NASA tests X-59 to redefine supersonic travel with quieter technology

In the United States, NASA has initiated testing for its new experimental supersonic aircraft, the X-59. This aircraft, measuring nearly 100 feet in length, aims to achieve speeds of 1.4 times the speed of sound without generating disruptive sonic booms. On July 10, 2025, NASA test pilot Nils Larson conducted the first low-speed taxi test of the aircraft at the US Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, where flight crews assessed the vehicle's steering and braking systems. The test is part of a structured process that will culminate in a high-speed taxi test in the weeks to follow. The X-59 is part of NASA's broader Quesst mission, which seeks to establish new noise regulations for supersonic flights over land. Since a ban on civilian supersonic flights was enacted in the United States in 1973 to avoid sonic booms that startled communities, efforts to revive supersonic travel have been met with regulatory challenges. The goal of the Quesst mission is to collect data from the X-59 flights to support creating a new rule that focuses on sound emissions rather than speed alone. NASA officials believe if the sound produced during a flight isn’t bothersome to those below, supersonic flights could resume over land. When Concorde, the last operational supersonic passenger aircraft, was retired in 2003, it marked the end of an era that had gradually seen declining passenger numbers and high operational costs. Notably, the Concorde's final flight was also plagued by the tragic crash in Paris that occurred in 2000. This incident not only led to serious safety reassessments of supersonic travel but also significantly contributed to its retirement. The data collected from the X-59’s testing will help inform acceptable noise thresholds, which are critical steps toward making supersonic flight a viable option for future commercial airlines. The X-59's development represents a significant shift in aerospace technology, as it promises to balance speed with community-friendly noise levels. If successful, this could revolutionize trans-continental travel by connecting major cities like New York and London in approximately three and a half hours, a feat that would offer considerable time savings compared to current commercial flight durations. The insights gained from this project could reshape the landscape of air travel, with potential implications for airlines and passengers alike in the coming years.