Pilot Gordon Fullerton taxies NASA Dryden's "newest" mission support aircraft, a T-38 Talon, into position on the ramp upon its arrival on February 24, 2005.

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's chief pilot Gordon Fullerton in the cockpit of the center's T-38 Talon mission support aircraft.

NASA Dryden's T-38 Talon trainer aircraft in flight near Edwards Air Force Base. Formerly at NASA's Langley Research Center, this Northrop T-38 Talon is now used for mission support and pilot proficiency at the Dryden Flight Research Center.

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's two T-38A Talon mission support aircraft flew together for the first time on Sept. 26, 2007 while conducting pitot-static airspeed calibration checks during routine pilot proficiency flights. The two aircraft, flown by NASA research pilots Kelly Latimer and Frank Batteas, joined up with a NASA Dryden F/A-18 flown by NASA research pilot Dick Ewers to fly the airspeed calibrations at several speeds and altitudes that would be flown by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Boeing 747SP during its initial flight test phase. The T-38s, along with F/A-18s, serve in a safety chase role during those test missions, providing critical instrument and visual monitoring for the flight test series.

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's two T-38A Talon mission support aircraft flew together for the first time on Sept. 26, 2007 while conducting pitot-static airspeed calibration checks during routine pilot proficiency flights. The two aircraft, flown by NASA research pilots Kelly Latimer and Frank Batteas, joined up with a NASA Dryden F/A-18 flown by NASA research pilot Dick Ewers to fly the airspeed calibrations at several speeds and altitudes that would be flown by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Boeing 747SP during its initial flight test phase. The T-38s, along with F/A-18s, serve in a safety chase role during those test missions, providing critical instrument and visual monitoring for the flight test series.

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's two T-38A Talon mission support aircraft flew together for the first time on Sept. 26, 2007 while conducting pitot-static airspeed calibration checks during routine pilot proficiency flights. The two aircraft, flown by NASA research pilots Kelly Latimer and Frank Batteas, joined up with a NASA Dryden F/A-18 flown by NASA research pilot Dick Ewers to fly the airspeed calibrations at several speeds and altitudes that would be flown by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Boeing 747SP during its initial flight test phase. The T-38s, along with F/A-18s, serve in a safety chase role during those test missions, providing critical instrument and visual monitoring for the flight test series.

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's two T-38A Talon mission support aircraft flew together for the first time on Sept. 26, 2007 while conducting pitot-static airspeed calibration checks during routine pilot proficiency flights. The two aircraft, flown by NASA research pilots Kelly Latimer and Frank Batteas, joined up with a NASA Dryden F/A-18 flown by NASA research pilot Dick Ewers to fly the airspeed calibrations at several speeds and altitudes that would be flown by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Boeing 747SP during its initial flight test phase. The T-38s, along with F/A-18s, serve in a safety chase role during those test missions, providing critical instrument and visual monitoring for the flight test series.

Marta Bohn-Meyer flew as a back-seat flight test engineer in this NASA T-38 mission support aircraft when this 1993 photo was taken.

Formerly at NASA's Langley Research Center, this Northrop T-38 Talon is now used for mission support and pilot proficiency at the Dryden Flight Research Center.

A Beech T-34C mission support aircraft flown by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center shows off its classic lines as it soars over the desert near Edwards Air Force Base.

A Beech T-34C aircraft used by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center for mission support banks over Lake Isabella in Kern County during a recent flight.

A Beech T-34C aircraft used by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center for mission support banks over Lake Isabella in Kern County during a recent flight.

NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates (L to R) Jessica Watkins and Jenni Sidey-Gibbons practice flying in an F-18 aircraft cockpit simulator at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. The F-18's are flown for research support and pilot proficiency. Currently, the F-18's are being used to conduct supersonic research in support of the X-59 QueSST overall mission.

NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates (L to R) Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, Jessica Watkins and Joshua Kutryk practice flying in an F-18 aircraft cockpit simulator at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. The F-18's are flown for research support and pilot proficiency. Currently, the F-18 is conducting supersonic research in support of the X-59 QueSST overall mission.

Puffy white clouds and a flooded lakebed form a backdrop as a T-38 support aircraft taxies across the ramp in front of NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

NASA’s 2017 astronaut candidates (L to R) Jessica Watkins, Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, Joshua Kutryk, and Jasmin Moghbeli practice flying in an F-18 aircraft cockpit simulator at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. The F-18’s are flown for research support and pilot proficiency. Currently, the F-18’s are being used to conduct supersonic research in support of the X-59 QueSST overall mission.

