Hypersonic research focuses on the study and development of vehicles and technologies that can travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. These vehicles are capable of reaching speeds upwards of 3,800 miles per hour, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for a variety of applications such as space exploration, military defense, and transportation. Hypersonic research explores aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials science, and thermal management to overcome the technical barriers associated with traveling at such high speeds.