In preparation for the first flight of its Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) research aircraft, NASA is testing upgraded camera technology designed to capture better images of shockwaves created by supersonic aircraft. In addition to the updated equipment, the agency noted that it is also continuing to refine its use of Schlieren photography, a process that captures density gradients in fluids. Additional flights to test the new camera are slated for late winter or early spring 2023 with the goal of studying image clarity by photographing an aircraft traveling at supersonic speeds from a plane 10,000 feet away.
Although I agree the government sucks I think this is cool. I doubt it will lead anywhere as the sonic boom in an immutable (pun intended) physical property but it may be useful research.
I’m confused. Looking at FlightAware the airlines have chosen to fly not much over 480kts. Since the customers choose to fly slower rather than faster, who will be the market for any improvement in supersonic flight?