NASA to Attempt Mach 10 Flight Next Week

Dirak writes "NASA intends to break its own aircraft-speed record for the second time this year by flying X43a scramjet ten times faster than sound. On November 15 the X-43A supersonic-combustion ramjet - or scramjet - will again take to the skies aiming for Mach 10."

Comments

W00T!

[Anonymous Coward]

Now they can hurtle spacecraft towards Mars even faster before they malfunction and drift into outer space :D

One step closer to

[jaguar5150]

Ludicrous Speed!

Practical application

[darco]

I'm all for fast cool stuff, and technical gadgetry, but anyone know of any practical uses for this? I mean, wouldn't it run into the same sonic boom issues as the concorde? Perhaps even worse?

Or is this just a method for getting something to go fast enough to put it into orbit without a rocket? (which would be quite useful)

Re:What is the Speed of Sound?

[quizwedge]

In Space... No One Can Hear You Scream

Perfect cycle

[IGnatius T Foobar]

I'm sure this aircraft will create a lot of wind when it goes by. This wind can then be harnessed by windmills, which will produce electricity. The electricity can be used for electrolysis, producing hydrogen. The hydrogen can be converted into jet fuel. It's the perfect cycle!

Re:What is the Speed of Sound?

[Dr. GeneMachine]

You surely meant
In Space... No One Can Hear You Scram

Re:Blackbird and the Swedish fighter Viggen

[acc2]

But, but, Bush told me Sweden don't have any army! I'm comfused...

Re:What is the Speed of Sound?

[silence535]

but dosen't sound NOT travel through a vacuum?

Of course it does, otherwise we could not hear the Tie-Fighters screech past.