Personnel supporting NASA's InSight mission to Mars load the crated InSight spacecraft into a C-17 cargo aircraft at Buckley Air Force Base, Denver, for shipment to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The spacecraft, built in Colorado by Lockheed Martin Space, was shipped February 28, 2018, in preparation for launch from Vandenberg in May 2018. InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is the first mission dedicated to studying the deep interior of Mars. Its findings will advance understanding of the early history of all rocky planets, including Earth. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22252

Personnel supporting NASA's InSight mission to Mars load the crated InSight spacecraft into a C-17 cargo aircraft at Buckley Air Force Base, Denver, for shipment to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The spacecraft, built in Colorado by Lockheed Martin Space, was shipped February 28, 2018, in preparation for launch from Vandenberg in May 2018. InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is the first mission dedicated to studying the deep interior of Mars. Its findings will advance understanding of the early history of all rocky planets, including Earth. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22253

Personnel supporting NASA's InSight mission to Mars load the crated InSight spacecraft into a C-17 cargo aircraft at Buckley Air Force Base, Denver, for shipment to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The spacecraft, built in Colorado by Lockheed Martin Space, was shipped February 28, 2018, in preparation for launch from Vandenberg in May 2018. InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is the first mission dedicated to studying the deep interior of Mars. Its findings will advance understanding of the early history of all rocky planets, including Earth. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22220

The F-18 simulator at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. Simulators offer a safe and economical alternative to actual flights to gather data, as well as being excellent facilities for pilot practice and training. The F-18 Hornet is used primarily as a safety chase and mission support aircraft at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. As support aircraft, the F-18's are used for safety chase, pilot proficiency, aerial photography and other mission support functions.

A NASA TG-14 glider aircraft is prepared for flight at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, in support of the agency’s Quesst mission. The aircraft is equipped with onboard microphones to capture sonic boom noise generated during rehearsal flights, helping researchers measure the acoustic signature of supersonic aircraft closer to the ground.

Walter Klein, DC-8 navigator, exits the aircraft cabin and is welcomed with applause from a supportive team after the DC-8 aircraft and crew return to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

Kelly Jellison, avionics lead, and Tim Sandon, flight engineer, exit the DC-8 aircraft cabin and are welcomed with applause from a supportive team after the DC-8 aircraft and crew return to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

Personnel supporting NASA's InSight mission to Mars load the crated InSight spacecraft into a C-17 cargo aircraft at Buckley Air Force Base, Denver, for shipment to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The spacecraft, built in Colorado by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, was shipped Dec. 16, 2015, in preparation for launch from Vandenberg in March 2016. InSight, for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is the first mission dedicated to studying the deep interior of Mars. Its findings will advance understanding of the early history of all rocky planets, including Earth. Note: After thorough examination, NASA managers have decided to suspend the planned March 2016 launch of the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission. The decision follows unsuccessful attempts to repair a leak in a section of the prime instrument in the science payload. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20278

NASA’s 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. On the right, NASA’s, X-59 pilot Nils Larsen, briefs the astronauts as they look at Armstrong’s fleet of supersonic research support aircraft, including the F-15, which will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages, and the F-18, which is conducting supersonic research in support of the overall mission.

NASA’s 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California where they checked out a F-15 cockpit. The center is using its fleet of supersonic research support aircraft for sonic boom research, including the F-15, which will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages, and the F-18, which is conducting supersonic research in support of the overall mission.

NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. On the right, NASA's, X-59 pilot Nils Larsen, briefs the astronauts as they look at Armstrong's fleet of supersonic research support aircraft, including the F-15, which will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages, and the F-18, which is conducting supersonic research in support of the overall mission.

NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California where they checked out a F-15 cockpit. The center is using its fleet of supersonic research support aircraft for sonic boom research, including the F-15, which will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages, and the F-18, which is conducting supersonic research in support of the overall mission.

NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California where they checked out a F-15 cockpit. The center is using its fleet of supersonic research support aircraft for sonic boom research, including the F-15, which will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages, and the F-18, which is conducting supersonic research in support of the overall mission.

NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. On the right, NASA's, X-59 pilot Nils Larsen, briefs the astronauts as they look at Armstrong's fleet of supersonic research support aircraft, including the F-15, which will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages, and the F-18, which is conducting supersonic research in support of the overall mission.

