Introduction to Hypersonic Speed
Hypersonic technology is one of the most exciting areas in modern engineering. When we say hypersonic, we mean speeds greater than Mach 5. Mach 1 is the speed of sound, which is about 1,230 kilometers per hour at sea level. So, Mach 5 is five times that speed, or more than 6,150 kilometers per hour. At such speeds, a plane could fly from London to Sydney in less than three hours. This is not just fast; it changes everything about travel, defense, and space exploration.
However, flying at hypersonic speeds is not easy. The air in front of the vehicle gets extremely hot, sometimes over 1,500 degrees Celsius. Normal airplane materials would melt. The vehicle also faces huge forces and vibrations. Engineers must solve problems with heat, materials, engines, and control systems. Two American companies, Ursa Major and Stratolaunch, are leading the way in solving these challenges. They focus on engines and testing platforms that make hypersonic flight possible in real life.
This article explains who these companies are, what they do, how they work together, and why their innovations matter. Everything here is based on public information, company statements, and expert reports. The goal is to help you understand hypersonic technology in simple English.
Understanding Hypersonic Flight
Before talking about the companies, let’s understand hypersonic flight better. There are three main types of high-speed flight: subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic.
Subsonic flight is what most passenger planes do today. They fly below Mach 1, around 900 kilometers per hour. Supersonic flight is above Mach 1 but below Mach 5. The Concorde jet was supersonic; it flew at Mach 2. Hypersonic starts at Mach 5 and goes up to Mach 25 or more.
Hypersonic vehicles can be missiles, planes, or space launch systems. Most hypersonic work today is for defense. Countries want missiles that fly too fast for enemy defenses to stop. But the same technology can help launch satellites cheaper or fly passengers across the world in hours.
The biggest challenge is the engine. Normal jet engines use fans and turbines. They work well up to Mach 3. But at hypersonic speeds, a different engine is needed. This is called a scramjet, which stands for supersonic combustion ramjet. A scramjet lets air flow into the engine at supersonic speed and burns fuel inside without slowing the air down.
Ursa Major is building engines that can work in both rocket mode and air-breathing mode. This makes testing easier and more flexible.
Who is Ursa Major? A Closer Look
Ursa Major is a private company based in Denver, Colorado. It was founded in 2015 by Joe Laurienti, a former SpaceX engineer. Joe saw that rocket engines were too expensive and took too long to build. His goal was to make engines the way car companies make parts: fast, affordable, and reliable.
Unlike big companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin, Ursa Major does not build complete rockets. It only makes the engines. This is smart because many rocket companies need good engines but do not want to build them from scratch. Ursa Major sells engines to anyone who needs them, including the U.S. military, NASA, and private space companies.
The company uses modern methods to build engines. One key method is 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing. Instead of cutting metal parts from big blocks, they print layer by layer using metal powder and lasers. This reduces waste, lowers cost, and speeds up production. Ursa Major says it can design, build, and test a new engine in months, not years.
Today, Ursa Major has more than 300 employees. It has raised over $250 million from investors. The company has two factories: one in Colorado and a new one opening in Ohio in 2025. This growth shows that people believe in their vision.
Key Engines Developed by Ursa Major
Ursa Major has created several engines. Each one serves a different purpose. Let’s look at the most important ones.
The Hadley engine is small and powerful. It produces 5,000 pounds of thrust. That is enough to move small satellites in space. Hadley uses liquid oxygen and kerosene. It has flown successfully on real missions. In 2021, a Hadley engine powered a rocket from a company called Astra. The flight reached space.
The Ripley engine is much bigger. It will produce 50,000 pounds of thrust. This is for medium-sized rockets that can carry 1,000 kilograms to orbit. Ripley is still in development, but ground tests are going well. Ursa Major plans to finish it by 2026.
The Draper engine is the star for hypersonic work. Draper is an air-breathing engine that can also work like a rocket. It uses oxygen from the air at lower altitudes, then switches to onboard oxygen in space. This dual-mode design is perfect for hypersonic testing. Draper can restart many times and change thrust during flight. These features are critical for real-world tests.
Ursa Major has completed hundreds of ground tests. They use special test stands that measure temperature, pressure, and vibration. All data helps improve the design. The company also works with the U.S. Air Force and Navy on secret projects, but public information shows steady progress.
Who is Stratolaunch? The Giant Airplane Company
Stratolaunch is based in Mojave, California. It was started in 2011 by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft. Paul Allen loved big ideas. He wanted to make space access easier by using airplanes instead of ground launch pads.
The heart of Stratolaunch is the Roc aircraft. Roc is the largest plane ever built by wingspan. The wings stretch 385 feet, or 117 meters. That is longer than an American football field. Roc has two fuselages, like two airplane bodies joined by the wing. It uses six Boeing 747 engines for power.
