Launch Catch-Up — Flight Took Place October 21, 2026
NASA test pilot Mike Lippert completed his first flight in the X-59 research aircraft on October 21, reaching Mach 1.4 and 55,000 feet, the agency reported October 22.
The flight began and ended at Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, lasting approximately one hour. It followed scheduled maintenance and a review of the aircraft’s systems.
Lippert performed maneuvers to assess handling while the team evaluated onboard systems. His preparation included simulator work, an engine run and training with other NASA test pilots.
The milestone was Lippert’s first flight in the aircraft, rather than the X-59’s first flight. NASA said the aircraft had already completed numerous flights, including six over three days in September.
X-59 supports NASA’s Quesst research into quieter supersonic flight and public responses to its sound. The reported test does not establish approval for commercial supersonic passenger service. NASA corrected background information about Lippert’s flying experience on October 26; the flight date remains October 21.
Sources: NASA flight report: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/quesst/2026/10/22/nasas-mike-lippert-takes-controls-of-x-59-for-first-time/