Speed is a concept that has fascinated humankind for centuries. From the earliest inventions to the latest in aerospace engineering, our quest to go faster — whether across the ground, through the air, or into space — has driven some of the most extraordinary creations ever built. These machines and technologies represent the pinnacle of human achievement in velocity.
Let’s take a deep dive into the Top 10 Fastest Things Humans Have Ever Created, from mind-blowing spacecraft to earthbound speed demons.
10. ThrustSSC – Fastest Car on Earth
The Thrust Supersonic Car (ThrustSSC) is a jet-propelled car that made history in 1997 by becoming the first land vehicle to officially break the sound barrier. Driven by RAF pilot Andy Green, it reached a staggering speed of 763 mph (1,228 km/h) in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada.
What makes the ThrustSSC so unique is that it wasn’t powered by traditional wheels and engines. Instead, it relied on two Rolls-Royce Spey jet engines, each capable of producing 50,000 pounds of thrust — the same engines used in fighter jets like the F-4 Phantom II. The car was so powerful that it had to be designed like a jet fighter with ground clearance considerations, aerodynamic fins, and air brakes.
Designing a vehicle to travel faster than sound posed enormous engineering challenges. The shockwaves generated at these speeds could destabilize the vehicle if not carefully managed. The ThrustSSC team had to use wind tunnel testing, simulations, and materials capable of withstanding extreme heat and pressure.
Though no car has surpassed it since, the ThrustSSC inspired the development of the Bloodhound LSR, which aims to hit 1,000 mph. Still, as of today, the ThrustSSC holds the official land speed record.
