NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft has started taxi tests, marking the first time this one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft has moved under its own power. The aircraft completed its first low-speed taxi test, allowing engineers and flight crews to monitor how it handled moving across the runway under its own power. Taxi tests mark the final major ground test before flight operations begin. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight by reducing the loud sonic boom to a quieter “thump”. Data gathered during X-59 research flights will be shared with the U.S. and international regulators to inform the establishment of new, data-driven acceptable noise thresholds related to supersonic commercial flight over land.