Space & Satellites
NASA Selects Most Diverse Astronaut Class for 2025 Lunar and Mars Missions
NASA announces its 2025 astronaut class with historic gender diversity and broad expertise, preparing for lunar and Mars exploration.
NASA’s 2025 Astronaut Class: A Historic Selection Marking New Era in Space Exploration
NASA’s recent announcement of its 2025 astronaut class marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of human spaceflight. With the introduction of ten new astronaut candidates, six women and four men, NASA is not only making history with its most diverse class to date, but also signaling its commitment to preparing for the next generation of lunar and Mars missions. This selection comes at a time of rapid change within both NASA and the broader space industry, as commercial partnerships and international collaborations reshape the landscape of crewed space exploration.
The significance of this new class extends beyond its demographic milestones. These candidates were chosen from a pool of more than 8,000 applicants, reflecting the enduring prestige and competitiveness of NASA’s astronaut program. Over the next two years, these individuals will undergo intensive Training, equipping them with the skills needed to operate in some of the most challenging environments ever faced by humans. Their journey is emblematic of the broader shifts in space exploration, where diversity, interdisciplinary expertise, and adaptability are increasingly vital.
This article explores the historical context of NASA’s astronaut selection, details the backgrounds and training of the 2025 class, and examines the broader implications for the future of space exploration. Through analysis of official statements, expert opinions, and institutional data, we provide a comprehensive overview of what this new class represents for NASA and for humanity’s aspirations beyond Earth.
Historical Context and the Evolution of NASA’s Astronaut Program
NASA’s astronaut selection process has evolved substantially since the agency’s founding. The original Mercury Seven, selected in 1959, were all white male military test pilots, chosen under strict physical and experiential criteria tailored to the cramped and hazardous conditions of early space capsules. These early requirements included height restrictions and extensive flight experience, reflecting both technological limitations and the prevailing social norms of the era.
As NASA’s mission portfolio expanded, so too did the backgrounds of its astronauts. The inclusion of scientist-astronauts in the 1960s, such as geologists and medical doctors, was initially controversial among the traditional pilot corps. However, their contributions, most notably during the Apollo 17 mission, demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary expertise. Over the decades, NASA’s astronaut corps has become increasingly diverse, with candidates now selected from fields including engineering, medicine, biology, geology, and more.
By 2025, NASA had selected 370 astronauts in total, reflecting a gradual but persistent shift toward greater inclusion and broader skill sets. The agency’s selection cycle, typically every four years, is designed to meet the evolving needs of missions ranging from International Space Station (ISS) operations to lunar and deep space exploration under the Artemis program. This evolution mirrors broader societal changes and the growing complexity of human spaceflight.
The 2025 Class: Breaking New Ground in Diversity and Expertise
The announcement of the 2025 astronaut class stands out as a landmark in NASA’s history, marking the first time that women outnumber men in a selection group. This milestone is especially significant given the underrepresentation of women in previous astronaut cohorts. According to NASA, women now make up approximately 37 percent of the active astronaut corps, a substantial increase from the all-male classes of the past.
The 2025 class was selected from over 8,000 applicants, a testament to the enduring allure of the astronaut profession and the high standards maintained by NASA’s selection board. The group’s diversity extends beyond gender: it includes pilots with high-performance aircraft experience, a biomedical engineer, an anesthesiologist, a geologist, and a former SpaceX launch director. This range of expertise reflects the multifaceted challenges of modern space missions, which demand not only technical proficiency but also scientific, medical, and operational acumen.
Notably, Anna Menon, one of the new candidates, brings private spaceflight experience from her time on the Polaris Dawn mission and her work with SpaceX. Her selection highlights the increasing integration of commercial spaceflight experience within NASA’s ranks. The class also features two Purdue University alumni, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a leading incubator of astronaut talent.
“One of these 10 could actually be one of the first Americans to put their boots on the Mars surface, which is very, very cool.”, Sean Duffy, NASA Acting Administrator
The Selection and Training Process: Rigorous and Multidimensional
Becoming a NASA astronaut candidate is only the beginning. Over the next two years, these individuals will undergo a demanding training program at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The curriculum is designed to prepare them for the physical, technical, and psychological challenges of spaceflight. Training encompasses basic and advanced instruction in spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, Earth observations, and space physiology.
