra Space. The agreement, which originally mandated a minimum of seven flights, was modified to convert the first mission into a free-flyer demonstration flight, now targeted for no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2026. This change permits verification of the spaceplane's core capabilities in orbit without an immediate docking requirement with the International Space Station (ISS).

Following the ground testing, the Tenacity vehicle is scheduled for its final acoustic testing in December 2025. Subsequently, the spaceplane will be transported to Colorado for modifications intended to expand its utility for national security applications, aligning with Sierra Space's operational focus as a Defense Tech company. The successful completion of the EMI/EMC assessments and high-speed tow tests validates the engineering foundation for this reusable spacecraft, which is designed to land on conventional runways, offering an advantage for returning sensitive cargo compared to capsule splashdowns. The campaign concluded with a post-landing recovery rehearsal, verifying safe system safing and timely access to sensitive payloads, completing the immediate pre-flight validation sequence.