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NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft has officially begun taxi tests, marking the first time this one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft has moved under its own power.

NASA test pilot Nils Larson and the X-59 team, made up of NASA and contractor Lockheed Martin personnel, completed the aircraft’s first low-speed taxi test at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, on July 10, 2025.

The taxiing represents the X-59’s last series of ground tests before first flight. Over the coming weeks, the aircraft will gradually increase its speed, leading up to a high-speed taxi test that will take the aircraft just short of the point where it would take off.

During the low-speed tests, engineers and flight crews monitored how the X-59 handled as it moved across the runway, working to validate critical systems like steering and braking. These checks help ensure the aircraft’s stability and control across a range of conditions, giving pilots and engineers confidence that all systems are functioning as expected.

The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight by reducing the loud sonic boom to a quieter “thump.” Data gathered from the X-59 will be shared with U.S. and international regulators to inform the establishment of new, data-driven acceptable noise thresholds related to supersonic commercial flight over land.

NASA’s X-59 aircraft taxis on the runway at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. The aircraft is shown in profile moving from right to left, with the control tower and desert mountains in the background. In the foreground, the gray concrete runway features a solid yellow line with evenly spaced parallel black stripes inside it, all under a clear blue sky.NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft taxis across the runway during a low-speed taxi test at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, on July 10, 2025. The test marks the start of taxi tests and the last series of ground tests before first flight.NASA/Carla Thomas ASA’s X-59 aircraft exits a large white hangar labeled “STALL 5” at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. The aircraft is positioned nose-first, with a crew chief in the foreground raising both hands to guide its movement. Five other ground crew members stand nearby, monitoring clearance. Sunlight hits the aircraft’s nose and canopy. In the foreground, the gray concrete surface has a yellow stripe starting at the bottom left corner and running toward the aircraft’s front tire.NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft moves under its own power for the first time at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, on July 10, 2025. Guided by the aircraft’s crew chief, the event marks the beginning of taxi tests – a key milestone and the final series of ground tests before first flight.NASA/Carla Thomas

Share Details Last Updated Jul 17, 2025 Related TermsAeronauticsAeronautics Research Mission DirectorateAmes Research CenterArmstrong Flight Research CenterCommercial Supersonic TechnologyGlenn Research CenterIntegrated Aviation Systems ProgramLangley Research CenterLow Boom Flight DemonstratorQuesst (X-59)Supersonic Flight
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NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft Begins Taxi Tests