NASA X-59 Goes Supersonic

On June 5, 2026, NASA’s experimental X-59 aircraft flew faster than the speed of sound for the first time, setting up quiet-supersonic demonstrations later this year. Test pilot Jim “Clue” Less took off and landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, reaching about Mach 1.1 (713 mph).

1. Frame 1NASA’s X-59 program tests quiet supersonic flight after Mach 1, putting faster overland travel for passengers within reach.
2. Frame 2Test pilot Jim “Clue” Less lifted off at Edwards and reached about Mach 1.1, roughly 713 mph.
3. Frame 3The first flight sets up demonstrations later this year of the aircraft’s quiet supersonic capabilities.
4. Frame 4X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight over land.
5. Frame 5If the technology works, travelers could reach destinations faster while spending less time in the air.
6. Frame 6Next test: later demonstrations must show whether quiet supersonic flight can support commercial routes over land.