NASA, Lockheed’s Supersonic X-59 ‘Returned Prematurely’ on Second Flight

Supersonic test aircraft aimed to reach 260 mph at altitude of 20,000 feet.

Jack Daleo

Friday, March 20, 2026 at 05:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

NASA engineers conducted engine run testing on Thursday, March 12, at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, ahead of the X-59’s second flight. [Credit: NASA/Jim Ross]

Key Takeaways:

NASA and Lockheed Martin's X-59 quiet supersonic jet returned prematurely during its second flight, failing to achieve its planned speed and altitude objectives.
The experimental aircraft and pilot landed safely, with NASA stating more information about the "return-to-base call" is forthcoming.
The X-59 is designed to reduce loud sonic booms to quieter "sonic thumps," aiming to provide data for potential new regulations on supersonic flight over land.
Future plans for the X-59 include further envelope expansion, acoustic testing, and community surveys to gauge public reaction to its reduced noise profile.

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NASA and Lockheed Martin’s X-59—a prototype design for a quiet, supersonic commercial airliner—“returned prematurely” to Edwards Air Force Base (KEDW) in California during its second flight Friday, the space agency said.

NASA in a social media post said the experimental plane took off from Edwards at 1:54 p.m. EDT, but a “return-to-base call” prompted it to land before achieving its envelope expansion objectives—reaching 260 mph and 20,000 feet.