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Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/p24-106-68v2.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nNASA\u2019s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft completed its first maximum afterburner test at Lockheed Martin\u2019s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. This full-power test, during which the engine generates additional thrust, validates the additional power needed for meeting the testing conditions of the aircraft. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA\u2019s Quesst mission, which aims to overcome a major barrier to supersonic flight over land by reducing the noise of sonic booms.<\/div>\nLockheed Martin Corporation\/Garry Tice<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNASA completed the first maximum afterburner engine run test on its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft on Dec. 12. The ground test, conducted at Lockheed Martin\u2019s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, marks a significant milestone as the X-59 team progresses toward flight.<\/p>\n
An afterburner is a component of some jet engines that generates additional thrust. Running the engine, an F414-GE-100, with afterburner will allow the X-59 to meet its supersonic speed requirements. The test demonstrated the engine\u2019s ability to operate within temperature limits and with adequate airflow for flight. It also showed the engine\u2019s ability to operate in sync with the aircraft\u2019s other subsystems.<\/p>\n
The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA\u2019s Quesst mission<\/a>, which seeks to solve one of the major barriers to supersonic flight over land by making sonic booms quieter. The X-59\u2019s first flight is expected to occur in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/p24-106-68v2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>NASA completed the first maximum afterburner engine run test on its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft on Dec. 12. The ground test, conducted at Lockheed Martin\u2019s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, marks a significant milestone as the X-59 team progresses toward flight.<\/p>\n
An afterburner is a component of some jet engines that generates additional thrust. Running the engine, an F414-GE-100, with afterburner will allow the X-59 to meet its supersonic speed requirements. The test demonstrated the engine\u2019s ability to operate within temperature limits and with adequate airflow for flight. It also showed the engine\u2019s ability to operate in sync with the aircraft\u2019s other subsystems.<\/p>\n
The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA\u2019s Quesst mission<\/a>, which seeks to solve one of the major barriers to supersonic flight over land by making sonic booms quieter. The X-59\u2019s first flight is expected to occur in 2025.<\/p>\nShare<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n