Summary Points
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Media Teleconference Scheduled: NASA will host a media teleconference on March 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. EDT, discussing plans for the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft’s flight tests after its second flight in California.
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Key Participants: The call will feature NASA leadership and representatives from the Quesst mission and Lockheed Martin, including test pilots available for inquiries about the X-59’s operation.
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Flight Details: The X-59’s second flight will involve a one-hour journey, assessing safety and performance through envelope expansion, starting at 230 mph, and reaching 260 mph.
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Quesst Mission Goals: The X-59 is central to NASA’s Quesst mission, aimed at enabling commercial supersonic flight over land, significantly reducing travel time globally.
NASA Invites Media to Learn About Upcoming X-59 Test Flights
NASA will host a media teleconference at 6 p.m. EDT on Friday, March 20. During this event, officials will discuss the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft and its upcoming flight tests. This teleconference occurs after the X-59 is set to complete its second flight in California.
The media call features key figures from NASA and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. They include NASA leadership, project managers, and test pilots. Attendees can expect insights into what it’s like to fly the X-59 and how pilots prepare for these innovative flights.
Moreover, the teleconference will stream live on NASA’s YouTube channel. Viewers can access an instant replay afterward. NASA encourages everyone to learn how to watch their content across various platforms, including social media.
For the second flight, the X-59 will taxi from its hangar at NASA Armstrong. It will take off and land at nearby Edwards Air Force Base. During this hour-long flight, the aircraft will reach a cruising speed of 230 mph at 12,000 feet, later accelerating to 260 mph at 20,000 feet.
This flight marks the beginning of the “envelope expansion” phase. NASA plans to gradually take the X-59 faster and higher. This approach ensures the aircraft’s safety and evaluates its performance. Following this phase, flights will focus on the X-59’s unique acoustic profile.
The X-59 aims to revolutionize air travel. The aircraft is a crucial element of NASA’s Quesst mission. It has been developed to fly faster than the speed of sound without producing loud sonic booms. By making commercial supersonic flight over land possible, NASA hopes to drastically reduce travel times, enhancing connections across the United States and worldwide.
To participate in the teleconference, media must RSVP two hours before the event. Additional information about the X-59 and the Quesst mission is available on NASA’s website.
For further details, visit NASA X-59 Media Resources.
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