Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image Credit: Sierra Space

This year, the Sierra Space Dream Chaser spaceplane is to make its way to the International Space Station.

A multiple-hour simulation on December 5 matched up both Sierra Space and NASA Johnson Space Center controllers to ring out procedures, even simulating a number of flight controller problems.

In addition to thousands of hours of cumulative classroom and self-study training across the team, simulations provide “a unique laboratory” for bringing everything together to demonstrate the Sierra Space team’s knowledge, as well as test flight controller skills.

All hands and eyes on deck! Simulation of Dream Chaser approaching the International Space Station on Dec. 5, 2024. Image credit: Barbara David

Go to my new Space.com story — How NASA and Sierra Space are preparing for Dream Chaser space plane’s 1st flight to ISS – “This is the world’s greatest video game except, in the end, it is very real.”

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/how-nasa-and-sierra-space-are-preparing-for-dream-chaser-space-planes-1st-flight-to-iss