NASA’s Quesst Mission Marks X-59’s Historic First Flight
NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft marked a significant milestone in aviation history with its inaugural flight on October 28, 2025. Taking off from Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California, at 11:14 a.m. EDT, the X-59 successfully completed a 67-minute flight before landing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Piloted by NASA test pilot Nils Larson, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet and a top speed of 230 mph, adhering to the planned flight parameters. Notably, the X-59’s landing gear remained deployed throughout the flight, a standard safety measure for experimental aircraft during their initial flights.
This first flight is just the beginning for the X-59, as the team now shifts its focus to a series of test flights that will push the aircraft to higher altitudes and supersonic speeds. These forthcoming tests are part of NASA’s Quesst mission (Quiet Supersonic Technology), which aims to revolutionize air travel by demonstrating that quiet supersonic flight is achievable. The innovative design and advanced technology of the X-59 are expected to minimize the sonic booms that have traditionally limited the viability of supersonic flight over land. By successfully demonstrating these capabilities, NASA hopes to pave the way for future supersonic transport aircraft that can operate without disturbing communities on the ground.
The implications of the X-59’s success extend beyond just technical achievements; they could usher in a new era of air travel, significantly reducing flight times across the globe. With the Quesst mission, NASA is not only exploring the boundaries of speed but also addressing environmental and community concerns associated with supersonic flight. As the X-59 progresses through its testing phases, the aviation industry and the public will be keenly watching to see if this pioneering aircraft can deliver on its promise of quiet supersonic travel.
NASA/Lori Losey
NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took off for its
historic first flight
on Oct. 28, 2025, at 11:14 a.m. EDT from Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California. The one-of-a-kind aircraft flew for 67 minutes before landing and taxiing to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
NASA test pilot
Nils Larson
flew the X-59 up to an altitude of about 12,000 feet and an approximate top speed of 230 mph, precisely as planned. The plane’s landing gear remained down during the entire flight, a common practice for experimental aircraft flying for the first time.
Now that the X-59’s first flight is in the books, the team is focused on preparing for a series of test flights where the aircraft will operate at higher altitudes and supersonic speeds. This test flight phase of NASA’s
Quesst mission
will ensure the X-59 meets performance and safety expectations.
Through the Quesst mission, NASA aims to usher in a new age of quiet supersonic flight, achieved through the unique design and technology of the X-59 in future supersonic transport aircraft.
Image Credit: NASA/Lori Losey
