NASA Aeronautics

05/29/2026

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft is preparing for some of its most significant flights yet! 🤫 Teams are gearing up for an exciting phase of upcoming flight tests at speeds faster than the speed of sound.
Building on months of testing, the X-59 team is preparing for flights involving higher altitudes and faster speeds for NASA’s Quesst mission.

Read more about the Quesst mission: https://go.nasa.gov/49sFZf4

05/26/2026

Today is National Paper Airplane Day! ✈️

A great way to celebrate is to make your own X-59 paper plane. They won’t quite reach supersonic speeds of a real X-59 but can still sweep the competition in a paper airplane race. NASA's Quesst mission aims to change how we all fly in the future. ✨

➡️Learn how to make yours here: https://go.nasa.gov/42MVTxa

05/19/2026

We had a great time hanging out on Reddit yesterday; we should do this again sometime. Thanks for joining us!

Missed our AMA? check out the Q&A's: https://www.reddit.com/r/nasa/comments/1tgn78g/were_the_test_pilots_of_nasas_x59_aircraft_which/

What's it like to fly NASA's experimental, quiet supersonic aircraft?

We're hosting a Reddit AMA ("Ask Me Anything") with Nils Larson and Jim "Clue" Less, the test pilots of our next-generation X-59 plane, on Monday, May 18. Stop by and share your questions! https://www.reddit.com/r/nasa/

05/15/2026

59 seconds on NASA’s X-59: The Landing Gear ✈️

NASA test pilot Nils Larson takes viewers behind the scenes of the one-of-a-kind X-59, explaining the aircraft’s landing gear system — including its purpose, key components, and origins from the F-16.

As testing continues, NASA’s X-59 moves closer to demonstrating quiet supersonic flight. ✨

05/10/2026

Behind NASA’s X-59 test pilots Nils Larson and Jim Less are the women who helped shape their path. 💙✈️

On the left, Nils’ mom pins on his wings after his graduation from USAF Pilot Training.

On the right, Jim stands beside his mom on the flight line in front of the F-117—the first time she saw him fly as a U.S. Air Force pilot at the Montreal Airshow.

Different moments, same impact.

From quiet strength and unwavering work ethic…
to leading by example through life’s challenges—
these are the qualities that carry forward into the cockpit.

This , we celebrate the moms behind the mission. ✈️

05/07/2026

NASA’s X-59 test pilot, Nils Larson, shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to fly the X-59. ✈️

He reflects on the aircraft’s historic first flight on October 28, 2025—and the team behind its success.

05/06/2026

Behind every future pilot, engineer, and innovator is a teacher who helped them find their wings. ✈️

More than two decades ago, NASA test pilot Nils Larson met a young Victor Glover as his instructor at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, training him in the T-38. Years later, Glover went on to become a NASA astronaut and fly around the Moon. 🌙

This , we recognize the educators who inspire curiosity and help the next generation take flight. Through NASA STEM activities, that spirit of discovery continues in classrooms everywhere. 🚀🧠✨

https://go.nasa.gov/4tN7t7j

05/06/2026