Sierra Space, formerly part of Sierra Nevada Corporation, was awarded a Commercial Resupply Services-2 contract in 2016 to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) using the reusable Dream Chaser spacecraft and its Shooting Star cargo module. The agreement guaranteed a minimum of seven flights, with NASA previously issuing firm orders for four missions.
Following a review, both parties have now opted to modify the contract. Under the revised terms, Sierra Space will focus on completing a free-flight test, targeted for late 2026, which will demonstrate the spaceplane’s capabilities before committing to full ISS resupply missions.
NASA will continue to receive development updates from Sierra Space and provide limited support for the test flight. However, the agency is no longer bound to a set number of Dream Chaser missions. Instead, it retains the option to order resupply flights once the demonstration is complete and proven successful.
Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s ISS program, said the decision reflects the challenges of developing new spacecraft: “Development of new space transportation systems is difficult and can take longer than originally planned. A flight demonstration can be a key enabler, providing flexibility for both NASA and Sierra Space.”
Fatih Ozmen, executive chair at Sierra Space added, “Dream Chaser represents the future of versatile space transportation and mission flexibility. This transition provides 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 defence tech market. Together with NASA, we are seeking to preserve the exceptional potential of Dream Chaser as a national asset, ensuring its readiness for the next era of space innovation.”
The agreement comes as NASA and its partners prepare for the eventual deorbit of the ISS in 2030 and the transition to commercially operated space stations in low-Earth orbit. NASA is working with multiple private companies to develop a competitive cargo services market, aiming to become one of many customers as it pursues exploration of the moon under Artemis and future missions to Mars.