// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Scramjet
A scramjet is an advanced type of ramjet engine where the air flowing through it remains supersonic throughout the entire engine, allowing for even faster flight speeds than a regular ramjet.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) is an air-breathing jet engine where combustion occurs in a supersonic airflow, enabling sustained hypersonic flight (Mach 5+) by compressing and igniting air without rotating machinery.
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
- supersonic combustion ramjet
- hypersonic engine
USAGE NOTE
Scramjets are a key technology for future hypersonic aircraft and space access systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Scramjet.
A global aerospace company involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of aircraft, rockets, and satellites, with ongoing research in hypersonic flight and advanced propulsion technologies, including scramjets.
A leading global security and aerospace company, deeply involved in the development of advanced aeronautics and hypersonics, including research into scramjet engines for future high-speed aircraft and missiles.
A major aerospace and defense technology company conducting extensive research and development in hypersonic systems and advanced propulsion, including air-breathing engines like scramjets.
Through its various divisions, including Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Technologies is involved in advanced propulsion system development for military and commercial applications, including research in hypersonic and scramjet technologies.
A U.S. government agency responsible for developing emerging technologies for use by the military, which has historically funded and managed numerous research programs into scramjet propulsion and hypersonic flight.
The U.S. agency responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space exploration, with a long history of research into hypersonic flight and scramjet propulsion for future air and space vehicles.
Developing Mach 5 aircraft using a turbine-based combined cycle engine that incorporates a scramjet for sustained high-speed flight, aiming for commercial and defense applications.
An Australian aerospace company developing reusable hypersonic launch systems powered by hydrogen-fueled scramjet engines, focusing on satellite launch and high-speed flight.
A British aerospace company developing the SABRE (Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine), a hybrid jet/rocket engine designed for hypersonic flight, sharing many research challenges with scramjet technology.