NASA’s experimental X-59 jet took to the skies over Southern California on Tuesday morning in its first test flight. The successful mission marked a major step toward the return of supersonic commercial air travel, this time without the ear-splitting sonic booms. The flight was closely accompanied by a NASA chase plane to ensure safety and collect data.

The X-59, developed by Lockheed Martin in partnership with NASA, is a one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft designed to cut the explosive sonic boom of traditional supersonic jets down to a soft “sonic thump”. Its distinct shape, with an elongated nose and carefully balanced proportions, helps disperse shock waves before they merge into a loud boom. NASA and Lockheed say this innovation could remove one of the main barriers that has prevented supersonic passenger flights over land since the Concorde-era noise.