The United Nations has announced that it will launch its first space mission with the new Dream Chaser spacecraft by 2021. The spacecraft is expected to fly non-stop in lower Earth orbit for 14 days.

The United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has partnered with Sierra Nevada Corporation, a private aerospace company, to carry out its space program. The UN announced its plans during the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico on September 27.

The UN's space mission will provide scientific research opportunities for developing nations, who are also members of the United Nations, that do not have the means to develop spaceflight technology and infrastructure. It would also provide these nations with the chance to launch microgravity scientific payloads. Richer nations can also propose payload missions for the upcoming Dream Chaser launch.

According to UNOOSA Director, Simonetta Di Pippo, the UNOOSA's core responsibilities involves promoting international cooperation for peaceful use of outer space. UNOOSA and Sierra Nevada will achieve this by dedicating an entire microgravity mission to UN member states.

The UNOOSA director stated that funding for this mission would be provided by many major sponsors.

However, UN member nations that are chosen to participate in the microgravity payloads would need to contribute a certain amount for the launch.

As early as 2018, the scientific payloads will be selected to provide enough time to integrate them with this microgravity mission. UNOOSA is also providing technical expertise and support for nations that are new to space launches and in developing microgravity payloads.

The Dream Chaser is a reusable space plane that is designed to land on commercial airports and other spaceports for easier access. Spaceports and airports that will also participate in this mission will be later approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.