NASA’s X-59 QueSST Conducts Maiden Flight

After some scrubbed attempts, NASA’s X-59 QueSST flew for the first time from Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale on Oct. 28, 2025.

In a landmark milestone for aeronautical research, NASA’s experimental X-59 QueSST (Quiet SuperSonic Technology) conducted its maiden flight today. The aircraft, designed and built by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works at the Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, will be used to pave the way for the return of supersonic airliners. Contents After some scrubbed attempts, NASA’s X-59 QueSST flew for the first time from Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale on Oct. 28, 2025. Moving to the First Flight Safety Measures What it Achieved Background & Preparatory Work

The sortie has been planned to check critical onboard systems, as well as verifying system int