The ER-2 aircraft is parked in a hangar at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, in March 2025. The plane is prepared for takeoff to support the airborne Lunar Spectral Irradiance, or air-LUSI, mission.

Two Beechcraft King Air mission support aircraft operated by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center fly in formation over Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base.

NASA's Beechcraft King Air N7NA mission support aircraft soars over the compass rose on Rogers Dry Lake adjacent to NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center.

One of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's two Beechcraft King Air mission support aircraft shows off its lines over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Julio Treviño, lead operations engineer for NASA’s Global Hawk SkyRange project, stands in front of an F/A-18 mission support aircraft at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

A NASA ER-2 aircraft takes off from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to support the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx) airborne science mission.

In a series of baseline flights beginning on June 24, 2024, the G-IV aircraft flew over the Antelope Valley to analyze aircraft performance. To accommodate a new radar instrument developed by JPL, NASA’s Airborne Science Program has selected the Gulfstream-IV aircraft to be modified and operated by Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California and will accommodate new instrumentation on board in support of the agency’s science mission directorate. Baseline flights began at NASA Armstrong in June 2024

From left, Wayne Ringelberg, chief pilot at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is welcomed by Michael Thomson, director of NASA Armstrong’s Science Mission Directorate, and Kirsten Boogaard, NASA’s DC-8 project manager, after the DC-8 aircraft and crew return to NASA Armstrong’s Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft was prepared to support the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft was prepared to support the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft supported the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft supported the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft supported the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

NASA DC-8 crew members Nickelle “Nicki” Reid, operations engineer, left, and Isac Mata, engineer technician, exchange in a heartfelt hug after the DC-8 aircraft and crew return to NASA Armstrong’s Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ). Smiling in the background is Michael Thomson, director of NASA Armstrong’s Science Mission Directorate.

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft was prepared to support the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft supported the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft supported the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms (IMPACTS) mission. For this mission, the IMPACTS team tracked storms across the Eastern United States to help understand how winter storms form and develop. The aircraft, which is based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, was temporarily based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The three-year IMPACTS campaign concluded on Feb. 28, 2023. 

The DC-8 aircraft returns to the hangar at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, after completing its final mission supporting Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

Several projects supporting NASA's Advanced Air Mobility, or AAM mission, are working on different elements to help make AAM a reality. In order for these new AAM aircraft to safely operate, new infrastructure and changes to current infrastructure will need to be developed in cities, suburbs, and rural areas.

NASA’s Global Hawk aircraft was deployed to Florida from Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards, CA. on Oct. 6 to monitor and take scientific measurements of Hurricane Matthew. The unmanned Global Hawk will gather scientific data in support of NOAA’s Sensing Hazards with Operational Unmanned Technology (SHOUT) mission.

Dan Weishaar, crew chief for the Ames Aircraft Management Office, prepares to deploy NASA's Beechcraft B-200 Super King Air, N801NA, from N248 in support of NASA’s Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics Experiment, or S-MODE, mission.

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s ER-2 aircraft taxis at Edwards, California, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, ahead of a high-altitude mission supporting the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx), which requires flights of up to eight hours at approximately 65,000 feet altitude.

NASA Astronaut Candidate Jack Hathaway pilots a NASA T-38 aircraft en route to NASA's Kennedy Space Center to check out NASA's Artemis I mission on the launch pad and support various launch and media opportunities. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft approaches landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The flight supports NASA’s Quesst mission to demonstrate supersonic flight that produces a quieter sonic “thump” instead of a loud sonic boom.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft approaches landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The flight supports NASA’s Quesst mission to demonstrate supersonic flight that produces a quieter sonic “thump” instead of a loud sonic boom.

A NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft takes off from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards California on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to support the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx) airborne science mission.

A NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft takes off from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards California on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to support the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx) airborne science mission.

NASA’s DC-8 operations engineer, Nickelle “Nicki” Reid, left, embraces Katherine Ball, chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate at California Institute of Technology, after the DC-8 aircraft and crew return to NASA Armstrong’s Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

From left, Andy Barry, DC-8 pilot; Todd Renfro, flight navigator; and Adam Devalon, flight engineer, share smiles after the DC-8 aircraft and crew return to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Director Brad Flick smiles as members of the DC-8 team gather and exchange congratulations after the aircraft and crew return to NASA Armstrong’s Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, following the aircraft’s final mission in support of the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ).

