NASA’s X-59 Test Pilot Exits Aircraft After Historic First Flight

NASA test pilot Nils Larson steps out of the X-59 cockpit after completing the aircraft’s first flight on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. The mission marked a key milestone in advancing NASA’s Quesst mission to enable quiet supersonic flight over land.

NASA test pilot Nils Larson steps out of the X-59 cockpit after completing the aircraft’s first flight on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. The mission marked a key milestone in advancing NASA’s Quesst mission to enable quiet supersonic flight over land.

Photographer NASA/Jim Ross
Album X-59_First_Flight
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