NASA's X-59 Quesst program is making significant strides toward its inaugural flight test, with engine testing currently underway at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. Since October 30, engineers have conducted preliminary tests to ensure the jet's systems function correctly before igniting the engines.
The X-59 is engineered to cruise at Mach 1.4 and 55,000 feet, utilizing a modified General Electric F414-GE-100 engine, commonly found in military aircraft. This project aims to demonstrate that supersonic flight can occur without the disruptive sonic booms typically associated with breaking the sound barrier, a goal that could halve domestic flight times and enhance emergency response capabilities.
To mitigate sonic boom intensity, the X-59 features a unique elongated nose design, allowing it to produce a soft 'thump' rather than a loud boom. This design, however, limits the pilot's forward visibility, which is compensated by an innovative external vision system that employs augmented reality.
NASA has been developing quiet supersonic technologies since 2018, with the X-59 project receiving funding that year. The jet was publicly unveiled in January 2024 and has successfully passed its Flight Readiness Review, setting the stage for further testing phases, including data integration and taxi tests.
Meanwhile, the KREPE-2 mission, involving five student-built capsules, successfully tested heat shield prototypes during re-entry in July 2024. Funded by NASA's EPSCoR program, these capsules withstood extreme temperatures and transmitted critical data, aiding in future spacecraft design. The mission follows KREPE-1 and is set to continue with KREPE-3 planned for 2026, emphasizing student involvement in space technology innovation.