Candidates must also master International Space Station operations, survival skills for both land and water, and proficiency in the Russian language, reflecting the international nature of ISS crews. Pilots receive additional flight training on NASA’s T-38 jets, while all candidates participate in simulated spacewalks at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, a massive pool that provides a realistic environment for practicing extravehicular activities.
The final phase of training is mission-specific, focusing on the particular systems, experiments, and emergency procedures relevant to upcoming flights. Increasingly, NASA is incorporating virtual reality and advanced simulation technologies to prepare astronauts for the realities of space environments. The training infrastructure, including the Astronaut Training Facility and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, represents decades of investment in human spaceflight capabilities.
“The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, with its 6.2 million gallons of water, is essential for simulating weightlessness and preparing astronauts for spacewalks.”, NASA Training Documentation
Demographics, Selection Trends, and Broader Implications
Analysis of NASA’s selection data reveals persistent trends and evolving priorities. Research indicates that the optimal age for astronaut selection is just before 40, with the average age of selectees in 2013 being 36.6 years. Applicants outside the 30–45 age range are statistically less likely to be selected, reflecting the physical and career trajectory demands of the profession.
Women in the astronaut corps tend to be younger on average, have fewer children, and are less likely to have military backgrounds compared to their male counterparts. The 2025 class’s gender balance is a significant departure from historical norms and may signal a broader commitment to addressing gender disparities in STEM and space professions.
NASA’s selection process is not only about individual excellence but also about building effective teams. April Jordan, who oversees astronaut selection, emphasizes that the board looks for candidates who can complement each other’s skills and work cohesively under pressure. This team-oriented approach is increasingly important as missions become longer, more complex, and more reliant on international and commercial Partnerships.
“We’re not just selecting individuals; we’re building teams that can succeed in the most challenging environments imaginable.”, April Jordan, NASA Astronaut Selection Lead
Training Facilities and Infrastructure Investment
NASA’s Investments in astronaut training infrastructure is substantial. The Johnson Space Center’s Astronaut Training Facility has been the backbone of U.S. astronaut preparation since 1980, housing full-scale mockups of the ISS, Orion spacecraft, and advanced robotics projects. The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, one of the world’s largest indoor pools, allows astronauts to practice spacewalks in simulated weightlessness.
These facilities are continually updated to reflect new mission requirements, such as commercial crew vehicles and lunar landers. The training environment is designed to replicate space conditions as closely as possible, providing astronauts with hands-on experience in systems management, emergency procedures, and teamwork under pressure.
Financially, NASA’s fiscal year 2025 budget request includes over $100 million dedicated to human spaceflight operations and health, underscoring the agency’s recognition of the critical role that training and preparation play in mission success.
Commercial Spaceflight Integration and International Collaboration
The 2025 astronaut class will operate in a space environment increasingly defined by commercial partnerships and international cooperation. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft and Axiom Space’s private astronaut missions are now integral to NASA’s human spaceflight operations. Candidates like Anna Menon, who bring commercial sector experience, exemplify this new paradigm.
International collaboration is also central to NASA’s future plans. The Artemis II mission, scheduled for 2026, will include a Canadian astronaut and lay the groundwork for further multinational lunar exploration. The ISS remains a model of international partnership, and future lunar and Mars missions are expected to involve even broader coalitions of space agencies and commercial entities.
As more countries and private companies seek access to space, NASA’s astronaut training programs are likely to become even more interdisciplinary and globally integrated. This trend will require ongoing adaptation in both selection criteria and training methodologies.
Conclusion
NASA’s 2025 astronaut class represents a new chapter in the story of human space exploration. With its unprecedented gender balance, diverse professional backgrounds, and integration of commercial spaceflight experience, this group embodies the qualities needed for the challenges ahead. Their selection and training reflect decades of institutional learning and a forward-looking approach to building teams capable of succeeding in the most demanding environments known to humanity.
