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Going Supersonic! NASA's X-59 Jet Breaks Sound Barrier for the 1st Time
The 81-minute test reached Mach 1.1 as NASA prepares the aircraft for mission-condition flights and later quiet supersonic demonstrations.
- On Friday, June 5, 2026, NASA's X-59 research aircraft exceeded the speed of sound for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the Quesst mission.
- Designed to generate a "quiet" thump rather than a disruptive sonic boom, the experimental aircraft aims to overcome regulatory bans that grounded The Concorde in 1973.
- During the 81-minute flight at Edwards Air Force Base, NASA test pilot Jim 'Clue' Less reached a top speed of Mach 1.1 and an altitude of 43,400 feet.
- Future "mission conditions" flights will push toward Mach 1.4 at 55,000 feet, providing essential data for regulators to develop new noise standards for supersonic flight.
- These advancements could help travelers reach destinations faster while minimizing disturbances on the ground, positioning NASA to potentially enable future commercial supersonic flight over land.
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At the aircraft's command was test pilot Jim 'Clue' Less, who stabilized the aircraft at an altitude of 43,400 feet. During the mission, an aircraft
NASA's X-59 aircraft completes first supersonic flight
NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft completed its first supersonic flight on Friday, marking a major milestone in the development of the agency's quiet supersonic technology.The flight sets the stage for demonstrating the aircraft's quiet supersonic capabilities
·Beijing, China
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Total News Sources30
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 22%
C 56%
R 22%
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