What is the supersonic plane NASA is unveiling today and why it could change the way we fly

A supersonic aircraft is an aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound. Although they were incredibly fast, they also produced shock waves with a deafening sound like an explosion.

In 1973, the United States government banned commercial supersonic flights across the country due to noise pollution. But that could change if the results of NASA’s mission with the X-59 supersonic plane are positive.

Today NASA executives and the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, will officially unveil the fully completed X-59 supersonic aircraft to the world.

This is a unique experimental aircraft that will demonstrate the ability to fly at supersonic speeds. It will cause a soft “sonic thump” instead of the usual sonic boom.

It is part of a NASA mission called “QueSST,” which in English means “Silent Supersonic Technology.” The space agency developed it in collaboration with aircraft manufacturer Lockheed.

More details in INFOBAE