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ASA’s X-59 aircraft exits a large white hangar labeled “STALL 5” at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. The aircraft is positioned nose-first, with a crew chief in the foreground raising both hands to guide its movement. Five other ground crew members stand nearby, monitoring clearance. Sunlight hits the aircraft’s nose and canopy. In the foreground, the gray concrete surface has a yellow stripe starting at the bottom left corner and running toward the aircraft’s front tire.

NASA’s X-59 Moves Under Its Own Power

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft moves under its own power for the first time at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, on July 10, 2025. Guided by the aircraft’s crew chief, the event marks the beginning of taxi tests – a key milestone and the final series of ground tests before first flight.

Image Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas

TakenJuly 10, 2025

ProducerAFRC

Image CreditNASA/Carla Thomas

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PIA NumberAFRC2025-0112-01