Roc does not go to space itself. Its job is to carry rockets or test vehicles up to high altitude. At about 35,000 feet, Roc releases the payload. The rocket or vehicle then ignites its engine and flies on its own. This method is called air-launch.
Air-launch has many advantages. First, the plane can take off from any large airport. Second, it can wait for perfect weather. Third, it avoids the thick lower atmosphere where drag is highest. Finally, it is reusable. Roc can fly again and again.
Stratolaunch completed the first flight of Roc in April 2019. It was a historic moment. Since then, the company has done many test flights. In 2023, Roc successfully dropped a small test vehicle called Talon-A. Although that test had some issues, it proved the concept works.
The Power of the Roc Aircraft
Let’s understand why Roc is so special. The plane weighs 500,000 pounds empty. It can carry an additional 550,000 pounds of payload. That means it can lift a fully fueled hypersonic test vehicle.
Roc flies at normal jet speeds, around 800 kilometers per hour. It climbs to 35,000 feet in about an hour. At release, the test vehicle is already moving fast and high. This gives it a big head start compared to launching from the ground.
The drop happens over the Pacific Ocean. This keeps people on the ground safe. The vehicle flies far out to sea before coming back or splashing down. Sensors on the vehicle send data back in real time.
Stratolaunch has a team of experienced pilots and engineers. Many worked on the Space Shuttle or military planes. Safety is the top priority. Every flight follows strict rules from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Ursa Major and Stratolaunch Partnership
In 2023, Ursa Major and Stratolaunch announced they would work together on hypersonic testing. This partnership combines the best of both worlds: powerful engines and a giant carrier plane.
The plan is simple but powerful. Stratolaunch will attach a hypersonic test vehicle under the wing of Roc. Inside the vehicle will be a Draper engine from Ursa Major. When Roc drops the vehicle, the Draper engine will start and push it to hypersonic speed.
The first test flight is planned for late 2025. The vehicle will fly at Mach 5 or higher for several minutes. During this time, engineers will collect data on heat, pressure, thrust, and stability. After the test, the vehicle will glide back and land on a runway if possible, or splash into the ocean with parachutes.
This partnership is a win for both companies. Ursa Major gets real flight data for its engine. Stratolaunch gets a paying customer and proves Roc can handle hypersonic payloads. Together, they offer a complete testing service to the U.S. government and private companies.
Why Hypersonic Technology is Important
Hypersonic technology has three major uses: defense, space launch, and future passenger travel.
In defense, hypersonic missiles are game-changers. Current missile defenses can stop slower weapons. But a hypersonic missile flies too fast and can change direction. This makes it almost impossible to intercept. The United States, China, Russia, and India are all developing hypersonic weapons. Ursa Major and Stratolaunch help the U.S. stay ahead.
In space, hypersonic air-breathing engines can reduce launch costs. A traditional rocket carries all its oxygen. This makes it heavy. An air-breathing engine uses oxygen from the atmosphere, so it needs less fuel at takeoff. Combined with air-launch from Roc, the total system could launch small satellites for a fraction of today’s price.
For passengers, hypersonic flight means ultra-fast travel. Imagine breakfast in New York and lunch in Tokyo. Companies like Boom Supersonic and Hermeus are working on hypersonic passenger planes. They will need engines like those from Ursa Major.
Technical Challenges in Hypersonic Development
Hypersonic flight faces many hard problems. Let’s look at the biggest ones.
Heat is the number one enemy. At Mach 5, the nose of the vehicle can reach 1,200 degrees Celsius. At Mach 10, it can exceed 2,000 degrees. Engineers use special materials like ceramic matrix composites and ultra-high-temperature ceramics. These materials must protect the vehicle without adding too much weight.
Aerodynamics is another challenge. At hypersonic speeds, shock waves form around the vehicle. These waves can destroy engines if not designed correctly. Ursa Major uses computer simulations and wind tunnel tests to get the shape right.
Fuel management is critical. Scramjet engines need fuel that mixes and burns in milliseconds. Ursa Major uses kerosene because it is stable and easy to handle. Hydrogen would give more power but is harder to store.
Cost is always a concern. Traditional rocket engines cost tens of millions of dollars. Ursa Major aims for under one million dollars per engine. 3D printing and simple designs help achieve this goal.
Achievements and Milestones
Both companies have impressive records.
Ursa Major has conducted over 200 hot-fire tests. A hot-fire test means running the engine with real fuel for minutes. They have delivered Hadley engines to customers. The company won a $23 million contract from the U.S. Air Force in 2022 for hypersonic engine development.
