NASA awarded astronaut wings today to three 1960’s-era test pilots. The pilots were never recognized for going beyond the atmosphere and into space flying the X-15 experimental aircraft. Retired NASA ...

The X-15 was a key bridge between conventional atmospheric flight and spaceflight. The North American X-15 is one of the most groundbreaking aircraft ever created in the history of aviation and space ...

In 1967, USAF Major “Pete” Knight set a world speed record that remains “unbroken” 68 years later. -Flying the X-15A-2 rocket plane (Flight 188), Knight reached an astonishing Mach 6.7 (5,140.7 mph).

Over his distinguished career, Engle flew over 185 different aircraft, including NASA space shuttles HUM Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Joe Engle, who had the distinction of being the only ...

Summary and Key Points: Before NASA led U.S. space exploration, there was debate over whether the U.S. Air Force or the newly formed NASA should shuttle astronauts to space and in what type of craft. ...

Joe Engle’s Remarkable Career Bridged Gap Between Air and Space, Broke Records. Astronaut, X-15 test pilot and space shuttle pilot Joe Engle has died at home in Houston, Texas. He was 91. Engle passed ...