NASA's X-59 Completes 40 Flights Since Debut, Reaching Mach 1.53 and Above 56,000 Feet
Why It MattersProgress in expanding the X-59's flight envelope keeps quiet supersonic flight a live research track, which matters to long-range business jet segments watching for future overland supersonic rules.
NASA marked one year since the first flight of its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft, flown on Oct. 28, 2025 under the Quesst mission. That first flight focused on low, slow passes to conduct systems checks.
Since then, the X-59 has completed 40 additional flights, reaching a maximum altitude of more than 56,000 feet and speeds up to Mach 1.53. Over the past year the Quesst team has expanded the aircraft's flight envelope, testing at the altitudes, speeds and conditions that will be used for all aspects of the mission. The team will continue that work in the coming months.
