NWPINIONFacts before reflexes

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X-59

NASA's white X-59 research aircraft flying in side profile above California during its first supersonic flight.
The X-59 flew faster than sound on 5 June 2026. NASA says the accompanying F-15's conventional booms obscured whatever sound the X-59 made.NASA / Lori Losey · NASA factual editorial media use under NASA Images and Media Usage Guidelines; no third-party copyright notice on source asset

analysis

NASA's Quiet Supersonic Jet Flew Beside a Plane Too Loud to Hear It

The X-59 crossed Mach 1 on 5 June and reached its target speed and altitude a week later. The flight, the sound, the public response and the rule are four different tests—and only the first is established.