SpaceDev Dream Chaser
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The SpaceDev Dream Chaser is a planned crewed suborbital spacecraft being developed by SpaceDev and NASA. The spacecraft is a candidate for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program. The project was publicly announced on September 20 2004.
The design concept calls for a spaceplane with a single hybrid rocket engine, launching vertically from the ground. It will carry one to six humans and/or cargo to orbital destinations such as the International Space Station. The vehicle will be able to return from space by gliding and landing at almost any aircraft runway in the world.
It is intended that the design could be scaled up to make an orbital spacecraft. Most likely there would be an intermediate stage also.
The project derives from a partnership between SpaceDev and NASA's Ames Research Center. The project is currently only partially funded. If fully funded it could make its first flight in 2008.
“We’ve changed our focus from suborbital to orbital,” explained Jim Benson, SpaceDev CEO founding chairman, in a telephone interview. “By designing for an orbital vehicle, we get the side benefit of having a suborbital flight capability.” "Benson estimates that the Dream Chaser will cost $100-200m (£55m-£110m) to develop."
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