Overview

• Under a revised CRS‑2 contract, Dream Chaser’s debut will be a standalone free‑flight in late 2026 that does not visit the ISS, and NASA is no longer obligated to buy any cargo missions.
• NASA says it may order ISS resupply flights only after a successful demo, framing the change as a way to continue testing as the station heads toward deorbit around 2030.
• Sierra Space has emphasized a shift toward national security work, citing the contract flexibility as it builds a defense-focused business alongside potential commercial LEO uses.
• Industry reporting indicates NASA has not yet certified Dream Chaser’s propulsion system for ISS proximity operations, highlighting unresolved safety and verification steps.
• With SpaceX’s Dragon and Northrop Grumman’s larger Cygnus now covering station needs—and Japan’s HTV‑X slated to launch in October—NASA has already obligated about $1.43 billion to Sierra Space under CRS‑2 to date.