USAF sets record MACH 6 flight

[DisgruntledVirus]

But why not just use a rocket the whole way at that point? I think what you're describing is essentially a V-1, only with a scramjet instead of a pulsejet.

I'd imagine a scramjet would be cheaper once production techniques have been developed to make them reliable and production scaling costs have been realized.

 

[AeroEngy]

Satellite has a lot of disadvantages, cloud cover, time to position, detail level.
They could also send the plane into space to make observations then return to ground, sort of a drone in space . If better optics are designed it is an easy upgrade vs launching a whole new satellite.

I agree with easily switching the payload and sounds pretty much like the X-37b

Scramjets as far as I know have to fly at lines of constant dynamic pressure due to engine geometry. The faster they go the higher they have to fly. This one I think was at around 70,000 feet or so at speed. So it will have the same cloud cover issues as pretty much anything else.

 

[Blackjack200]

Since it is fuel intensive and expensive to retask a satellite it isn't done a lot and their orbits are pretty well known.

I've heard this before, and I have to ask... how do they know? I mean, I've seen the movies where the terrorists are working on some evil thing, and then a guy who is looking at his watch yells at everyone to get under cover because the satellite is about to pass overhead, but how would you get this information? I mean, on the list of sensative information, I would think that the locations and orbits of your LEO spy satellites would be pretty high.

 

[Gibsons]

I'd imagine a scramjet would be cheaper once production techniques have been developed to make them reliable and production scaling costs have been realized.

Also, scramjets can potentially use fairly conventional fuels and you get a lot more thrust for a given amount of fuel (higher specific impulse). So in theory, a smaller, lighter cheaper platform for a given amount of performance.

 

[Modelworks]

I've heard this before, and I have to ask... how do they know? I mean, I've seen the movies where the terrorists are working on some evil thing, and then a guy who is looking at his watch yells at everyone to get under cover because the satellite is about to pass overhead, but how would you get this information? I mean, on the list of sensative information, I would think that the locations and orbits of your LEO spy satellites would be pretty high.

It is mostly movie fiction, but the locations for most satellites are easily obtained by anyone willing to spend the time doing the research. The big giveaway with any satellite is that it has to be launched so you would start with that. The satellites are then moved to their location over weeks to months. The location has to be free of other satellites so you can use that to remove possible locations. The next thing you can use is if you know the uplink and downlink site it has to be visible from the satellite at least every time you want to access it which narrows it down even further. Remove satellites that lack the capabilities you are interested in. Continue the process until you narrow it down to likely spots.

One site that keeps track of most satellites in orbit is lyngsat.
http://www.lyngsat.com/

It is mostly communication and tv sats, but does provide a lot of info.


One other option is to monitor microwave frequencies. Most satellites in orbit will send their identification in the signal, even if you are not authorized to use it, they send their id of what they are so that could be used too.

 

[ElFenix]

Arent these tests now for finding a cheaper more efficient way to get into space? Since the concorde was for all purposes a failure. I cant see where a Mach 6 airliner would be beneficial. But if we can use this kind of technology to get into space. That is a completely different story.

fedex and UPS will probably be interested. same day service from select major cities around the globe? that'd be killer for them.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

fedex and UPS will probably be interested. same day service from select major cities around the globe? that'd be killer for them.

And I thought overnight was expensive...

 

[AMCRambler]

Or advanced reconnaissance packages without the risk of manned overflight and the limitations of satellite surveillance.

I'd go with this theory. They're looking for a high speed version of the UAV. Something they could launch state side, send to a theatre of operations anywhere on the planet and then fly back.

 

[tboo]

The most amazing part of that story to me is that we are still using B-52s. What an amazing plane.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Where it says "At that point the test was terminated." does that mean they hit the self-destruct button?