NASA, Sierra Space Modify Commercial Resupply Services Contract
In 2016, NASA awarded a Repupply Services-2 commercial contract with Sierra Space, previously which is part of Sierra Nevada Corporation, to replenish the international space station with its cargo module of hunting stars to the dream hunter. As part of its contract, Sierra Space obtained a minimum of seven flights, and the agency previously published fixed price tasks for four Dream Chaser replenishment missions according to the needs of the space station.
After an in -depth evaluation, the NASA and Sierra space has mutually agreed to modify the contract, because the development of Dream Chaser determined by the company is better served by a free flight demonstration, targeted at the end of 2026. The Sierra space will continue to provide an overview of NASA in the development of Dream Chaser, including by the flight demonstration. NASA will provide minimal support thanks to the rest of the development and the flight demonstration. As part of the modification, NASA is no longer obliged to a specific number of replenishment missions, however, the agency can order Dream Chaser replenishment flights to the space station from Sierra Space after a successful free flight within the framework of its current contract.
“The development of new space transport systems is difficult and can take more time than what is originally planned. The ability to perform a flight demonstration can be a key catalyst in the development and preparation of a spacecraft, as well as to provide greater flexibility for NASA and Sierra space, “said Dana Weigel, manager of the International Space Station of NASA. “While NASA and its partners are turning to the desorbit of the space station in 2030, this mutually accepted decision allows tests and verification to continue on Dream Chaser, as well as the demonstration of the capacities of the Spacelane for future reappointment missions in low terrestrial orbit.”
NASA and its business and international partners will continue to provide the Orbital Complex in Sciences, supplies and critical equipment while the agency is preparing to move on to commercial space stations in low land orbit. NASA continues to work with a variety of private companies to develop a competitive industrial basis for freight services, which will be necessary for future commercial space stations. With a strong economy in terrestrial orbit, NASA will be one of the many customers of private industry while the agency explores the Moon under the Artemis and Mars campaign as well as business and international partners.
