Quesst (X-59)

Commercial Supersonic Technology

Langley Research Center

Quesst (X-59)

NASA’s X-59 Completes ‘Cruise Control’ Engine Speed Hold Test

The team behind NASA’s X-59 completed another critical ground test in March, ensuring the quiet supersonic aircraft will be able to maintain a specific speed during operation. The test, known as engine speed hold, is the latest marker of progress as the X-59 nears first flight this year. “Engine speed hold is essentially the aircraft’s […]

Posted March 26, 2025

Aeronautics

Langley Research Center

Quesst (X-59)

Quesst: The Vehicle

NASA’s X-59 Completes Electromagnetic Testing

NASA’s quiet supersonic X-59 research aircraft has cleared electromagnetic testing, confirming its systems will work together safely, without interference across a range of scenarios. “Reaching this phase shows that the aircraft integration is advancing,” said Yohan Lin, NASA’s X-59 avionics lead.

Posted February 26, 2025

Quesst (X-59)

Diamonds from NASA’s X-59

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took another successful step toward flight with the conclusion of a series of engine performance tests.

Posted February 25, 2025

Aeronautics

Glenn Research Center

Quesst (X-59)

NASA’s X-59 Turns Up Power, Throttles Through Engine Tests

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took another successful step toward flight with the conclusion of a series of engine performance tests. In preparation for the X-59’s planned first flight this year, NASA and Lockheed Martin successfully completed the aircraft’s engine run tests in January.

Posted February 11, 2025

Advanced Air Mobility

Aeronautics

C-20A

DC-8

Earth Science

ER-2

Flight Opportunities Program

Quesst (X-59)

Sustainable Flight Demonstrator

2024: NASA Armstrong Prepares for Future Innovative Research Efforts

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is preparing today for tomorrow’s mission. Supersonic flight, next generation aircraft, advanced air mobility, climate changes, human exploration of space, and the next innovation are just some of the topics our researchers, engineers, and mission support teams focused on in 2024.

Posted December 20, 2024

Aeronautics

Commercial Supersonic Technology

Integrated Aviation Systems Program

Quesst (X-59)

NASA Runs X-59 Engine with Maximum Afterburner for First Time

NASA completed the first maximum afterburner engine run test on its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft on Dec. 12. The ground test, conducted at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, marks a significant milestone as the X-59 team progresses toward flight.

Posted December 20, 2024

Advanced Air Vehicles Program

Aeronautics

Commercial Supersonic Technology

Integrated Aviation Systems Program

Quesst (X-59)

NASA to Test Technology for X-59’s Unique Shock Wave Measurements

NASA will soon test advancements made on a key tool for measuring the unique “sonic thumps” that its quiet supersonic X-59 research aircraft will make while flying. A shock-sensing probe is a cone-shaped air data probe developed with specific features to capture the unique shock waves the X-59 will produce.

Posted December 6, 2024

Quesst (X-59)

X-59’s Engine Started for Testing

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits in its run stall at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, in this image from Oct. 30, 2024. The engine-run tests, which began Oct. 30, allow the X-59 team to verify the aircraft’s systems are working together while powered by its own engine. In previous tests, […]

Posted November 6, 2024

Aeronautics

Ames Research Center

Glenn Research Center

Langley Research Center

Quesst (X-59)

Quesst: The Vehicle