NASA’s X-59 jet set for first supersonic flight this month
NASA’s X-59 jet is preparing for its first supersonic flight, scheduled for this month. The aircraft is designed with an elongated geometry intended to reduce the volume of sonic booms created when breaking the sound barrier. After its first test flight in October 2025 and 14 additional test flights since March 2026, the X-59 will reach Mach 1.4 at approximately 55,000 feet, according to NASA. Recent milestones include retracting its landing gear for the first time and reaching speeds up to Mach 0.95. The X-59 uses an eXternal Vision System (XVS) because it lacks a forward windscreen, relying on cameras and an augmented reality display. NASA plans to begin Phase 2 of testing later in 2026, focusing on reducing the sonic boom perceived on the ground. The agency hopes the technologies developed could enable current U.S. restrictions on supersonic flight over land to be lifted. Private companies such as Boom Supersonic are also working on quieter supersonic aircraft.
What’s reported
The X-59 is designed with an elongated geometry to reduce sonic boom volume.
It made its first test flight in October 2025 and 14 test flights since March 2026.
The aircraft will reach Mach 1.4 (925 mph) at about 55,000 feet during its first supersonic flight this month.
NASA recently completed milestones including landing gear retraction and reaching Mach 0.95.
The X-59 has no forward windscreen; instead it uses an eXternal Vision System (XVS) with cameras and an augmented reality display.
Phase 2 of testing later in 2026 will focus on reducing the sonic boom perceived on the ground.
Supersonic flight over land has been prohibited within a certain distance of the U.S. since 1973.
Private company Boom Supersonic made its first supersonic flight last year.
Open questions
Exact date of the first supersonic flight is not specified in the source article.
Key figures
Cathy Bahm, project manager for NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstrator.
Sources: space.com
