Refer to:

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/research/x43-main.html

The key text:

"Preliminary data from the scramjet-powered research vehicle show its revolutionary engine worked successfully at nearly Mach 9.8, or 7,000 mph, as it flew at about 110,000 feet."

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If "worked" means the engine's thrust was a little bit larger than skin friction drag then this is good news. If "worked" means the engine's thrust was significantly greater than skin friction drag then this is excellent news. If "worked" means the engine achieved ignition but produce less thrust than skin friction drag then this mediocre news. I waiting with great interest to find out what "worked" actually means.

Gary