In Pictures: Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser Aces Glide Test Flight

The glide test success indicates the program is one step closer to orbital exercises.

The spacecraft was moved from inside the facility by a transport to prepare for the test.

Apparatus attached atop the Dream Chaser enabled a helicopter to raise the craft for the release and flight.

The full scale Dream Chaser craft, shown here lifted by a Columbia Helicopters Model 234-UT Chinook helicopter, flew a pre-planned flight path after its release.

The successful test flight ended at Edwards Air Force Base on Runway 22L.

The first trip to the International Space Station for the Dream Chaser is planned for 2020.

The Dream Chaser is scheduled for at least six missions under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 contract, beginning as early as 2020.

This atmosphere Free-Flight test verified the craft has the design and capabilities to return and land safely.

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser has displayed the ability to provide safe and reliable orbital flight, according to corporate vice president, Mark Sirangelo.

With NASA on board, Sierra Nevada Corporation will analyze the test data.

Using results from this Free-Flight test, engineers can perfect the aerodynamics of the Dream Chaser, making it even safer for future flights.

As the full-scale test vehicle is raised by the Chinook helicopter on Nov. 13, 2017, Sierra Nevada Corporation looks to the future of this spacecraft.

The Dream Chaser spacecraft is readied for the atmospheric Free-Flight test.

Rising high into the atmosphere, the Dream Chaser begins the atmospheric Free-Flight test.

The Flight Crew prepares Sierra Nevada Corporation’s full-scale Dream Chaser test vehicle for the upcoming Free-Flight test.

The Flight Crew for the Dream Chaser spacecraft completes preflight checks before the craft participates in the monumental test.

Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser spacecraft looks to be the next phase in NASA’s journey into space.