The Dream Chaser space plane took a public step forward Wednesday when a helicopter dangled the craft on a flight over a California desert testing the spaceship’s in-air systems and other features.

For years, Sierra Space has been working on Dream Chaser, primarily out of sight while plans changed and deadlines faltered.

Sierra Space's "mini shuttle" Dream Chaser space plane may make its maiden flight in May after launching atop a rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Pre-flight testing continues at NASA's ...

With its wings and tail structure removed and shrouded in plastic wrap, SNC's Dream Chaser test flight craft is ready to depart Louisville, Colo., atop a flatbed truck and trailer. Image released May ...