Stratolaunch has flown Roc more than 20 times. The longest flight lasted over five hours. In 2024, Roc carried a 10,000-pound test article to prove its strength. The company signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for regular hypersonic tests starting in 2026.
Future Roadmap and Vision
The future looks bright for both companies.
Ursa Major plans to:
- Complete Ripley engine certification in 2026.
- Scale Draper production for multiple customers.
- Develop a 200,000-pound thrust engine for heavy rockets.
- Open the Ohio factory with 500 new jobs.
Stratolaunch plans to:
- Conduct the first Draper-powered hypersonic flight in 2025.
- Build a reusable hypersonic vehicle that lands on runways.
- Offer weekly launch services by 2028.
- Expand the fleet with a second Roc aircraft.
Together, they want to create a national hypersonic test range in the sky. Any company or government agency could book a flight to test new ideas quickly and safely.
Expert Opinions and Industry Impact
Experts praise the work of Ursa Major and Stratolaunch.
Dr. Mark Lewis, former Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, said in a 2024 interview: “Air-launch hypersonic testing is the fastest way to mature technology. Stratolaunch provides the platform, and Ursa Major provides the propulsion. This combination accelerates progress.”
Emily Chen, aerospace analyst at Morgan Stanley, wrote in a report: “Ursa Major’s manufacturing speed is a disruption. Traditional engine makers take 18 months per unit. Ursa Major does it in weeks. This changes the economics of space and defense.”
The partnership also creates jobs. Between the two companies, over 600 people work directly on hypersonic projects. Suppliers and universities add thousands more.
Safety, Regulations, and Ethics
Safety is central to both companies. Roc flies over unpopulated ocean areas. Test vehicles have flight termination systems. If anything goes wrong, the vehicle can be destroyed safely.
The FAA licenses every Roc flight. The Department of Defense reviews all hypersonic tests. Ursa Major and Stratolaunch publish annual safety reports. There have been no injuries in any test.
Ethically, hypersonic weapons raise concerns. Faster missiles could make wars more dangerous. However, the same technology saves lives in space exploration and disaster response. Satellites launched cheaper can monitor hurricanes or provide internet to remote areas.
Comparison with Global Competitors
Other companies and countries work on hypersonic technology.
Hermeus in the USA builds a full hypersonic aircraft called Quarterhorse. It uses turbine-based combined cycle engines. Hermeus focuses on passenger travel.
Venus Aerospace, also in the USA, develops a space plane that takes off from runways. It uses rotating detonation engines.
In China, the DF-17 missile is already operational. It flies at Mach 10. Details are secret, but it shows government investment.
Russia claims the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. Independent verification is limited.
Ursa Major and Stratolaunch stand out because they are private, transparent, and focused on testing services. Anyone can use their systems with proper approval.
How to Stay Updated
To learn more:
- Visit ursamajor.com for engine updates and videos.
- Visit stratolaunch.com for flight schedules and live streams.
- Follow both companies on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
- Read the annual reports from the U.S. Government Accountability Office on hypersonic programs.
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Conclusion: A New Era of Speed
Ursa Major and Stratolaunch are pioneering hypersonic technology in practical ways. Ursa Major builds engines that are powerful, flexible, and affordable. Stratolaunch provides the world’s largest aircraft to test those engines in real flight. Their partnership creates a complete ecosystem for hypersonic development.
In 2025, the first joint test will show if the system works at Mach 5. If successful, more tests will follow quickly. Defense forces will get better weapons. Space companies will launch satellites cheaper. One day, passengers may fly around the world in hours.
Hypersonic is no longer just a dream. It is engineering in action. Ursa Major and Stratolaunch prove that smart teams with clear goals can solve the hardest problems. The sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning.
Disclaimer: This article is written for informational and educational purposes only. All information is based on publicly available sources, company websites, press releases, and reliable news reports up to November 15, 2025.The content is simplified for easy reading, like a Grade 5 level, but it is not official from Ursa Major or Stratolaunch. The companies did not review or approve this article.Future plans, test dates, and technical details (like 2025 hypersonic test) are based on announced goals. They may change due to weather, money, safety, or new ideas.No investment advice is given. Do not use this to buy stocks or make business choices.Safety and ethics: Hypersonic technology can be used for defense. We do not support misuse. All tests follow U.S. laws.Word count and style are made to help students and beginners. Experts may find it too simple.No misleading info is added on purpose. If you see a mistake, tell us!Copyright: You can share this for learning, but do not sell or say it is yours.
About the Author
Mary Correa is a content writer with 9 years of experience. She loves writing about luxury villas and travel. Her articles are easy to read and full of exciting ideas. Mary helps readers discover amazing places to visit and stay. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring new destinations.
