NASA Test Pilot Mike Lippert Flies X-59 Supersonic Aircraft
Photo: NASA / NASA/Carla EscamillaNASA test pilot Mike Lippert flew the agency’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft for the first time on October 21, 2026, according to NASA News Releases. The flight originated from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and lasted for one hour.
This flight occurred after the X-59 underwent scheduled maintenance and a review of its systems. The maintenance and review followed what was described as the aircraft's busiest week of testing to date.
The X-59 aircraft has conducted numerous flights since its initial flight in November 2025. Its first supersonic flight took place on June 5, 2026.
This story was prepared with AI assistance from the sources listed below and reviewed by our editors.
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