My outside hope is that if the Hyper-X really shows 'the right stuff', either the C will be re-funded, or its data will get rolled into a larger scale re-usable demonstrator of some other name/funding/etc

Doubtful, and doubtful even the hyper-x will do anything but crash in this next test given the over-all track record with scram jets, and even doubtful that hypersonic airbreathing propulsion will ever mature to be a viable space launch technology. All that granted.

But, if it can be made to work and to live up to the expectations of the proponents I have heard... It could really cheapen access to space.

Davin L.