Efforts to develop practical hypersonic flight and the technologies that will enable hypersonic flight have been ongoing since the late 1950’s.  These advancing technologies are moving mankind ever closer to achieving practical hypersonic space and global transportation. This presentation:

-Addresses key aspects and challenges of hypersonic vehicle design, emphasizing high-temperature materials and thermal protection systems
-Summarizes the progress that has been made in maturing technologies critical to the successful development of practical hypersonic systems
-Highlights the successful X-51A flight test program
-Concludes by describing a vision for the development and applications of a hypersonic space and global transportation system