SNC Dream Chaser Valves for Valcor Corp.

The Dream Chaser by Sierra Nevada Corporation is a state of art spacecraft. It was selected by NASA to provide Cargo deliveries to low Earth Orbit(LOE) as a multi-mission space utility vehicle starting 2020. The Dream Chaser is a vehicle that must maneuver in space.

ASR was contracted by Valcor Corp to analysis and optimize the valves to be qualified for physical testing. The valves are required to pass a series of thermal, structural and combined tests set by NASA and internally.

Results

  • The structure was optimized through removing material and adding it to where it was most structurally effective to increase strength while maintaining stringent weight requirements.
  • Special features were added based on analysis results to redistribute the load paths for a more robust design.

Services Provided