As these ten candidates embark on their training, they not only prepare for missions to the ISS, Moon, and potentially Mars, but also set a standard for future astronaut classes. Their journey will be watched closely as a barometer of NASA’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape of space exploration, where diversity, collaboration, and innovation are more important than ever.
FAQ
Question: How many people applied for the 2025 NASA astronaut class?
Answer: Over 8,000 individuals applied for the 2025 NASA astronaut class.
Question: What is unique about the 2025 astronaut class?
Answer: It is the first NASA astronaut class with more women than men, reflecting increased diversity and evolving selection criteria.
Question: How long is the training period for new NASA astronaut candidates?
Answer: The training period lasts nearly two years and includes technical, operational, survival, and teamwork training at Johnson Space Center.
Question: What backgrounds do the new astronaut candidates have?
Answer: The class includes pilots, engineers, a biomedical engineer, an anesthesiologist, a geologist, and a former SpaceX launch director, demonstrating a wide range of expertise.
Question: Will these astronauts go to the Moon or Mars?
Answer: While specific flight assignments have not yet been made, members of this class are eligible for future Artemis lunar missions and may be considered for Mars missions in the coming decades.
Sources: NASA 2025 Class
Photo Credit: NASA
Space & Satellites
Space Nuclear Power Faces Logistical and Economic Barriers, DRACO Canceled
Experts say space nuclear power challenges are logistical and economic, not technical. DRACO canceled; focus shifts to nuclear reactors in space and on the Moon.
This article summarizes reporting by Aerospace America.
For decades, the aerospace industry has recognized the immense potential of space nuclear power. Despite possessing the foundational technical knowledge since the 1960s, modern spacecraft continue to rely predominantly on chemical propulsion and solar arrays. A recent workshop at the May 2026 AIAA ASCEND event in Washington, D.C., sought to unpack this enduring paradox.
According to reporting by Aerospace America, a panel of aerospace and policy experts concluded that the primary barriers to deploying nuclear reactors in space are no longer technical. Instead, the industry is grappling with logistical, economic, and systemic hurdles that have repeatedly stalled progress.
The recent cancellation of the highly publicized Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) program in mid-2025 serves as a stark, real-world validation of these expert assessments, demonstrating how shifting economic landscapes can ground even the most ambitious nuclear initiatives.
The Illusion of Technical Barriers
During the ASCEND workshop, hosted by Brian Weeden of The Aerospace Corporation, panelists emphasized the extensive capital and time already invested in space nuclear research. Bhavya Lal, a professor at the RAND School of Public Policy, highlighted that the United States has spent 60 years and over $20 billion proving that the technology itself is viable.
“The technology has never been the bottleneck. What has failed each time is the system around the reactor,” Lal stated, according to the workshop coverage.
Lal further explained that these systemic failures include shifting mission scopes, a lack of political continuity, and unstable leadership architectures that prevent long-term projects from reaching the launch pad.
Stagnation Since the Space Race
The historical context of space nuclear power underscores the panel’s frustrations. During the Cold War, the U.S. heavily researched and successfully ground-tested nuclear thermal rockets through initiatives like the NERVA program. However, as reported by Aerospace America, these programs were ultimately scrapped due to changing political administrations and budget cuts following the Apollo era.
Tabitha Dodson, a program manager at the DARPA Defense Sciences Office, noted the resulting stagnation in the field during her panel remarks.
“The United States hasn’t really evolved our nuclear space technology since the fifties or sixties,” Dodson remarked at the event.
Dodson added that current research priorities have had to pivot toward radioisotope power systems and direct-energy power conversion systems to maintain momentum in a risk-averse funding environment.
Economic Realities and the DRACO Cancellation
The intersection of aerospace engineering and economic viability was brought into sharp focus with the recent fate of the DRACO program. Initiated in 2020 as a joint effort between DARPA, NASA, Lockheed Martin, and BWX Technologies, DRACO aimed to test a nuclear thermal rocket in orbit by 2027. Nuclear thermal propulsion was projected to be two to three times more efficient than chemical propulsion, potentially halving the travel time to Mars.
The Impact of Commercial Launch Costs
In June 2025, DARPA officially canceled the DRACO program. According to public statements from DARPA deputy director Rob McHenry, the decision was driven entirely by economics rather than technical failure.
