A loss for Dream Chaser: NASA can move ahead with rival Boeing, SpaceX space taxis, court rules

Enlarge Photo

SNC Space Systems' Dream Chaser space plane

Mark Harden

News Director- Denver Business Journal

Email  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Google+

A judge has ruled against Colorado-based Sierra Nevada Corp. Space Systems -- maker of the Dream Chaser space plane -- in its legal challenge to NASA's decision to support rival space-vehicle projects.

Florida Today reports that the ruling allows NASA to move ahead with new contracts with Boeing Co. and Elon Musk's SpaceX to develop a vehicle that will ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

As the DBJ's Greg Avery has reported, Louisville-based SNC Space Systems had wanted a federal court to order work stopped on the SpaceX and Boeing vehicles while the company tries to restore space agency funding for its Dream Chaser spaceship.

NASA had argued that any delay in developing a crew vehicle -- something the U.S. has lacked since the space shuttle fleet was retired -- could jeopardize the space station.

Tuesday, Judge Marian Blank Horn of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims ruled she would not block NASA from moving ahead with the Boeing and SpaceX projects.

SNC Space Systems' protest of NASA's original decision is ongoing.

Mark Harden directs print and digital news content for the Denver Business Journal, contributes to the "17th & Lincoln" blog and compiles the daily "Afternoon Edition" email. Email: mharden@bizjournals.com. Phone: 303-803-9227.