ha, i know quiet abit
lemme research a bit an get some links
guess um the CF Mad Scientist? lol
Jets -
one of the more recent tests is to test the new Hypersonic Scram Jet
NASA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFHbjpc_dJ4
this type of jet has no moving parts, and is basicly working like can of hair spray on fire, lol
max speed is estimated between Mach 12 to 24,
"By way of contrast, the fastest conventional air-breathing, manned vehicles, such as the U.S. Air Force SR-71, achieve approximately Mach 3.4 and rockets from the Apollo Program achieved Mach 30+." ~wikipedia
Rockets -
one of the newest 'idea's for space travel...
plasma based propulsion system using magnetic fields and neutral gases,
VASIMR = ( Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket )
this video is kinda....tow tech and childish, but its a good explanation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-537--RJb80
and here is an actual video test of the VASIMR engine, ION engine, or HALL engine, ect, it has many names.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVsgSjm_vXg&feature=fvw
i have great intrest in VASIMR technology
i gotta good feeling for this, and for this to be used to go to mars.