So I have done a bit of slamming on NASA and several governments mostly the US lately with regards to wasting money on the space program. But I find myself backing down somewhat today. Yesterday's test of the new experimental plane seems to me to be a good way to spend money. This new plane set a new speed record topping out at about 8000kph (5000mph). The X-43A as it is called may expand the evolution of the jet aircraft. The experimental flight lasted about 11 seconds and covered a distance of about 15 miles. By comparison, a little more than 100 years ago the Wright Brothers flew their new plane for 12 seconds for a distance of 120 feet.
The new engine is called a scramjet which is a cross between a jet and a rocket. The major difference is that while a rocket must carry its fuel load and oxygen load in order for the rocket to propel, the screamjet only has to carry its fuel load and can pull the oxygen out of the atmosphere. This step forward will help save on fossil fuels and make air transport faster. A flight that now takes 15 hours to complete could be completed in as little as 2 hours. While the commercial use for this is still many years off it is still a step in the right direction and if it helps the environment it will be well worth the pricetag. NASA plans another test later in the fall of 2004.
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