Supersonic passenger flights, which were once the realm of the Concorde, may be making a comeback, thanks to NASA. The space agency has been studying the potential for commercial flights at speeds of up to Mach 4, which is over 3,000 miles per hour. According to NASA’s Glenn Research Center, there are already potential passenger markets in about 50 established routes, primarily transoceanic ones.
However, nations like the United States currently ban overland supersonic flight, which limits the routes available for such high-speed travel. NASA is working on developing “quiet” supersonic aircraft, known as X-59s, as part of its Quesst mission. These aircraft, which fly between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535 – 3,045 miles per hour), could potentially prompt changes in these rules.
The new aircraft, with the capability of reaching Mach 4, could reduce travel times significantly. For example, a New York to London flight might take as little as 90 minutes. NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAV) is now moving to the next research phase for high-speed travel, working with companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems to develop aircraft designs that can sustain high-supersonic speeds.
While these developments are exciting for travelers looking to cut down on long-haul flight times, NASA will also consider factors such as safety, efficiency, economics, and societal implications as part of its research. Ground tests and a first test flight of the X-59 are planned for later this year, with NASA aiming to provide enough data to US regulators by 2027 to potentially change the rules regarding overland supersonic flight.