// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Hypersonic
Refers to speeds that are five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) or greater, where aerodynamic heating and shockwave phenomena become very significant.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Pertaining to flight regimes at speeds equal to or greater than Mach 5, characterized by extreme aerodynamic heating, high-temperature gas dynamics, and significant shockwave interactions, requiring specialized materials and vehicle designs for sustained operation.
BACKGROUND
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the United States' civil space program and for research in aeronautics and space. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NASA operates ten field centers across the U.S. and is organized into three mission directorates: Human Spaceflight, Research and Technology, and Science. Established in 1958, NASA succeeded the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) to give the U.S. space program a distinct civilian orientation focused on peaceful applications. Since then, it has led most American spaceflight programs, including Project Mercury, Project Gemini, the Apollo program, Skylab, the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station (ISS) and the ongoing multi-national Artemis program.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Ultra-high Speed
- Mach 5+
- Super-fast
- Extreme Velocity
USAGE NOTE
Developing hypersonic propulsion and materials is a key focus for advanced aerospace research.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Hypersonic.
A global security and aerospace company known for its work on advanced aeronautics, including the SR-71 Blackbird and ongoing development of various hypersonic strike and defense systems.
A leading global aerospace and defense technology company involved in designing, developing, and manufacturing hypersonic vehicles and propulsion systems.
A major aerospace and defense company with significant investments in hypersonic weapon development, including air-breathing and boost-glide systems.
A multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and is active in hypersonic research and development for both military and commercial applications.
A major American manufacturer of rocket, missile, and spacecraft propulsion systems, developing advanced propulsion technologies critical for hypersonic flight.
A start-up focused on developing hypersonic aircraft for fast global cargo and potentially passenger transport, leveraging advanced propulsion and materials.
A British aerospace company developing SABRE, an air-breathing rocket engine capable of propelling aircraft to hypersonic speeds and into orbit, using pre-cooler technology.
A U.S. government agency responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military, funding numerous hypersonic research and prototype programs.