Dream Chaser spacecraft to be released as Matchbox toy by Mattel this month

Tuesday September 18, 2018 Tags: Dream Chaser, Eren Ozmen, Steve Lindsey

SPARKS, Nev. -- America’s next generation spaceplane will soon be available in stores.

Mattel, Inc. toymaker is releasing a Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Dream Chaser spacecraft Matchbox toy, which will be sold in stores starting this month.

“We are thrilled that Dream Chaser will be inspiring kids everywhere and up close,” said Eren Ozmen, SNC owner, chair and president. 

“A big part of SNC’s mission is to inspire the next generation of space explorers and innovators. This toy will spark kids’ imaginations, help them dream big and excited them about the possibilities in space.”

The toy will be a part of the Matchbox Sky Busters line, which showcases America’s best and most groundbreaking aircraft and spacecraft, including NASA’s space shuttle.

The actual Dream Chaser spacecraft is a reusable and versatile vehicle for low-Earth orbit that is scheduled to service the International Space Station starting in late 2020 for NASA cargo missions under the Commercial Services Resupply 2 (CRS-2) contract 2. 

The vehicle’s unique winged design and gentle runway landing make it the only spacecraft of its kind in the commercial space industry.

“We hope that America’s future astronauts and engineers who receive a Dream Chaser Matchbox toy will want learn more about math, engineering, science and space exploration,” said Steve Lindsey, VP of SNC’s Space Exploration Systems and former NASA space shuttle commander.  

“My curiosity for space started young, and I hope this helps spark the same in any kid who has this toy. There’s just something about a winged spacecraft that spurs the imagination.” 

Lindsey commanded three assembly and test missions to the International Space Station, flew on five space shuttle missions for NASA and was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2015.

The Matchbox Dream Chaser toy will be available at retailers including Dollar General and J.C. Penney, along with stores supplied by Darice Global Sourcing.