Pioneers of Aerospace By Daniel Canache
SR-71. Image Courtesy of NASA.
Over a hundred years ago in the early 1900s, Orville Wright and the Wright Flyer flew into history as the first powered aircraft. Just over half a century later, the SR-71, which still holds the title of the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, first flew. These events and many more mark revolutions in aerospace brought about by those who dared to do what had never been done before. But who is to say that the successors of these pioneers are not preparing to make their mark at this very moment? Ever since the early 20th century, transportation above the Earth’s surface has been file_page11.txt
on the forefront of innovation. With early aircraft in the 1910’s, the space race in the latter half of the century, and the development of turbomachinery, there has been no shortage of organizations creating new aircraft and aerospace technologies. However, many of these have been government century institutions, such as NASA. While there is nothing wrong with such organizations, the 21st has seen an increase in private and commercial aerospace companies, allowing rapid development across a variety of sectors. Indeed, dozens of companies have begun to branch out into hypersonics, small
launches, reusable spacecraft, etc. The following are perfect examples of this trend, seeking to bring about the greatest revolutions in aerospace since the creation of the turbojet. While many organizations have set their sights on reaching space, Venus Aerospace has different plans. With so much untapped potential in the commercial aviation industry, the company based in Houston, Texas has decided to bring to fruition the dreams of many airlines: the