Overview
- The U.S. has completed two reusable hypersonic test flights, with the latest in March 2025, achieving speeds above Mach 5 and landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- These tests, conducted under the Pentagon's MACH-TB initiative, mark the first reusable hypersonic flight testing since the X-15 program ended in 1968.
- The Stratolaunch Talon-A2 vehicle launched from the twin-fuselage Roc aircraft, the world’s largest plane, and demonstrated full reusability with controlled runway recoveries.
- The Talon-A platform, powered by Ursa Major’s Hadley rocket engine, is designed to accelerate the development of hypersonic weapons and reduce costs through rapid turnaround capabilities.
- Stratolaunch and the Department of Defense are analyzing data from these flights to optimize vehicle performance and prepare for up to three additional tests under existing contracts.