AIA Statement on X-514 Hypersonics Test
Despite the unsuccessful outcome of the August 14 X-51A test, our nation’s hypersonics efforts are still critical to achieving global and high-speed strike capability, new methods for access to space and future aviation technology breakthroughs.
AIA believes that even in these difficult fiscal times, the United States must remain Second to None in the hypersonic regime as our competitors’ efforts are not wavering.
We should encourage strong, effective collaboration between the relevant components of DOD and NASA to set meaningful objectives to make progress in this area.
AIA notes that the U.S. government’s early reconnaissance satellite program – Corona – failed 12 times in less than three years before its final and pivotal successful launch and orbit in 1960. Similarly, for both the Saturn V moon rocket's F-1 engine and the Space Shuttle Main engines, serious failures occurred during development testing before they ultimately succeeded.
Mistakes or failures should not set us back. Cutting-edge, high-technology programs like hypersonics are exactly the types of efforts that deserve the continued, stable investment of our great nation.
-To learn more about AIA’s work in the hypersonics field, please view our white papers at:
