Building on its previous success, this time the mission profile called for reaching speeds around MACH 10 (around 7,000 MPH) which it did successfully; demonstrating its potential for missiles and for launch platforms. While missiles have their uses, the space launch platform is definitely what I'm excited about.

Infrared image of the world-record Mach 6.8 flight

Unfortunately, this flight was the last and fastest of three unpiloted flight tests in NASA's Hyper-X Program which is now over.

While larger versions and multi-stage platforms capable of launching space payloads would have been the next logical step, I don't know what if any further activity is planned by NASA for the SCRAMJET. Perhaps its time for private companies to take the baton, with some possible help from a SCRAM prize.