Last Chance for Hypersonic Flight Research?
On Saturday NASA plans to fly the second of three X-43A unmanned experimental vehicles designed to test hypersonic flight technologies, notably air-breathing scramjet engines. (The first X-43A was lost in June 2001 when its booster rocket flew out of control and was destroyed just a few seconds into the flight.) However, this flight could be one of the last opportunities in the foreseeable future for hypersonic flight research, at least outside of the Defense Department. Should the second X-43A fail, many insiders consider it unlikely that the last vehicle will ever fly. Regardless of the outcome of the X-43A, though, there’s no clear future for hypersonic flight research in NASA. The agency is refocusing its research on programs directly related to the new exploration initiative, and last week NASA officials confirmed that they have cancelled the X-43C, the follow-on to the X-43A. NASA will continue hypersonic research, officials said, but when–and if–any future vehicle will perform test flights remains uncertain.
Keep Reading
Most Popular

Why China is still obsessed with disinfecting everything
Most public health bodies dealing with covid have long since moved on from the idea of surface transmission. China’s didn’t—and that helps it control the narrative about the disease’s origins and danger.

These materials were meant to revolutionize the solar industry. Why hasn’t it happened?
Perovskites are promising, but real-world conditions have held them back.

Anti-aging drugs are being tested as a way to treat covid
Drugs that rejuvenate our immune systems and make us biologically younger could help protect us from the disease’s worst effects.

A quick guide to the most important AI law you’ve never heard of
The European Union is planning new legislation aimed at curbing the worst harms associated with artificial intelligence.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.