Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ X-59, a cutting-edge experimental aircraft aimed at making supersonic travel quieter, has been voted the winner of the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in California” award.
The annual contest, presented by the California Manufacturing & Technology Association during Manufacturing Month, highlights innovation and manufacturing success across the state.
“Manufacturing continues to be foundational to California’s economic growth — creating good-paying jobs and shaping the industries of the future,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a news release Monday. “This competition, and the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works X-59, is evidence that the country’s top talent and innovation is in California.”
The association announced the award Oct. 23.
NASA and Lockheed Martin’s Palmdale facility are teaming up to develop the X-59. The jet is designed to tackle one of supersonic flight’s long-standing challenges: the loud sonic boom. By separating shockwaves, the X-59 is capable of producing a much softer sonic “thump,” potentially paving the way for future commercial supersonic flights over populated areas.
NASA will collect data from communities about the acceptability of the jet’s noise. The results could help inform new regulations that might one day allow passengers to travel long distances much faster than current commercial aircraft permit.
“We’re honored that Californians chose the X-59 as the Coolest Thing Made in California,” Patrick LeBeau, X-59 program manager, said in a statement. “This recognition celebrates the groundbreaking technology and precision engineering behind the X-59, and the incredible dedication of our Palmdale team and partners. We thank CMTA and everyone who voted for helping shine a spotlight on California’s world-class manufacturing.”
The contest drew over 200,000 votes across four rounds. Other finalists included Siemens’ Amtrak Airo Trainset, produced in Sacramento; Phillips 66’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Rodeo; and Saildrone’s Voyager, made in Alameda.
California is home to one-third of the nation’s space technology companies and has more aerospace engineers and defense personnel than any other state, according to the Governor’s Office. Overall, more than 45,000 manufacturing establishments operate in California, employing over 1.24 million residents across a range of sectors such as aerospace, clean tech, life sciences and high-tech manufacturing.
NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits on the ramp at sunrise before ground tests at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, on July 18, 2025.