NASA's X-59 Supersonic Jet Achieves Milestone with First Engine Test

NASA has successfully fired up the engines of its X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (Quesst) aircraft, designed to produce a quieter "sonic thump" instead of a traditional sonic boom. This innovation aims to make supersonic flight over land feasible by reducing noise levels to 75 perceived loudness decibels, akin to a car door slam. The X-59, developed with Lockheed Martin, features a unique design with a long nose and external cameras for navigation, and is set to undergo further testing to establish acceptable noise standards for future supersonic travel.