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NASA's X-59 Soars, Promising Quieter Supersonic Travel

11/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 28, 2025, NASA and Lockheed Martin conducted the X-59's inaugural flight.
The aircraft is designed to produce a soft sonic thump instead of a loud sonic boom.
The test reached a maximum speed of 240 mph and prioritized system checks over supersonic performance.
Future tests will measure public reaction to the quieter sound and assess prospects for U.S. commercial flights.

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Story summary

On October 28, 2025, NASA and Lockheed Martin conducted the X-59's inaugural flight.
The aircraft is designed to produce a soft sonic thump instead of a loud sonic boom.
The test reached a maximum speed of 240 mph and prioritized system checks over supersonic performance.
Future tests will measure public reaction to the quieter sound and assess prospects for U.S. commercial flights.