NASA has been the face of space technology and travel for longer than we’ve been alive. They've constantly come up with new technologies and scientific breakthroughs which affect our perception of flight and make space and air travel easier and more convenient.
One of NASA’s most recent projects, which will change travel speed and efficiency, is the QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Technology) project.
In 1973, the US Government banned overland supersonic commercial flights as they create a loud sound boom when they take flight, which can be harmful. Additionally, sonic booms, if powerful enough, have the capability to destroy minor infrastructure and cause tremors. When an object travels faster than the speed of sound, it forcefully moves the air particles around it, creating shockwaves similar to that which a boat makes when it moves in water, only multiplied into ten. While enabling these jets has a high number of pros, the cons are predominant as well.
Studies have shown that the jets created by Lockheed Martin (an aerospace company) on behalf of NASA will cause increased climatic issues. These jets are worse for the environment as they release seven to nine times more harmful gases per passenger (such as Nitrous oxide) into the atmosphere as compared to regular commercial jets, as per a study conducted by the International Council of Clean Transportation.
Fuel burn at a high rate is another main concern. Although another study claimed e-kerosene could combat this issue, the price of this particular fuel is extremely high and will cause a twenty five-fold increase in cost of supersonic flight, which is already an expensive project. Additionally, Sustainable Aviation Fuel would not be effective.
This being said, it is fascinating to know that, one day, a flight currently taking 6 hours could reach the same destination in under 3 hours. NASA is currently working on combating the fuel and emission issues and have set a target on around 2029 to take the air.
Soon, we won’t have to worry about which movies to watch on the plane or which games to carry because we’ll land in half the time!
NASA Supersonic jet- the future of air travel
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