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On November 16th, 2004, NASA took a major step toward redefining high speed flight.

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The X-43A, a small experimental aircraft,

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was developed to test an ambitious idea to prove that an engine using oxygen from the atmosphere

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for fuel could push an aircraft to hypersonic speeds.

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The plan for this flight was to exceed Mach 6.8, or about 5000mph.

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The X-43A, part of the Hyper-X program, was a joint effort between NASA's Armstrong and Langley Research Centers.

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The goal was to demonstrate the technology that could revolutionize flight, space access and reusable space launchers.

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The X-43A was attached to the nose of a Pegasus booster

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rocket and mounted beneath the wing of NASA's legendary B-52B.

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Teams worked tirelessly to ensure everything was ready for what could become a historic flight.

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With preparations and final checks complete,

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The B-52B took off from Edwards Air Force Base and headed west over the Pacific Ocean.

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At altitude, the Pegasus booster rocket and X-43A were released.

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3-2-1 launch, launch, launch- sequencer reset.

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Good release.

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Once ignited, the rocket carried the X-43A into the upper atmosphere.

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Then, at precisely the right moment, the X-43a separated and its supersonic combustion ramjet engine powered up to achieve hypersonic speeds.

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In less than 10seconds, the X-43A made history with a new speed record for an air breathing jet aircraft.

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It reached Mach 9.6, or about 7000mph.

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This was more than just a test flight.

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It was a glimpse into the future of aviation and a moment where research, collaboration and ambition came together and flew.

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It was a success that laid the groundwork for hypersonic flight.