This structure will be used to conduct the first orbital launch of the Dream Chaser spacecraft, which is scheduled to launch in November 2016 atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
Lockheed Martin began fabrication of the Dream Chaser spacecraft structure at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans, Louisiana, earlier this year. As each Dream Chaser structural component completes the fabrication and inspection process at MAF, it is transported to Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth, Texas, for integration into the airframe and co-bonded assembly.
Upon completion of manufacturing Lockheed Martin will transport the Dream Chaser airframe to SNC’s Louisville, Colorado, facility for final integration and assembly.
Dream Chaser
SNC, headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, is working with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program under an existing space act agreement to develop a commercial space transportation system.
Dream Chaser is a reusable lifting-body spacecraft which can carry up to 7 crew and cargo to and from low Earth orbit, including the transportation of NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
