How NASA and Sierra Space are preparing for Dream Chaser space plane's 1st flight to ISS

A black and white triangular aircraft is docked to a large T-shaped space station covered in rectangular solar panels, some of which extend outward like arms.

LOUISVILLE, Colorado — The scene here is intense. Slowly, ever so slowly, the Sierra Space Dream Chaser spaceplane draws near the International Space Station.

There is focused face time here as mission controllers monitor their computer screens and diligently monitor incoming data. Anxiety mounts within the private company's control center as the craft makes its way through various perfunctory pauses — cautiously approaching the International Space Station (ISS) and enters the approach ellipsoid.