Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser

Article From Arstechnica by Stephan Clark Nov 1st 2023

“Plunging into the ocean is awful. Landing on a runway is really nice.”

Excerpt

LOUISVILLE, Colorado—The first Dream Chaser spaceplane built to go into orbit is starting to look the part. Its foldable wings and fuselage are covered in custom-fitted ceramic tiles to shield the spacecraft’s composite structure from the scorching heat of atmospheric reentry as it flies back to Earth. It has its landing gear, and technicians buzz around the vehicle to add the finishing touches before it leaves the factory.