Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
The Social Architecture of High-Speed Aviation: Hypersonic Experiments to Supersonic Markets7 views
Author
Niknam, Saba, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Goyne, Christopher, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia
Forelle, MC, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Abstract
As supersonic and hypersonic innovations grow increasingly prominent across both defense and commercial sectors, this work examines high-speed aviation from complementary technical and societal perspectives. The technical component presents HEDGE-2, a low-cost 1U CubeSat experiment designed to demonstrate the affordability and accessibility of hypersonic experimentation by testing avionics software and data acquisition systems through NASA's RockSat program at Wallops Flight Facility. The STS component investigates the dual-use dynamics of supersonic aviation through a comparative analysis of NASA's X-59 and Boom Supersonic's XB-1, examining how the convergence of civilian and defense interests shapes funding, technical development, and commercial translation. Together, this portfolio reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of civil and defense applications within aerospace engineering, offering both empirical data and policy-relevant insights for the future of high-speed flight.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Rights
All rights reserved by the author (no additional license for public reuse)
Niknam, Saba. The Social Architecture of High-Speed Aviation: Hypersonic Experiments to Supersonic Markets. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2026-05-08, https://doi.org/10.18130/gtvg-3147.
