NASA's X-59 Jet Achieves Historic Supersonic Flight with Reduced Noise Impact

NASAs X-59 jet achieved its first successful supersonic flight, marking a pivotal advancement in quieter air travel by producing a sonic thump rather than a disruptive boom.

• On a historic test flight over Palmdale, California, NASAs X-59 supersonic aircraft demonstrated its ability to fly at supersonic speed while significantly reducing noise impact.
• The flight, which is part of a $518 million project involving Lockheed Martins Skunk Works, aims to pave the way for future commercial supersonic travel in the United States.
• By replacing the traditional sonic boom with a quieter sonic thump, NASA hopes to address noise restrictions that have previously hindered supersonic flight over populated areas.