Magnetic Space Ribbon

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched an experimental craft to test the concept of manoeuvring in orbit using a 300-meter metallic ribbon to interact with Earth's natural magnetic field, essentially functioning as a large anode or cathode that would propel the craft into different orbits without the need for chemical fuel.

Scramjet Hypersonic Flight

An unmanned X-51 Waverider test vehicle successfully made the longest flight yet (200 seconds) with the new Pratt & Whitney scramjet engine, reaching a speed of Mach 5 in the first of four planned tests of the new technology.