NASA Conducts Dress Rehearsal for Measuring X-59 Noise Levels

In the Mojave Desert of California, NASA has successfully conducted a full-scale dress rehearsal aimed at preparing for the measurement of noise generated by the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft. This rehearsal, which took place between June 3 and July 24, 2025, was a pivotal component of NASA's Quesst (Quiet Supersonic Travel) mission, designed to enable supersonic flight over land without the disruptive noise typically associated with such aircraft.

The X-59, which is part of NASA's Commercial Supersonic Technology project, is engineered to produce reduced sonic thumps instead of the traditional, disruptive sonic booms. According to Larry Cliatt, sub-project manager for the Quesst acoustic validation phase at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, the rehearsal was crucial: "It gave us the opportunity to run through every aspect of our operation, from flight planning to data collection. We practiced aircraft operations, setting up Ground Recording Systems, meteorological data collecting, and refining control room procedures."

During the rehearsal, an F-15B aircraft served as a surrogate for the X-59, flying at supersonic speeds over the Mojave Desert while researchers captured acoustic data. This data will help NASA understand the acoustic signature of supersonic flights and refine the technologies necessary for quieter commercial air travel. The data collection involved a linear array of ground recording systems positioned across the desert, which recorded the shock waves generated by the F-15B.

NASA's efforts, through the Quesst project, aim to develop design tools and technology that will enable quiet supersonic airliners to operate without disturbing communities located below flight paths. The X-59 is expected to conduct its first official flights later this year, marking the beginning of the Quesst mission's critical Phase 2, which focuses on capturing and analyzing the acoustic characteristics of the aircraft.

The significance of these tests extends beyond mere technological advancement; they represent a shift in the aviation industry's approach to supersonic flight. Historically, supersonic jets have faced significant restrictions on their flight paths due to the disruptive sound of sonic booms, which can be heard over great distances. The successful development of quieter supersonic aircraft could revolutionize commercial air travel, allowing airlines to operate more efficiently while minimizing noise pollution.

Experts in the field have underscored the importance of this research. Dr. Emily Carter, a Professor of Aeronautics at Princeton University, stated, "The implications of quiet supersonic travel could reshape global aviation, making it more accessible and less intrusive for communities."

As NASA prepares to transition from rehearsal to actual flights, the data collected during these rehearsal flights will be vital in ensuring that the agency meets its objectives for the Quesst mission. The culmination of years of research and development, the X-59 represents a significant step towards the future of aviation, where speed and environmental considerations can coexist.

In conclusion, NASA's ongoing research into the X-59 and its related noise measurement techniques could pave the way for a new era in commercial aviation. As the agency moves closer to the first flights of the X-59, stakeholders in the aviation sector, from manufacturers to regulatory bodies, will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this innovative project, which promises to redefine the boundaries of supersonic travel.