https://www.space.com/space-exploration/tech/boom-supersonic-to-break-sound-barrier-during-historic-test-flight-today-watch-live Skip to main content (*) ( ) Open menu Close menu Space [ ] Search Search Space [ ] Subscribe RSS * * Space Exploration * The Universe * Stargazing * Launches & Spacecraft * Videos * The Moon * More + Solar System + Artemis + James Webb Space Telescope + Entertainment + Search for Life + Tech + Forums + Subscribe to "All about Space" magazine + Space.com Store + About Us + Web Notifications All About Space Magazine All About Space Magazine Why subscribe? * Jam packed issues filled with the latest cutting-edge research, technology and theories delivered in an entertaining and visually stunning way, aiming to educate and inspire readers of all ages * Engaging articles, breathtaking images and expert knowledge * Issues delivered straight to your door From$28.75 View Trending * Mysterious Mars mounds * Night sky tonight! * Aurora Forecast * Next Full Moon * Best Telescopes * Space Calendar * Best Binoculars * Lego Star Wars deals * Best Star Projectors * Best Drones * Solar System Planets 1. Space Exploration 2. Tech Boom Supersonic to break sound barrier during historic test flight today: Watch live News By Mike Wall published 28 January 2025 Boom Supersonic's XB-1 test vehicle is scheduled to lift off today (Jan. 28) at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT). * * * * * * * Comments (2) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. XB-1 First Supersonic Flight - YouTube XB-1 First Supersonic Flight - YouTube Watch On Editor's note: Boom Supersonic successfully broke the sound barrier with the XB-1 today in a major milestone. Read our coverage here. Boom Supersonic plans to break the sound barrier during a test flight this morning (Jan. 28). This would mark the first time the company achieves the feat, and you can watch the historic action live. Colorado-based Boom's XB-1 test vehicle is scheduled to lift off on its 12th test flight from California's Mojave Air & Space Port today at around 11:00 a.m. EST (1600 GMT; 8 a.m. local California time). If all goes well, the piloted demonstrator craft will exceed Mach 1 -- the speed of sound -- about 25 minutes later. The XB-1 is a subscale pathfinder vehicle, designed to demonstrate technologies and capabilities that Boom plans to employ a few years from now on a commercial jet called Overture. You may like * Boom Supersonic XB-1 jet breaks sound barrier on historic test flight (video) * Boom Supersonic's next-generation XB-1 passenger plane 1 step away from breaking the sound barrier If all goes according to plan, the 64-seat Overture will become the first supersonic passenger jet since the British-French Concorde, which was retired in 2003. The XB-1 first got off the ground in March 2024. The test vehicle has flown 11 times to date, breaking new ground on each liftoff. For example, during its most recent flight, which occurred on Jan. 10, the XB-1 nosed right up to the edge of the sound barrier, reaching Mach 0.95. Flight 12, however, will be momentous, according to Boom Founder and CEO Blake Scholl. In a Jan. 25 X post, Scholl called the mission "supersonic flight's 'Falcon 1' moment," referring to SpaceX's first-ever successful launch -- a September 2008 liftoff of the company's small Falcon 1 rocket. Get the Space.com Newsletter Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more! [ ][ ]Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands[ ]Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors[Sign me up] By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. "It will still be a few years before we welcome the return of the first supersonic passenger. Success is far from guaranteed. Yet, there's more reason than ever to be excited and optimistic," Scholl wrote in another Jan. 25 X post. RELATED STORIES: -- Boom Supersonic's XB-1 jet sets new speed record during 7th test flight -- Boom Supersonic's XB-1 prototype aces 2nd test flight (photos) -- Boom's XB-1 test plane gets FAA green light for supersonic flight Today's livestream should feature some dramatic in-flight views, which will come down to Earth via SpaceX's Starlink satellite-internet service. "We're livestreaming the flight from our chase aircraft, a Northrop T-38. We've installed a Starlink Mini antenna in the T-38 so everyone can see the flight in real-time," Boom wrote in a Jan. 25 X post. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com. See all comments (2) Mike Wall Mike Wall Social Links Navigation Senior Space Writer Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter. More about tech a close-up of a white jet flying through the sky above a snowcapped mountain range Boom Supersonic's next-generation XB-1 passenger plane 1 step away from breaking the sound barrier a white cylindrical spacecraft with four skinny solar panels and two larger black panels fires blue exhaust from three after engines arranged in a line. Electric spacecraft propulsion may soon take a leap, thanks to new supercomputer Latest a white aircraft flies under blue skies Boom Supersonic XB-1 jet breaks sound barrier on historic test flight (video) See more latest > [ ] 2 Comments Comment from the forums * danR Watching live. Currently big fat watermark in the middle, no ambient on-ground audio (only comms chatter), dumb background musak. Some really p-off comments in live chat from everyone. Botched production. _____ Edit: OK, they've fixed it. Production unbotched. Reply * George2 Done, speed max go to mach 1.11. 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