NASA’s X-59 Rollout Embodies Aeronautical Tradition

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artist rendering of the X-59 supersonic aircraft
Artist concept of the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft. The centerpiece of NASA's Quesst mission, the agency and Lockheed Martin will formally unveil the aircraft to the public on Friday, Jan. 12 (credits: NASA).

January 16, 2024 | Originally published by NASA on January 9, 2024

NASA’s X-59 aircraft is heading out of the hangar – preparing to embark on the first phase of its mission to fly faster than the speed of sound without generating a loud sonic boom.

Leadership from NASA and prime contractor Lockheed Martin will officially unveil the fully completed and freshly painted X-59 to the world during a rollout ceremony on Friday, January 12 at 4 p.m., EST. NASA TV will broadcast the event live from Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, where the aircraft was assembled.