NASA’s X-59 moves under its own power for first time in taxi tests

Summary points:

• NASA’s X-59 experimental supersonic aircraft completed its first low-speed taxi test, marking a significant milestone toward its first flight and the demonstration of quiet supersonic technology.

• The aircraft features advanced noise-reducing technologies, including a long, narrow nose to soften sonic booms, a windowless cockpit using an external vision system, and an engine placement designed to minimize ground noise.

• Data from X-59’s upcoming supersonic flights will be shared with regulators to help establish new noise standards, potentially enabling commercial supersonic flights over land.

PALMDALE, Calif. - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that its experimental X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft completed its first low-speed taxi test on 10 July, marking the first time the one-of-a-kind jet moved under its own power. The test, conducted at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, Calif., is part of a series of final ground trials before the aircraft’s first flight.

The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate the ability to fly faster than the speed of sound while reducing the loud sonic boom to a quieter, less disruptive "thump." The agency hopes the data collected from this program will lead to new regulations that enable commercial supersonic flight over land - something currently banned due to noise concerns.

The aircraft features several distinctive technologies designed to minimize sonic booms. Its long, narrow nose - nearly a third of the jet's 99-foot length - is shaped to spread shockwaves in a way that softens the sound. The cockpit has no forward-facing window; instead, the pilot uses NASA’s eXternal Vision System, which combines high-resolution cameras and augmented reality displays to provide forward visibility. The engine is mounted on top of the fuselage to reduce noise heard on the ground.

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NASA test pilot Nils Larson and the joint NASA-Lockheed Martin team guided the aircraft through the low-speed test, monitoring steering, braking, and handling performance. "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," NASA stated.

Preparing for takeoff

The X-59 will now progress through higher-speed taxi tests in the coming weeks to approach takeoff velocity before its first flight. Once airborne, it will conduct a series of supersonic test flights over select U.S. communities starting in 2026, allowing researchers to measure public response to the quieter sonic signature.

NASA plans to share the data gathered with U.S. and international regulators to inform future noise standards. If successful, the X-59 program could pave the way for a new generation of supersonic passenger aircraft capable of flying over land without disturbing those below.