North American X-15

The North American X-15 was a groundbreaking rocket-powered aircraft developed in the 1950s, primarily for NASA and the U.S. Air Force. It aimed to explore the boundaries of flight, reaching altitudes above 50 miles and speeds exceeding Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound). The X-15 contributed invaluable data on hypersonic flight, aerodynamics, and space travel, informing future projects like the Space Shuttle and modern spacecraft. Piloted by notable astronauts including Neil Armstrong and Joseph Walker, it remains a landmark achievement in aviation history, showcasing the potential of human flight beyond the atmosphere.