Dream Chaser

Sierra Nevada says its Vortex rocket can save tens of millions of dollars per launch

Space Systems

Rocket engine for the Dream Chaser space plane undergoes first public test-fire

There's a lot riding on the development of Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser space plane. The company has now offered the public the first fiery look at the engine that will propel it through space, with missions for NASA slated to kick off the year after next.

The awarding of NASA's most recent Commercial Crew Program contract will see an end to America's reliance on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft (Image: NASA/SpaceX/Boeing)

Space Systems

American independence in space: Ending reliance on the Soyuz spacecraft by 2017

The return of manned launch capabilities to US soil heralds the start of an exciting time in the space industry. But what were the driving factors behind the change, and how do the planned replacements match up? Read on as we delve deeper into NASA's mission to end the reliance on Russia by 2017.

The Dream Chaser carried into space on the nose of a rocket. (Photo: SNC)

Space Systems

Dream Chaser space plane to fall from the skies next summer

The Dream Chaser space plane is going to undergo full-scale drop tests in 2012.