Is Dream Chaser A New & Improved Space Shuttle?

It has been over a decade since we watched the final Space Shuttle launch in 2011. During its 30-year program, this spacecraft managed to launch 135 times. While by no means perfect, it provided some incredible services throughout its operation that are responsible for a lot of important space infrastructure still in use today. However, now in 2022, a new spaceplane named Dream Chaser is getting very close to its first launch. This brings up the question of how this next-generation spacecraft compares to the shuttle. In reality, these spacecraft share quite a few similarities and differences. For one, Dream Chaser features a heat shield consisting of thousands of individual thermal tiles, however, they insist that technology and a new design make it much more feasible than what was used on the shuttle. All of which are important to consider going forward if Dream Chaser wants to become a main mode of crew and cargo transportation in the future. In the last few weeks alone Sierra Space has provided even more updates on this spaceplane and its progress toward the first launch scheduled next year in 2023. Here I will go more in-depth into Dream Chaser and how it compares to the Space Shuttle, its progress toward its first launch, what to expect in the future, and more. Full article here - For more space-related content check out - Credit: NASA - ULA - SNC - Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:02 - Spacecraft Comparison 4:05 - Upcoming First Launch