A team of engineers at Notre Dame is testing an engine for hypersonic flight.

In November, Atlanta-based startup Hermeus reached a milestone in hypersonic flight at the school’s research facility.

Notre Dame’s Turbomachinery Lab is working with the company to develop a Mach 5 commercial aircraft, helping them test their new engine, Chimera.

Engineers at the University are creating conditions similar to what Hermeus will see in flight, and the company told Notre Dame that completing the testing on the ground removes a great deal of risk for their flight tests that are planned for next year.