NASA Ready to Roll Out Experimental X-59

Here's when the aircraft designed to help shape possible future commercial supersonic flight will be revealed at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility.

Kimberly Johnson

Friday, January 05, 2024 at 12:21 PM ET

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Artist's concept of the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft that NASA and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works will unveil on Friday, January 12. [Courtesy: NASA]

Key Takeaways:

NASA is preparing to unveil its X-59 "Quiet SuperSonic Technology" (QueSST) experimental aircraft on January 12 at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works.
The X-59 is designed to lessen sonic booms to a "gentle thump," aiming to collect data on public perception of its sound.
This data will inform recommendations for new noise-level standards, potentially leading to the repeal of the current ban on commercial supersonic flight over land.

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NASA is preparing to soon unveil its low-boom supersonic experimental aircraft, the X-59, at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works factory in Palmdale, California.

The one-of-a-kind X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) experimental aircraft is part of NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstration project aimed at collecting data to help shape regulations for possible future commercial supersonic flight over land.