NASA engineers test-fired the engine on the X-59 supersonic research aircraft in advance of planned test flights to determine if the aircraft can reduce sonic booms and make supersonic flights over land quieter.

The X-59 team is conducting the engine-run tests in phases, NASA said Nov. 6 in a news release.

In the first phase, the engine rotated at a relatively low speed without ignition to check for leaks and ensure all systems are communicating properly. The team then fueled the aircraft and began testing the engine at low power, with the goal of verifying that it and other aircraft systems operate without anomalies or leaks while on engine power.

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