Sierra Space has completed a key step in its preparations for the launch of its Dream Chaser uncrewed spaceplane (writes Nick Flaherty).

The first mission Flight Operations Review at NASA’s Johnson SpaceCentre has been successful, marking a milestone in preparation for the Dream Chaser’s inaugural mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract, NASA has chosen the Dream Chaser to provide cargo delivery, return and disposal services for the ISS for at least seven missions. The craft, which is 9 m long, has wings to allow it to return to a runway.

Its  wings fit within a 5 m- diameter payload fairing of a Vulcan heavy-lift launch vehicle. An expendable cargo module can be attached to the back of the Dream Chaser, expanding its cargo capacity to 5000 kg in the pressurised compartment, and

500 kg in an unpressurised one. It can also carry 1750 kg of cargo inside the craft when returning to Earth.

The first launch of the system is expected in April next year.