The University of Maryland and College Park-based Astrox Corporation have partnered on a long-term research project aimed at developing a hypersonic plane that could one day make transcontinental flights significantly shorter. The collaboration is part of a tech transfer through the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program, which was designed to accelerate commercialization of technology by funding joint research projects.

Such a plane could not only shorten flights — designers estimate a flight to Australia could one day be as short as two hours — but also provide travelers with a bird’s-eye view of the earth as the plane orbits around the globe during the flight.