ScienceThe good news

X-59 reaches twenty-five test flights. The noise still needs measuring

NASA’s flight-test update reports data consistent with its models. Acoustic testing will follow in a later phase.

The Positive Times editorial deskPublished 7 September 2026 · 1 min read

The white experimental X-59 aircraft, with its very long nose, flying above the Mojave Desert. — The X-59 above the Mojave Desert, California, on 18 August 2026. Photograph from the test campaign, before the twenty-fifth flight. Cropped view. NASA/Jim Ross · NASA – informational use permitted

News dated 4 September 2026

On 21 August, the X-59 completed its twenty-fifth experimental flight. In its 4 September update, NASA reports that the mission lasted 72 minutes and reached Mach 1.2. Flight-test data on stability, control and loads closely follow the predicted models. [1]

The noise produced by the supersonic aircraft still needs to be verified. So far, the accompanying aircraft have masked its acoustic signature with their own sonic booms. The next campaign will measure it using instruments in the air and on the ground. [1]

The bright side

Twenty-five flights have produced data consistent with the models, supporting progress towards the next tests. [1]

Straight from the source.

NASA’s X-59 Aircraft Builds Momentum Through 25th Flight NASA · 4 Sept 2026

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