The Dream Chaser Tenacity, a reusable spaceplane developed by Sierra Space, is edging closer to its maiden flight. With a design reminiscent of NASA’s retired shuttles, it represents a new generation of orbital vehicles capable of runway landings. Despite facing program delays and evolving NASA priorities, Sierra Space continues to push forward with determination. The next year will be pivotal for the spacecraft’s journey toward operational readiness and long-term purpose beyond the International Space Station.
A New Chapter For Sierra Space’s Ambitious Orbital Vision
In a recent feature by NASA Space Flight, Sierra Space confirmed that progress on Dream Chaser Tenacity is accelerating, even amid questions about its future. The spacecraft has successfully passed a series of critical engineering and safety tests, proving its readiness for spaceflight.
“We have successfully completed key technical milestones in its development, including the finalization of the electrical system build, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing at Kennedy Space Center,” the company said. These tests, conducted at NASA’s Space Systems Processing Facility, validated the vehicle’s systems against the harsh electromagnetic environment it will face in orbit.
Sierra Space envisions Tenacity not just as a cargo ship but as a versatile orbital platform. Originally slated for missions to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s CRS-2 contract, the company has adapted its goals as the ISS nears retirement. The revised flight plan now calls for a free-flying orbital demonstration, signaling a shift from dependency on the station toward autonomous commercial operations in low Earth orbit.
The Expanding Role Of Dream Chaser Beyond The ISS
The modification of the CRS-2 contract has given Sierra Space the freedom to reimagine how the Dream Chaser could serve future orbital needs. The company’s leadership made its ambitions clear:
“We are in active discussions with many stakeholders about the potential usage of the vehicle as a national asset and beyond,” the company said. “The contract modification allows us to explore the spaceplane’s unique capabilities to meet the needs of diverse mission profiles, including emerging and existential threats and national security priorities that align with our acceleration into the Defense Tech market.”
This shift signals Sierra Space’s growing interest in defense, surveillance, and rapid-response capabilities—domains increasingly relevant to both governmental and commercial clients. The Dream Chaser’s runway landings and quick turnaround design make it a strong candidate for missions requiring flexibility and reusability, such as defense logistics, orbital servicing, or satellite deployment.
Dream Chaser Reverence Paused As Focus Tightens On Tenacity
Even as Tenacity moves closer to launch readiness, the fate of its sibling spacecraft, Dream Chaser Reverence, remains uncertain. Sierra Space has confirmed a pause in its development to prioritize Tenacity’s maiden mission.
“Dream Chaser Reverence production is on hold as our team focuses on Dream Chaser Tenacity’s first mission and test flow would depend on any future customer requirements,” Sierra Space said.
This strategic pause underscores the company’s commitment to proving its flagship vehicle before expanding production. It also reflects a pragmatic approach: focusing resources on perfecting one operational model could be key to attracting future investors and contracts once the initial flight demonstrates Dream Chaser’s capabilities in orbit and during runway recovery.
Preparing For The First Free-Flying Mission
As Tenacity nears its planned 2026 launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket, Sierra Space continues to refine its mission plan. The upcoming test flight will conclude with an autonomous landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, showcasing the vehicle’s controlled descent and reusability.
“Our test flight control team has been exercising all phases of the Dream Chaser mission for a few years, including the free-flight portions,” Sierra Space said. “With the change in mission profile, we are refining our flight plan and updating our simulation plans to be consistent. With our extensive simulation exercises there are very few changes necessary. We can simulate without the rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) phase.”
This free-flight test will validate Dream Chaser’s navigation, propulsion, and reentry systems—critical steps toward certifying it for broader operational roles. If successful, it could set a precedent for future multi-purpose orbital vehicles, bridging the gap between cargo haulers and agile defense assets.