The rapid decrease in commercial launch costs, largely propelled by the heavy-lift capabilities of companies like SpaceX, fundamentally altered the financial equation. The massive research and development costs required to perfect nuclear thermal propulsion could no longer be justified by a positive return on investment when chemical launches had become so inexpensive.
Current Mandates and the Path Forward
Despite the setbacks in nuclear propulsion, the push for nuclear power generation in space remains robust. Current executive mandates have established ambitious timelines, aiming for a functional nuclear reactor in space by 2028 and a working reactor on the lunar surface by 2030. These systems are considered critical for supporting long-term lunar habitats and deep-space exploration missions.
Balancing Ambition and Safety
Aaron Miles, Coordinator for Strategic Capabilities at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, discussed these targets at the ASCEND workshop. He emphasized the administration’s focus on setting goals that push the industry forward without ignoring logistical realities.
“Lunar surface reactor development efforts and in-space reactor efforts can benefit each other,” Miles noted regarding the dual mandates.
To meet these goals while navigating strict regulatory and safety hurdles, modern programs are utilizing High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU). Furthermore, contemporary reactor designs ensure that fission is only initiated once the system is safely in orbit, mitigating the historical public fears and international treaty complications associated with launching nuclear material.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the pivot from nuclear propulsion (like the canceled DRACO program) to stationary nuclear surface power reflects a pragmatic maturation of the aerospace sector. While reusable chemical rockets have decisively won the current launch economics battle, sustained deep-space habitats and lunar bases will undeniably require the continuous, high-density energy that only nuclear reactors can provide. The looming 2028 and 2030 mandates will serve as a critical test of whether the U.S. government and its commercial partners can finally overcome the systemic inertia and political discontinuity described by the ASCEND panelists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the DRACO program?
The Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) was a joint U.S. government and industry program initiated in 2020 to develop and test a nuclear thermal rocket by 2027. It was canceled in June 2025 due to shifting economic priorities and the falling cost of commercial chemical rocket launches.
Why is nuclear power needed in space?
While solar panels and chemical batteries are sufficient for operations near Earth, deep-space exploration and permanent lunar or Martian habitats require reliable, high-density power sources that can operate continuously without sunlight or frequent resupply.
What is HALEU?
High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) is a type of nuclear fuel that provides a balance between high energy output and safety, making it a preferred choice for modern space reactor designs to comply with international regulations and safety standards.
Sources
Photo Credit: Aerospace America
Space & Satellites
SpaceX Secures $4.16B Contract for Space-Based Airborne Targeting
SpaceX awarded $4.16B by U.S. Space Force to develop SB-AMTI satellite constellation for global airborne threat detection by 2028.
This article summarizes reporting by DefenseScoop.
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement to accelerate the development of the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) program. According to reporting by DefenseScoop, the May 29, 2026, award aims to deploy a constellation of satellites capable of continuously detecting, tracking, and targeting airborne threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, globally from space.
This multi-billion dollar contract highlights a strategic shift by the Pentagon to move critical surveillance capabilities from vulnerable airborne platforms to a more resilient space-based architecture. The Space Force expects to field an initial constellation by 2028, providing the Joint Force with an early operational capability.
SpaceX’s selection is part of a broader competitive procurement strategy. According to the source material, the aerospace company is one of nine vendors selected in April 2026 to compete for the SB-AMTI program. The Space Force anticipates issuing multiple awards to other vendors in the coming year to maintain a diverse industrial base.
The Shift from Air to Space
Retiring Legacy Airborne Systems
Historically, the U.S. military has relied on airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, such as the aging E-3 Sentry and the retired E-8 JSTARS, to execute moving target indicator missions. However, DefenseScoop reports that as adversaries develop increasingly sophisticated anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) systems, these large, slow-moving aircraft have become highly vulnerable in contested airspace.
To address these operational blind spots, the Space Force is developing SB-AMTI to complement traditional airborne sensing. While the Air Force is currently procuring the E-7 Wedgetail to replace the E-3 Sentry, following congressional intervention to save the E-7 program from budget cuts, the Pentagon’s long-term goal is to transition the bulk of AMTI tasks into the space domain for enhanced survivability.
