NASA X-59 Completes Second Test Flight Despite In-Flight Issue
82 FOMONASA's X-59 Quesst quiet supersonic demonstrator flew its second test mission on March 20 from Edwards AFB, California, lasting ~1 hour at speeds up to 260 mph and 20,000 ft. A cockpit warning prompted early termination, but the aircraft landed safely after envelope expansion objectives. This advances validation of low-boom tech for future overland supersonic travel.[web:33][web:35]
Details
Mission
- Vehicle
- X-59
- Launch site
- Edwards AFB (AFRC)
- Target
- Flight envelope expansion
Coverage
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youtube.com ·
NASA's X-59 Post-Flight News Conference (March 20, 2026)Experts including NASA and Lockheed Martin leaders discussed the March 20 second X-59 flight results, glitch response, and expanded 2026 testing roadmap post-envelope expansion.
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worldsignalnews.com ·
NASA's X-59 Supersonic Aircraft Completes Second Test FlightSecond test flight ended early after in-flight warning; safe landing advances Quesst quiet boom validation.
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avweb.com ·
NASA Reschedules X-59 Second Flight for FridayPre-flight update on March 20 reschedule; planned 230-260 mph at 12k-20k ft for handling eval, following Oct 2025 debut.
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Veenie.Space Telemetry
NASA's X-59 Quesst quiet supersonic demonstrator flew its second test mission on March 20 from Edwar