The DC-8 aircraft returned to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, after completing its final mission supporting Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ). The aircraft and crew were welcomed back with a celebratory water salute by the U.S. Air Force Plant 42 Fire Department.

NASA engineers monitor an F-15 and an F/A-18 during a flight in support of the Shock Sensing Probe flight series, from the mission control room at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The flight series included the use of a technique commonly used by NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics - combining two instruments onto the nose of an aircraft to measure the pressure of shock waves from another aircraft.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft during engine run testing on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Engineers and technicians monitored the aircraft’s systems as the engine powered up, gathering data to verify performance and prepare the X-59 for its next series of experimental flights. The X-59 will support NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate technology that can reduce the loud sonic booms of supersonic flight.

Crew members prepare NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s ER-2 aircraft for flight at Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in support of the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx). The high-altitude science aircraft operates between 20,000 and 70,000 feet. For this mission, pilots flew at approximately 65,000 feet, requiring them to wear specially designed pressure suits.

Crew members prepare NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s ER-2 aircraft for flight at Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in support of the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx). The high-altitude science aircraft operates between 20,000 and 70,000 feet. For this mission, pilots flew at approximately 65,000 feet, requiring them to wear specially designed pressure suits.

NASA’s newest F-15 aircraft arrive at the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. The two retired U.S. Air Force F-15s will support ongoing supersonic flight research for NASA’s Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities Project and the Quesst mission’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft.

Suited up and ready, ER-2 pilot Kirt Stallings waits inside the transport vehicle at Edwards, California, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, moments before boarding NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center’s ER-2 aircraft for a high-altitude mission supporting the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx). Through the vehicle window, the aircraft can be seen being readied for flight.

The DC-8 aircraft returned to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, after completing its final mission supporting Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ). The aircraft and crew were welcomed back with a celebratory water salute by the U.S. Air Force Plant 42 Fire Department.

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s ER-2 aircraft lifts off from Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in support of the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx). The high-altitude science aircraft operates between 20,000 and 70,000 feet. For this mission, pilots flew at approximately 65,000 feet, requiring them to wear specially designed pressure suits.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits inside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 18, 2025. Following its first flight on Oct. 25, 2025, in support of NASA’s Quesst mission, the aircraft entered scheduled maintenance as part of its transition into flight operations. Quesst aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and reduce the disruptive sonic boom to a quieter sonic thump.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits outside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 19, 2025. The aircraft’s arrival at NASA Armstrong on Oct. 28, 2025, marked its transition into flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to gather data on quiet supersonic flight.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits outside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 19, 2025. The aircraft’s arrival at NASA Armstrong on Oct. 28, 2025, marked its transition into flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to gather data on quiet supersonic flight.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits inside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 18, 2025. Following its first flight on Oct. 25, 2025, in support of NASA’s Quesst mission, the aircraft entered scheduled maintenance as part of its transition into flight operations. Quesst aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and reduce the disruptive sonic boom to a quieter sonic thump.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits outside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 19, 2025. The aircraft’s arrival at NASA Armstrong on Oct. 28, 2025, marked its transition into flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to gather data on quiet supersonic flight.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits outside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 19, 2025. The aircraft’s arrival at NASA Armstrong on Oct. 28, 2025, marked its transition into flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to gather data on quiet supersonic flight.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits inside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 18, 2025. Following its first flight on Oct. 25, 2025, in support of NASA’s Quesst mission, the aircraft entered scheduled maintenance as part of its transition into flight operations. Quesst aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and reduce the disruptive sonic boom to a quieter sonic thump.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits inside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 18, 2025. Following its first flight on Oct. 25, 2025, in support of NASA’s Quesst mission, the aircraft entered scheduled maintenance as part of its transition into flight operations. Quesst aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and reduce the disruptive sonic boom to a quieter sonic thump.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits outside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 19, 2025. The aircraft’s arrival at NASA Armstrong on Oct. 28, 2025, marked its transition into flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to gather data on quiet supersonic flight.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits inside Hangar 4826 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Nov. 18, 2025. Following its first flight on Oct. 25, 2025, in support of NASA’s Quesst mission, the aircraft entered scheduled maintenance as part of its transition into flight operations. Quesst aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and reduce the disruptive sonic boom to a quieter sonic thump.

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight

The X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, following its landing at Edwards Air Force Base. Ground teams await the aircraft’s arrival at its new home for flight operations in support of NASA’s Quesst mission to generate data on quiet supersonic flight