NASA’s Quesst Mission Marks X-59’s Historic First Flight

The X-59 is shown during its historic first flight flown by NASA test pilot Nils Larson.NASA/Lori Losey

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took off for its historic first flight on Oct. 28 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.

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Last Updated

Nov 20, 2025

EditorMaria WerriesContactKristen Hatfieldkristen.m.hatfield@nasa.gov

Related TermsAeronauticsAmes Research CenterArmstrong Flight Research CenterGlenn Research CenterIntegrated Aviation Systems ProgramLangley Research CenterLow Boom Flight DemonstratorQuesst (X-59)Supersonic Flight

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Quesst

Quesst is NASA's mission to demonstrate how the X-59 can fly supersonic without generating loud sonic booms and then survey…

Integrated Aviation Systems Program