Hypersonic Projectile Testing Service

Green Launch supports advanced R&D programs with hypersonic projectile testing built around proven light-gas propulsion technology. Backed by repeated field testing at Yuma Proving Ground and demonstrated velocities up to Mach 9, the service helps aerospace, defense, and research teams validate concepts, gather performance data, and move development forward with a practical, high-velocity test platform.

Hypersonic projectile testing launch system

Our Hypersonic Projectile Testing Services

Focused high-velocity testing services for propulsion, flight validation, and advanced aerospace research programs.

Hypersonic Vehicle Testing

Test hypersonic vehicle concepts using a proven launch platform that has supported scramjet programs and achieved projectile velocities up to Mach 9 for demanding R&D objectives.

Horizontal Test Firing

Conduct controlled horizontal firings to evaluate pressure profiles, vehicle weight effects, release conditions, and resulting velocities across repeatable test configurations.

Sub-Orbital Payload Delivery

Support research payload missions requiring high-speed sub-orbital launch conditions, atmospheric access, and practical validation of payload survivability and performance.

Atmospheric Sampling

Enable upper-atmosphere and mesospheric research missions with launch-tested vehicles designed for data collection, communications experiments, and scientific instrumentation deployment.

Scramjet Test Support

Provide a launch environment suited for hypersonic combustion ramjet testing, informed by prior free-flying scramjet launches at record-setting Mach conditions.

Velocity Data Validation

Generate actionable performance data across varying gas charge pressures, peak pressures, payload weights, and achieved speeds to inform engineering decisions.

Proven Test Capability

Accelerate High-Velocity R&D Validation

Green Launch helps R&D teams evaluate hypersonic concepts with a launch system built for repeatable, data-rich testing. From propulsion and vehicle behavior to payload survivability, the service supports meaningful validation without relying on conventional rocket architectures. Demonstrated field campaigns, successful horizontal firings, and record-setting scramjet-related performance give customers a practical path to gather test data, reduce uncertainty, and advance development milestones faster.

Engineers reviewing hypersonic test data
The Green Launch Difference

Why Choose Green Launch?

Green Launch offers a specialized platform for advanced hypersonic and high-velocity testing.

Proven Velocity

Demonstrated projectile launch velocities up to Mach 9 for demanding hypersonic research applications.

Field Tested

Successful multi-shot campaigns show repeatable performance across changing pressure, weight, and velocity parameters.

Technical Leadership

Led by experts in physics, propulsion, and aerospace systems with deep high-velocity testing experience.

Sustainable Approach

Light-gas propulsion uses hydrogen and oxygen propellant with water vapor as the primary byproduct.

Meet The Green Launch Team

Experienced leaders behind advanced launch testing.

Dr. John W. Hunter headshot

Dr. John W. Hunter

Chief Technical Officer

Dr. John W. Hunter brings deep expertise in high-velocity propulsion systems and advanced aerospace research to Green Launch. A physicist by training, he is known for leading the SHARP project at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, giving him rare hands-on experience with extreme-speed launch concepts and experimental propulsion platforms. At Green Launch, he helps guide the technical direction behind hypersonic testing, scramjet-related applications, and light-gas launch development. His background supports the company's focus on turning ambitious launch theory into practical, testable systems for defense, aerospace, and scientific customers. Dr. Hunter's leadership is central to Green Launch's ability to pursue Mach 9-class performance with a disciplined, data-driven engineering approach.

Eric Robinson headshot

Eric Robinson

Strategic Outreach

Eric Robinson supports Green Launch's strategic outreach with a background in systems science and entrepreneurship. His experience in fluid delivery systems for aerospace applications aligns closely with the company's light-gas propulsion model and broader mission development efforts. He helps connect Green Launch's technical capabilities with the needs of defense organizations, research institutions, and commercial aerospace stakeholders seeking practical alternatives to conventional launch methods. By translating complex engineering value into mission-focused opportunities, he plays an important role in partnership development and customer engagement. His work helps ensure Green Launch's hypersonic and sub-orbital services are positioned clearly for organizations that need speed, efficiency, and credible technical collaboration.

Don Whitney headshot

Don Whitney

Chairman of the Board

Don Whitney brings operational perspective to Green Launch through his experience as an Air Force pilot and environmental consultant. His background supports the company's planning around mission execution, safety considerations, and practical deployment strategy for advanced launch systems. At Green Launch, he contributes to board-level leadership and helps shape how the company balances ambitious aerospace innovation with real-world operational discipline. His aviation and environmental experience also complements Green Launch's emphasis on cleaner propulsion and more sustainable launch alternatives. For customers evaluating hypersonic testing or sub-orbital delivery partners, his presence reinforces the company's ability to think beyond engineering alone and address broader mission planning requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypersonic projectile testing used for in R&D programs?

Hypersonic projectile testing is used to evaluate vehicle concepts, propulsion behavior, structural survivability, instrumentation performance, and aerodynamic assumptions under extreme-speed conditions. For R&D programs, it provides measurable launch and flight data that can support concept validation, subsystem development, and risk reduction before larger-scale demonstrations or operational integration efforts.

What velocities has Green Launch demonstrated?

Can Green Launch support scramjet or propulsion-related testing?

What kinds of organizations typically use this service?

What test parameters can be varied during a firing campaign?

Where has Green Launch conducted testing?

How does light-gas propulsion differ from traditional rocket-based testing?

Can the service support payload or instrumentation testing as well as vehicle testing?

Need Technical Answers For Your Program?

Speak with Green Launch about test objectives, constraints, and mission fit.

Trusted Capability

Awards and Recognition

Since 2017 trust badge

Since 2017

Established aerospace launch innovator since 2017.

Mach 9 demonstrated capability badge

Mach 9 Demonstrated

Documented extreme-velocity testing capability.

Sustainable propulsion trust badge

Sustainable Propulsion

Hydrogen-oxygen launch approach with water vapor.

Start The Conversation About Your Test Program

Share your R&D goals, payload profile, or propulsion objectives, and Green Launch will help determine the right testing approach.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 619-933-6678. You can also send us a quick email at eric.robinson@greenlaunch.space.