NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft successfully completed its inaugural flight on October 28, 2025, a significant milestone in aeronautics research. The flight, which lasted 67 minutes, took off from U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, at 11:14 a.m. EDT. This achievement marks a critical step towards enabling quiet supersonic flight over land, aligning with NASA’s ambitious Quesst mission.
The X-59 is engineered to fly at supersonic speeds while minimizing the disruptive sonic booms commonly associated with such flights. Instead of loud booms, the aircraft aims to produce quieter sonic thumps, which could pave the way for commercial supersonic travel in populated areas. “Once again, NASA and America are leading the way for the future of flight,” stated Sean Duffy, acting NASA Administrator. He emphasized the importance of the X-59, calling it a major breakthrough in advancing faster and quieter air travel.
After a brief taxi from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility, test pilot Nils Larson conducted final system checks before receiving clearance for takeoff. With a steady hand and confidence in the aircraft, Larson advanced the throttle, lifting off into the skies as part of a select group of pilots who have flown experimental aircraft for the first time. “All the training, all the planning that you’ve done prepares you,” Larson reflected. “But then the mission takes over.”
The aircraft operated below the speed of sound during the flight, reaching speeds of approximately 230 mph and an altitude of around 12,000 feet. This initial flight focused on conducting in-flight system checks to ensure the X-59’s airworthiness and safety. The landing gear remained down throughout the flight, a standard practice for experimental aircraft to maintain stability.
Upon completing the flight, the X-59 made its way to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, transitioning from ground testing to active flight operations. “In this industry, there’s nothing like a first flight,” said Brad Flick, center director of NASA Armstrong. He acknowledged the unique challenges of piloting an experimental X-plane, emphasizing the need for adaptability and sound decision-making.
Advancing Quiet Supersonic Flight
The X-59 serves as the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate that supersonic flight over land can be accepted by the public. This mission draws on NASA’s rich history of pioneering flight technologies, with the X-59 being the first major piloted X-plane developed in over two decades. “This aircraft represents a validation of what NASA Aeronautics exists to do, which is to envision the future of flight,” noted Bob Pearce, NASA Associate Administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.
The aircraft is designed with several innovative features to minimize noise. Its engine, mounted on top of the fuselage, redirects airflow upward, reducing the impact of shock waves on the ground. The cockpit lacks a traditional forward-facing window; instead, it employs an eXternal Vision System that utilizes cameras and high-definition displays, allowing the pilot to navigate effectively.
As NASA prepares for full flight testing, the team will evaluate how the X-59 manages its design features and how these affect shock waves generated during supersonic flight. The goal is to reach a cruising speed of about 925 mph at an altitude of 55,000 feet. This data will be critical in shaping future regulations and community acceptance of supersonic travel.
In the coming months, the X-59 will conduct flights over various U.S. communities, gathering feedback from residents to assess their perceptions of the quieter sonic thump. “Most X-planes only live in the restricted airspace here on center. This one is going to go out and fly around the country,” Flick explained.
The successful first flight of the X-59 not only signifies a technological advancement but also reflects NASA’s ongoing commitment to leading the way in aeronautics innovation. With this new aircraft, NASA continues to push the boundaries of flight, striving for a future where supersonic travel is safe, quiet, and widely accepted.
