The North American X-15 rocket-powered research aircraft bridged the gap between manned flight within the atmosphere and manned flight beyond the atmosphere into space. After completing its initial test flights in 1959, the X-15 became the first winged aircraft to attain velocities of Mach 4, 5, and 6. Highlighted in this image are sensors of the North American X-15. Created by Eric Long Date Created 03/07/2018 Source Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Keywords Aircraft; Astronauts; Aviation; Aviators; Engineers; Experimental; Military; People; Records & Firsts; Research; Rockets; Space Rights and Restrictions CC0
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