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The Hypersonic Flight That Accidentally Reached Space

A test flight meant to push boundaries ended up breaking them completely, sending the X-15 higher and faster than planned. Through unexpected deviations, pilot Joe Walker became the first U.S.
insider.si.edu

NASA research pilot Joe Walker with North American X-15

National Aeronautics and Space Administration X-15 Transparency Collection, NASM.2006.0050, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Full-length view of NASA research pilot Joseph A.