Sierra Space's Dream Chaser Set for 2026 Free-Flying Demo After Delays
Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, initially designed for cargo and crew transport to the International Space Station (ISS), is now set for a free-flying demonstration flight in late 2026. This comes after a series of delays and changes in the program's trajectory.
Dream Chaser's first vehicle, Tenacity, was initially slated for a late-2024 or early-2025 debut. However, it is now undergoing final testing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center with a launch targeted for late 2026. This delay is due to various challenges, including manufacturing issues, supply chain problems, and integration hurdles with launch vehicles.
In September 2025, NASA modified its CRS-2 contract with Sierra Space, removing the obligation to purchase a fixed number of resupply missions to the ISS. This change allows Sierra Space to redirect its efforts towards the defense and commercial sectors. The company is exploring applications for the U.S. Department of Defense and securing funding for defense-related projects. Despite these shifts, Sierra Space remains committed to eventual ISS missions if NASA opts in, and the free-flight demo could pave the way for crewed variants or international partnerships.
The coming year will be critical for Dream Chaser's future. With a late-2026 launch on the horizon, Sierra Space must overcome past challenges to validate its technologies and secure its place in the commercial space market. The free-flying demonstration flight is a significant step towards this goal, but the path to success is far from certain.
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