UNITED STATES, Jan 13, (Agencies): The prospect of flying in a commercial aircraft capable of surpassing the speed of sound may soon become a reality. In collaboration with Lockheed Martin, NASA officially introduced the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft on Friday, January 12, signaling the potential onset of a new era in commercial aviation. This innovative experimental airplane is designed to gather crucial data and is expected to "change the way we travel, bringing us closer together in much less time." According to NASA's statement, the X-59 is set to undergo its inaugural flight later this year, marking the beginning of its first quiet supersonic flight. Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator, conveyed her excitement, stating, "This is a major accomplishment made possible only through the hard work and ingenuity from NASA and the entire X-59 team. In just a few short years, we’ve gone from an ambitious concept to reality."