NASA to resume supersonic aircraft tests. Here's what to know
USA TODAY
NASA's experimental supersonic X-59 jet designed to travel faster than the speed of sound is preparing for its second flight from California.
NASA is getting ready to go supersonic.
The U.S. space agency's experimental X-59 jet designed to eventually travel faster than the speed of sound is preparing for its second flight from California. The upcoming test flight will be the latest of many in the coming months as NASA aims to prove that supersonic flight could one day be a viable option for commercial airlines.
Built by aerospace contractor Lockheed Martin, X-59 is designed to not only break the sound barrier by surpassing Mach-1 speeds, but to do it quietly. That means those loud, explosive sounds known as sonic booms could be reduced to a softer thump.
Following the X-59's inaugural flight in October 2025, each demonstration is intended to fly it faster and higher until it can safely surpass speeds of 900 mph, according to NASA.
Here's everything to know about NASA's supersonic jet and its next test flight.
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