NASA's X-59 Supersonic Research Team Reflects on Completing First Flight

NASA's X-59 Supersonic Research Team Reflects on Completing First Flight

After years of design, development, and testing, NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took to the skies for the first time on Oct. 28, 2025, marking a historic moment for the field of aeronautics research and the agency’s Quesst mission. Now, hear from the team who helped make it happen, including test pilot Nils Larson, as they reflect on the accomplishment. 

For this initial flight, the aircraft flew at about 12,000 feet and slower than the speed of sound. These conditions allowed the team to conduct in-flight system and performance checks. Next, the X-59 will undergo a series of test flights where the plane will operate at higher altitudes and supersonic speeds to ensure it meets performance and safety expectations.

Read more about this first flight: 
https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasas-quesst-mission-marks-x-59s-historic-first-flight/

The X-59 aircraft builds on decades of supersonic flight research and is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission. The vast amount of data collected over the years has given designers the tools they needed to craft the shape of the X-59. The goal is to enable the aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds and reduce a loud sonic boom to a quieter “sonic thump.” Follow the X-59 team as they take on the exciting journey of building the X-59 and working toward quiet supersonic flight.

Data gathered during X-59 research flights will be shared with the U.S. and international regulators to inform the establishment of new, data-driven acceptable noise thresholds related to supersonic commercial flight over land.

The X-59’s engine, a modified F414-GE-100, packs 22,000 pounds of thrust. This will enable the X-59 to achieve the desired cruising speed of Mach 1.4 (925 miles per hour) at an altitude of approximately 55,000 feet. It sits in a nontraditional spot–atop the aircraft—to aid in making the X-59 quieter.

The X-59's goal is to help change existing national and international aviation rules that ban commercial supersonic flight over land.

For more information about the X-59 and NASA's Quesst mission, visit www.nasa.gov/quesst

Credit: NASA
Duration: 1 minute, 19 seconds
Release Date: Dec. 31, 2025

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