NASA’s X-59 Accelerates for Takeoff

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft accelerates down the runway Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, ahead of its first flight. This moment marks the start of flight testing for NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight over land.

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft accelerates down the runway Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, ahead of its first flight. This moment marks the start of flight testing for NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight over land.

Photographer NASA/Carla Thomas
Location AFRC
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