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2w ago

Stratolaunch Completes Second Reusable Hypersonic Test Flight for Pentagon

The Talon-A vehicle achieved speeds above Mach 5 and demonstrated reusability, marking a milestone in U.S. hypersonic weapons development.

The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. October 9, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
Stratolaunch completed the second hypersonic flight and recovery with the Talon-A2 fully autonomous vehicle. Credit: Stratolaunch
Stratolaunch's Talon-A2 first autonomous landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base. (PRNewsfoto/Stratolaunch)
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Overview

  • The Stratolaunch Talon-A vehicle completed its second successful reusable hypersonic flight in March 2025 under the Pentagon's MACH-TB program.
  • The Talon-A launched from the Roc carrier aircraft, flew over the Pacific Ocean at speeds exceeding Mach 5, and landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
  • This marks the first sustained reusable hypersonic testing since the X-15 program ended in 1968, showcasing advancements in reusability and cost efficiency.
  • The Hadley liquid rocket engine, developed by startup Ursa Major, powered the Talon-A, highlighting private sector collaboration in defense innovation.
  • The MACH-TB program aims to accelerate U.S. hypersonic capabilities by enabling faster, more affordable testing of hypersonic systems and components.