Tag Archives: Dream Chaser

Modular Motorworks

Posted on by

dream_catcher_01

Inspired by the structure of DNA, the Dream Chaser concept also gives urban transportation an entirely new phenotype.

In the process of purchasing the car, people will be able to choose from a number of variations and customize the cockpit and body modules they wish. Cockpit and body modules can be combined and interchanged to adapt to the user’s unique tastes, comfort requirements, and performance needs.

Using belt traction suspension and a magnetic field between each, the units never actually come in contact. Rather, the cockpit module floats in stasis above the body. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the cockpits ability to transfer onto a fixed-track in order to complete long-distance, high-speed journeys as part of a new, integrated transport experience.

Designer: Yiwei Zhang

dream_catcher_02

dream_catcher_03

dream_catcher_04

dream_catcher_05

dream_catcher_06

dream_catcher_07

dream_catcher_08

dream_catcher_09

Dream Chaser Prototype Spacecraft Suffers Landing Gear “Anomaly” after Free Flight Test

Posted on by

One of the three private space companies that NASA has invested significant money in to develop private spacecraft is Sierra Nevada Corporation. The company has a lifting-body spacecraft called Dream Chaser that reminds me a bit of the retired Space Shuttle. Sierra Nevada conducted the first free flying test of the Dream Chaser this weekend.

dream chaser 620x348magnify

While the spacecraft separated from the helicopter that carried it to launch altitude without issue and was able to assume it’s automated glidepath. The spacecraft suffered from what Sierra Nevada calls an “anomaly” during landing. By anomaly, the company means the left landing gear did not deploy correctly, resulting in Dream Chaser skidding off the runway.

The aircraft was damaged in the accident but reports indicate that it should be repairable. While Sierra Nevada is only conducting its first free flight tests, other companies NASA invested money in for private travel to the ISS, such as SpaceX with its Dragon capsule, have already made successful trips into orbit.

[via NBC News]

Commercial space shuttle prototypes fly through wind tunnel testing

Posted on by

Commercial space shuttle prototypes fly through wind tunnel testing

A pair of companies developing their own commercial space shuttles are presumably trying to flatten their hair after some rigorous wind tunnel testing. First up, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos (the guy behind Amazon), a company that's remained pretty quiet on its efforts to shuttle astronauts to the International Space Station. Its Space Vehicle setup will plump for a biconic shape (seen above), with a flattened side and a split flap. According to Blue Origin's president, Rob Meyerson, the shape allows greater volume than traditional designs, but forgo the "weight penalty" of winged craft. Compared to earlier capsules, the Space Vehicle's shape, with its fuselage flap to generate lift, should also give it better control on re-entry to earth.

Juggling for wind tunnel time, Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser has also been blasted with smoke to test its own air resistance credentials. Its module would lauch from the top of the rocket, and glide (as much as anything that costs this much can) back to earth like NASA's own space shuttles. The Dream Chaser is planning its first flight for this fall. You can check out its more traditional take on the future of space travel after the break -- and decide which of the two you'll want sending your children to the mines.

[Picture credit: Blue Origin, SNC]

Continue reading Commercial space shuttle prototypes fly through wind tunnel testing

Commercial space shuttle prototypes fly through wind tunnel testing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWired  | Email this | Comments