NASA's X-59 QueSST Begins Test Flights to Reduce Sonic Boom for Supersonic Aircraft
NASA's X-59 QueSST has begun test flights to reduce sonic booms to a 'gentle thump' for those on the ground, with its first flight occurring in October 2025. The aircraft's innovative design aims to produce S-Waves, significantly lowering peak overpressure compared to the Concorde. NASA plans to gather public feedback and work with regulators to establish new noise thresholds for supersonic flights, while addressing challenges in scaling the technology for commercial use.
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The NASA X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) has commenced test flights aimed at reducing the sonic boom to a 'gentle thump' for people on the ground. The first flight took place in October 2025, from Lockheed Martin's facility at US Air Force Plant 42 in California.
The aircraft's design aims to generate S-Waves instead of N-Waves to minimize the sonic boom impact, targeting a peak overpressure of 75-85 PLdB, compared to Concorde’s 105-110 PLdB. NASA plans to gather public feedback during flights over populated areas in the US and share findings with regulators to establish new noise thresholds for supersonic flights.
The FAA has been directed to consider repealing the prohibition on civil supersonic flight over land, but challenges remain in scaling the technology for commercial use, including integrating larger engines and accommodating passenger needs. The flight testing phase is expected to last from 2026 through 2027.
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