NASA's supersonic jet completes its first flight in California

The X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft, a collaboration between NASA and Lockheed Martin, has successfully completed its inaugural flight in California. This supersonic jet is engineered to fly faster than the speed of sound without producing a sonic boom. The initial test flight confirmed the aircraft's performance and air data capabilities. Future tests will focus on measuring the X-59's sound signature and assessing community acceptance. The project aims to pave the way for commercial supersonic air travel by significantly reducing flight times. The X-59's design features an upward-mounted engine and a pointed nose to achieve this quieter flight. Instead of a loud sonic boom, the aircraft is expected to generate a quiet "thump." This development comes as the United States previously banned supersonic flights over land due to noise concerns. A recent executive order has initiated the process of removing this ban. The X-59 project's findings will be crucial in establishing new noise standards for future commercial supersonic flights.