This general observation is particularly true of the aerospace plane, whose technologies will be of such vital importance to U.S. security and commercial interests for generations to come.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The National Aerospace Plane

This is because in several respects the plane is a true technology leader.

FORBES: Seeing Beyond Boeing's 787 Crisis

His intelligence operates on a higher plane, but his true gift is the ability to distill his complex theories into easily digestible terms.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS