Comments on: Dream Chaser underwent its first flight test today https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/dream-chaser-underwent-its-first-flight-test-today/ Wed, 30 May 2012 17:29:15 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: wodun https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/dream-chaser-underwent-its-first-flight-test-today/#comment-51780 Wed, 30 May 2012 17:29:15 +0000 http://behindtheblack.com/?p=17479#comment-51780 IIRC it is a NASA design, much like the Bigellow habs. Maybe our advancements in computers and avionics have made it possible. Sort of like the flying wing.

]]> By: Joe https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/dream-chaser-underwent-its-first-flight-test-today/#comment-51776 Wed, 30 May 2012 17:02:28 +0000 http://behindtheblack.com/?p=17479#comment-51776 In reply to Patrick.

The references to the opening of the “Six Million Dollar Man” TV series are appropriate here. The real problem with lifting bodies is the low speed stability requirements for landing.

That is the reason they were not pursued after extensive testing in the 1960’s. I wish Sierra Nevada luck, but we will see how it all turns out.

]]> By: Patrick https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/dream-chaser-underwent-its-first-flight-test-today/#comment-51759 Wed, 30 May 2012 14:38:46 +0000 http://behindtheblack.com/?p=17479#comment-51759 Why couldn’t NASA do this 20 years ago?

It looks like one of the old Airforce/NASA lifting body aircraft they tested for years back before the shuttle was first flown.
I guess Steve Austin will be the first pilot. How he lands this one better.

A cheap small taxi/cargo truck style craft.
Launchable from small rockets already in use.

]]> By: Blair Ivey https://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/dream-chaser-underwent-its-first-flight-test-today/#comment-51703 Wed, 30 May 2012 05:24:56 +0000 http://behindtheblack.com/?p=17479#comment-51703 Now we’re rolling.

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