May 8, 2008 Beth Dickey Headquarters, Washington 202-358-2087 RELEASE: 08-117 NASA AND JAXA TO CONDUCT JOINT RESEARCH ON SONIC BOOM MODELING WASHINGTON -- NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) intend to conduct joint research on sonic boom modeling. Sonic boom modeling is one of the key technologies needed to enable a next generation supersonic aircraft quiet enough that it can fly supersonically over land without significant disturbance to the public. Such a vehicle also could connect Los Angeles and Tokyo in about 5 hours, flying at Mach 2. Through this modeling activity, NASA and JAXA hope to strengthen their collaborative relationship in aeronautics research. NASA and JAXA will explore the possibility of further collaboration in aeronautics research and development, including the field of supersonic transport technology, and possibly including JAXA's Silent Supersonic Technology Demonstration Project. For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: -end-