// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Mach Number
A Mach number tells you how fast something is moving compared to the speed of sound in the air around it. If it's Mach 1, it's moving at the speed of sound; if it's Mach 2, it's twice the speed of sound.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Mach number (M) is a dimensionless quantity representing the ratio of an object's speed relative to the fluid to the local speed of sound in that fluid, crucial for aerodynamic design and flight regime classification (subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic).
BACKGROUND
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is the operator of the Japanese space program and Japan's national aeronautics research agency. It was formed in 2003 through the merger of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan, and the National Space Development Agency of Japan.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- M
- Mach
- speed ratio
- sonic ratio
USAGE NOTE
Engineers use Mach numbers to design aircraft and rockets that can handle different flight speeds.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Mach Number.
The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration conducts extensive research into high-speed flight, hypersonics, and atmospheric re-entry, where Mach number is a fundamental parameter for vehicle design and operation.
Develops advanced rockets and spacecraft that operate at extremely high Mach numbers during launch, atmospheric ascent, and re-entry phases, requiring deep understanding of supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company involved in developing high-performance aircraft, missiles, and space systems that operate across a wide range of Mach numbers, including supersonic and hypersonic regimes.
Developing SABRE (Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine) technology, an air-breathing rocket engine capable of propelling an aircraft from a standstill to over Mach 5.5 within the atmosphere, and then continuing into orbit.
Developing Overture, a supersonic airliner designed to fly at Mach 1.7, requiring specialized aerodynamic and propulsion technologies to efficiently operate at these speeds.
Focused on developing ultra-high-speed aircraft, including a Mach 5 commercial aircraft, pushing the boundaries of hypersonic flight and propulsion technology.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency funds and manages numerous research programs in advanced aerospace systems, including significant efforts in hypersonic vehicles and propulsion, where understanding and controlling Mach number effects are critical.
A major aerospace and defense technology company involved in designing and producing advanced aircraft, spacecraft, and missile systems that operate at various Mach numbers, from subsonic to hypersonic.