ALT NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft reached its target speed and altitude for future community overflights for the first time during a flight on Friday, June 12, 2026. The milestone marked the first time the aircraft flew at Mach 1.4 and 55,000 feet — conditions it will fly when gathering community response data to its quiet sonic thump.

ALT NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft completed its first supersonic flight Friday, June 5, 2026, marking the first time the aircraft exceeded the speed of sound in support of NASA’s Quesst mission. The milestone represents a major step in flight testing as the aircraft expands into the supersonic portion of its flight envelope. Credit: NASA / Lori Losey

ALT NASA’s X‑59 eXternal Vision System digital display shows green flight data overlaid on the forward scenery as the aircraft flies supersonic. Numerical indicators, horizon references, and a Mach‑number readout are visible on the screen.

ALT A close-up of two people shaking hands, representing a partnership between NASA and the United Network for Organ Sharing to improve the speed and coordination of organ transport for transplantation.

ALT NASA\u2019s X-59 quiet supersonic jet flies over the Mojave Desert during its third flight on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas