According to DARPA updates, the test flight appeared to go well until the glide phase, when monitoring stations lost contact with the HTV-2 vehicle. [Photos: DARPA Hypersonic Glider's Mach 20 Test] ...

DARPA has confirmed the splash down of its unmanned Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle (HTV-2) following the hypersonic vehicle's second test flight on August 11.

A technology demonstration and data-gathering platform, the HTV-2 ‘s second test flight was conducted to validate current models and increase technical understanding of the hypersonic regime.

HTV-2 became a 30min flight to test its carbon-carbon aeroshell with sharp leading edges and warm insulating structure that was expected to withstand 1,090°C for 1h.

The HTV-2 could hit speeds of up to Mach 20, but if Thursday's flight is unsuccessful DARPA will probably kill the project.

Falcon HTV-2 is an unmanned, rocket-launched, maneuverable aircraft that glides through the Earth’s atmosphere at incredibly fast speeds—Mach 20 (approximately 13,000 miles per hour), said DARPA.

HTV-9 will test a new wireless communications system on this flight that the HTV-X will use to dock itself to the station. HTV-X will also feature a new, reusable pressurized compartment.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will launch its new uncrewed cargo spacecraft HTV-X to resupply the International Space Station on October 21, it said on Friday. HTV-X, the new orbital transport ...

A technology demonstration and data-gathering platform, the HTV-2’s second test flight was conducted to validate current models and increase technical understanding of the hypersonic regime.