The Dream Chaser spacecraft hitched a ride from a helicopter to allow scientists to test its flight computer and navigation instruments.

A 'captive-carry test' was successfully completed yesterday in California in preparation for the new spacecraft's first unaided flight scheduled for this autumn.

The test, which is the first time pilots have 'flown' a fully-functional Dream Chaser vehicle, took two hours and followed the path the spacecraft will one day fly independently.

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