X-59 Team Reflects on Completing First Flight

After years of design, development, and testing, NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took to the skies for the first time Oct. 28, 2025, marking a historic moment for the field of aeronautics research and the agency’s Quesst mission. Now, hear from the team who helped make it happen, including test pilot Nils Larson, as they reflect on the accomplishment.

What is said in the film

Years and years that it took to get to this point, and we finally crossed that milestone. All the work and the build up, getting the airplane to this point and then, to see that take to the sky for the first time. So, when it came to game day, I wasn't worried about anything because I knew the team had my back. it has the promise to be a historic milestone towards the next era of commercial aviation. I've worked with so many people for so long, to make this happen, to actually see it take flight.

What an experience! It's a tremendous accomplishment for all of us associated with X-59. What we're doing has impacts on the commercial aviation industry and has the opportunity to revolutionize commercial air travel. To go prove a concept that at one point people doubted could be done. Pretty exciting.

I never would have guessed when I was 16 years old and I wanted to be a test pilot, that I'd ever have the opportunity to do a first flight, let alone a first flight on an X-plane.

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