“To compliment traditional airborne sensing, the requirement for a layered, highly resilient tracking architecture is evident.”
Contract Details and Strategic Context
Funding and the “Golden Dome” Framework
The $4.16 billion OTA agreement tasks SpaceX with building an interconnected “system-of-systems” that combines space-based sensors, secure communication links, and ground processing to track moving airborne targets in real-time. To support this architecture, the Space Force has requested $7 billion to begin the formal procurement of SB-AMTI in fiscal year 2027, though DefenseScoop notes these funds are contingent upon Congress passing a reconciliation bill.
The SB-AMTI program is also a critical component of President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative. This framework aims to create a multi-layered defense system spanning ground, air, and space to detect and intercept airborne threats. The military is fast-tracking the SB-AMTI program to ensure the defensive system can meet its 2028 operational target.
“By focusing these capabilities to the space domain, we are providing the Joint Force with sustained battlespace awareness of contested airspace.”
SpaceX’s Growing Defense Portfolio
A Week of Multi-Billion Dollar Awards
This latest contract cements SpaceX’s position as a dominant player in U.S. national security. According to the provided research, the SB-AMTI award arrives just days after the Space Force granted SpaceX a separate $2.29 billion contracts on May 26, 2026, for the Space Data Network Backbone program, which will provide satellite communications for future missile interceptors.
In a single week, SpaceX secured nearly $6.45 billion in defense contracts. This surge in government backing coincides with industry reports indicating that SpaceX is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at over $1.5 trillion.
Future Milestones and Parallel Programs
Looking Toward 2035
The Space Force has outlined an aggressive timeline for its space-based surveillance initiatives. Following the projected 2028 deployment of the initial SB-AMTI satellite constellation, the military anticipates operating second- and third-generation systems by 2035.
In parallel, the Space Force is developing the Space-Based Ground Moving Target Indicator (SB-GMTI) program to track ground-based targets. DefenseScoop reports that this complementary system is currently in the research-and-development phase.
“We will not leverage any one single provider; instead, we are partnering with a highly diversified pool of traditional and non-traditional vendors…”
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we observe that the rapid succession of multi-billion dollar OTA agreements awarded to SpaceX underscores a fundamental shift in Pentagon procurement. By utilizing Other Transaction Authority agreements, the Space Force is bypassing traditional, often sluggish acquisition processes to field critical capabilities on an accelerated timeline. This is particularly vital given the 2028 target for the “Golden Dome” initiative.
Furthermore, the explicit linkage of the SB-AMTI program to national missile defense suggests that space-based sensing is no longer viewed merely as a support function, but as the primary nervous system for future combat operations. While the Space Force publicly emphasizes vendor diversity, noting that SpaceX is just one of nine companies selected for the vendor pool, the sheer financial volume of SpaceX’s recent awards indicates that the industrial base for national security space is heavily reliant on a few highly capable mega-constellation providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SB-AMTI program?
The Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) is a U.S. Space Force initiative designed to deploy a constellation of satellites capable of detecting, tracking, and targeting airborne threats globally from space.
How much is the SpaceX contract worth?
The U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement for the SB-AMTI program on May 29, 2026.
When will the SB-AMTI system be operational?
The Space Force projects the deployment of an initial SB-AMTI satellite constellation by 2028, with second- and third-generation systems anticipated by 2035.
Sources
Photo Credit: Starbase Texas
Space & Satellites
NASA X-59 Set for First Supersonic Flight in June 2026
NASA’s X-59 experimental aircraft will make its first supersonic flight in June 2026 to test quiet supersonic technology and reduce sonic booms.
NASA’s experimental X-59 aircraft is preparing to cross a historic aviation threshold. According to an official press release from the space agency, the quiet supersonic research aircraft is scheduled for its first supersonic flight in early June 2026. This milestone marks a critical phase in NASA’s Quesst (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) mission, which seeks to demonstrate that an aircraft can break the sound barrier without producing a disruptive sonic boom.
Since its maiden flight in October 2025, the X-59 has successfully completed 14 subsonic test flights, according to NASA’s project data. The upcoming tests will transition the aircraft into a rigorous “envelope expansion” phase. By gathering precise acoustic data, NASA ultimately hopes to provide federal and international regulators with the evidence needed to reconsider the 53-year-old ban on commercial supersonic flight over land.
To prepare for these high-stakes flights, the X-59 team has recently accelerated its testing cadence. NASA reports that in late April 2026, the ground crew and flight team successfully executed two test flights in a single day for the first time, demonstrating the aircraft’s growing reliability.
The Quesst Mission and Envelope Expansion
Pushing Toward Mach 1.4
The initial supersonic test scheduled for early June 2026 will see the X-59 cross the sound barrier, exceeding 630 mph, at an altitude of approximately 43,000 feet. Following this initial breakthrough, NASA plans to push the aircraft toward its ultimate “mission conditions.” Official specifications dictate a target cruising speed of Mach 1.4 (approximately 925 mph) at an altitude of 55,000 feet.
In the agency’s press release, Cathy Bahm, Project Manager for NASA’s Low Boom Flight Demonstrator, emphasized the importance of this testing phase:
“What comes next is the first time this one-of-a-kind aircraft will fly supersonic. We are starting toward the mission conditions test point that X-59 was designed for.”
Bahm further noted that completing the first mission-conditions flight is a significant milestone, as it allows the team to verify that the aircraft performs safely in its intended environment.
Engineering a “Quiet Thump”
Unconventional Design and Testing Methodology
The X-59 was built by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works under a $247.5 million contract awarded by NASA in 2018. To achieve its acoustic goals, the aircraft features a highly unconventional design. According to project specifications, the nose accounts for nearly a third of the aircraft’s total length. This elongated structure is engineered specifically to scatter shock waves before they can merge into a loud sonic boom.
Because of this unique aerodynamic shape, the cockpit lacks a forward-facing windshield. Instead, NASA equipped the X-59 with a high-resolution External Vision System (XVS), which feeds live camera footage to an in-cockpit monitor to allow pilots to navigate safely.
NASA test pilot Jim ‘Clue’ Less detailed the cautious approach the flight team is taking during this envelope expansion phase:
“From here on out, once we’re airborne, we can increase speed and increase altitude in small, measured chunks, looking at things as we go and not getting ahead of ourselves.”
During these initial supersonic flights, the public will not yet hear the anticipated “quiet thump.” NASA states that the X-59 will be accompanied by a traditional F-15 chase plane equipped with a specialized shock-sensing probe. The traditional sonic boom produced by the F-15 will obscure the X-59’s quieter acoustic signature from observers on the ground.
AirPro News analysis
We view the upcoming June 2026 flights as a pivotal moment not just for NASA, but for the broader commercial aviation industry. In 1973, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned commercial supersonic flights over U.S. land due to severe noise pollution. For historical context, the retired Concorde produced a sonic boom of about 105 to 110 Effective Perceived Noise Level in decibels (EPNdB). NASA’s target for the X-59 is a mere 75 EPNdB, roughly equivalent to the sound of a car door closing 20 feet away.
If the current Phase 1 envelope expansion is successful, NASA will move to Phase 2 (Acoustic Validation) later in 2026, utilizing a 48-kilometer-long array of 125 sonic boom recorders in the Mojave Desert. Phase 3 will involve flying the aircraft over selected U.S. communities to gather public feedback. We believe that this methodical, data-driven approach is the most viable pathway for the aerospace sector to establish new noise standards and potentially unlock a new era of overland commercial supersonic travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the NASA X-59?
The X-59 is an experimental research aircraft developed by NASA and Lockheed Martin as part of the Quesst mission. It is designed to fly faster than the speed of sound without producing a loud sonic boom, reducing the noise to a quiet “thump.”
When is the X-59’s first supersonic flight?
According to NASA, the aircraft is scheduled to make its first supersonic flight in early June 2026, crossing the sound barrier at an altitude of approximately 43,000 feet.
Why does the X-59 have no forward windshield?
To prevent shock waves from merging into a sonic boom, the X-59 requires an exceptionally long, pointed nose, which obstructs forward visibility. Pilots use an External Vision System (XVS), a network of cameras and screens, to see directly in front of the aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
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