Case Study – 4

GuideTech supported Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spacecraft program during a critical 2019-2025 development phase, contributing specialized expertise in navigation software verification and high-fidelity modeling and simulation.

The Challenge

As Dream Chaser prepared for missions to the International Space Station (ISS), the most expensive construction in human history, Sierra Space required the highest levels of verification rigor and simulation fidelity to ensure flight software performed exactly as designed before approaching the ISS.

The GuideTech Contribution

Working collaboratively with Sierra Space’s experienced engineers, GuideTech provided complementary expertise across two key areas:

01

Navigation Flight Software Verification & Validation

  • Developed comprehensive test frameworks that verify software meets NASA requirements
  • Produced documentation demonstrating to NASA that navigation systems perform as specified
  • Created failure detection test suites that simulate spacecraft component failures to ensure navigation maintains control under degraded conditions
  • Contributed navigation algorithms integrated into flight code

02

High-Fidelity Avionics and Sensor Modeling

  • Trajectory Planning
  • Mission Manager
  • Absolute & Relative Navigation

The Outcome

Under Sierra Space’s strong technical leadership, Dream Chaser’s navigation systems achieved the verification rigor required for NASA certification and ISS proximity operations. GuideTech’s verification frameworks, failure detection test suites, and high-fidelity modeling contributed to this success.

GuideTech’s specialized capabilities in mission-critical software verification, failure mode testing, and high-fidelity simulation for commercial space programs operating under NASA safety and certification requirements.

“GuideTech brought specialized verification and simulation expertise that complemented our internal capabilities during a critical Dream Chaser development phase. Their team integrated seamlessly with our engineers, contributing rigorous V&V work for navigation flight software and high-fidelity modeling that supported our NASA certification efforts. Their commercial space experience and collaborative approach made them valuable partners in achieving our program milestones.”

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Sierra Space Technical Lead

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Case Study – 2

GuideTech supported Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spacecraft program during a critical 2019-2025 development phase, contributing specialized expertise in navigation software verification and high-fidelity modeling and

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