Crew members and program officials prepare the X-51A WaveRider for a "captive carry" flight under an Air Force Flight Test Center B-52H Stratofortress Dec. 9, 2009 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The captive carry mission is part of preparations being made prior to the X-51's first powered hypersonic flight in early 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Cassidy)
An Air Force Flight Test Center B-52H Stratofortress performs a captive carry flight of the X-51A WaveRider over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. on Dec. 9, 2009. The captive carry mission is a key test milestone to ready to light the X-51's scramjet engine during the vehicle's first powered hypersonic flight in early 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Cassidy)