A United Launch Alliance

Atlas V rocket will lift aloft Sierra Nevada’s upcoming reusable spacecraft, Dream Chaser.

Sierra Nevada’s upcoming reusable spacecraft will head into space aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

The Dream Chaser craft, which has been in development for more than 10 years, will function similarly to NASA’s retired space shuttle. It will travel into space on top of a rocket and detach once it leaves Earth’s atmosphere. The airplaneshaped vehicle would then dock with the International Space Station by its tail. Its return would end with a runway landing.

Sierra Nevada Corporation Space Systems emerges as yet another competitor vying for NASA’s cargo launch contracts. Its first Dream Chaser mission aboard ULA’s workhorse rocket is scheduled to launch in 2020 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, according to a joint news release from the two companies. A second is set for 2021.

“We recognize the importance of on-time and reliable transportation of crew and cargo to Station and are honored Atlas V was selected to continue to launch cargo resupply missions for NASA,” said Gary Wentz, ULA’s vice president of human and commercial systems.

United Launch Alliance has been steeped in competition with SpaceX for Florida-based launches of satellites and cargo.

Mark Sirangelo, vice president of Sierra Nevada’s space business division, said the Atlas’ “proven reliability” contributed to its selection.

“ULA is an important player in the market and we appreciate their history and continued contributions to space flights,” Sirangelo said.

In late May, the Dream Chaser passed a review meant to certify it for NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract. In a release then, company officials said the Dream Chaser has six missions scheduled before 2024. A company spokeswoman listed some of the advantages Sierra Nevada thinks it has over other vehicles. They include:

Dream Chaser can take crew cargo to low-Earth orbit.

After its initial missions to the space station, the company hopes to use Dream Chaser to repair satellites or be used as an “orbiting science laboratory.”

Dream Chaser can land on any runway, including, potentially, at airports.