Supersonic Flight's Comeback: Boom's Big Test

Today, Boom Supersonic is going for a record-breaking flight. Their XB-1 aircraft aims to hit Mach 1, the speed of sound. This isn't just a stunt; Boom wants to bring back supersonic travel. Flying faster than most jets sounds great, but there are issues. Sonic booms can cause trouble on the ground, and making it all cost-effective is a big challenge. Plus, it's been a while since the Concorde stopped flying in the early 2000s. But Boom is eager to show what they've got.The XB-1 has been testing since March 2024, getting faster and higher each time. They're a bit behind schedule, but the big day is here. You can watch the flight live on Boom's website at 10:45 a. m. ET. The 62. 6-foot-long XB-1 is just a test model, but if all goes well, Boom plans to launch a supersonic airliner, Overture, in 2029. It's supposed to be eco-friendly, using recycled materials for fuel, but there's no guarantee. NASA is also in the game, working on a quieter supersonic plane, the X-59. If successful, it could change the rules about supersonic flight over land. It's exciting to see different groups trying to make supersonic travel a reality again. So, if you're eager to see supersonic flight in action, tune in to Boom's live stream.