NASA took a major step toward redefining high-speed flight on Nov. 16, 2004. The X-43A, a small, experimental aircraft, proved that an engine drawing oxygen from the atmosphere could propel an aircraft to hypersonic speeds – greater than Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. During the flight over the Pacific Ocean west of California, the X-43A set the world speed record for a jet-powered aircraft, reaching Mach 9.6, or nearly 7,000 mph. The mission originated from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Re

Hypersonic missiles represent a new class of weapons that travel at extremely high speeds and follow complex flight paths. In this video, we explain the science behind hypersonic technology, how these systems differ from traditional missiles, and why detecting them is more challenging. This is a technical, non-political look at aerospace engineering, missile defense, and the future of high-speed flight. What do you think will matter more in the future — speed or defense systems? Share your thoug