X-15 Flight 91 sets altitude record
During Flight 91, the X-15 rocket plane achieved an unprecedented altitude of 107.96 kilometers (354,200 feet). Piloted by astronaut William J. “Pete” Knight, this milestone was significant in testing and developing high-altitude flight. The flight launched from Edwards Air Force Base in California and contributed to the understanding of aerodynamics and thermal protection systems. This record-breaking achievement showcased the capabilities and potential of rocket-powered aircraft.
X-15 reached 107.96 km altitude.
Piloted by William J. Knight.
Key for understanding high-altitude flight.
Provided data for future space missions.
What Happened?
Flight 91 of the X-15 program, piloted by William J. 'Pete' Knight, made history by reaching an astonishing altitude of 107.96 kilometers (354,200 feet). The flight occurred from Edwards Air Force Base in California, a significant site for aeronautics testing. The X-15 rocket plane was part of a series of experimental aircraft designed to gather data on flight conditions at the edge of space. This particular flight took place during a time of rapid advancements in aeronautics and space exploration amidst the Cold War tensions, where the United States and the Soviet Union were fiercely competing to achieve key milestones in space.The flight commenced with Knight, who was one of seven pilots in the test program, climbing to a maximum altitude that set a record for the program. The instrumentation onboard collected valuable data concerning the performance of the vehicle at high altitudes, including the effects of atmospheric reentry. The experiences gained from the X-15 program would later inform the design and operational strategies of spacecraft like the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.This achievement was not only about reaching a new altitude record but also contributed significantly to the understanding of hypersonic flight, reentry dynamics, and how to protect pilots from the extreme heat generated during descent from such altitudes. The insights gained helped shape the future of manned space travel and laid important groundwork for later missions into low Earth orbit and beyond.
Why Does it Matter?
The success of Flight 91 marked a pivotal moment in aerospace engineering and space exploration. By demonstrating the X-15's capabilities, the flight provided critical data that would be incorporated into future space vehicles. It also solidified the role of experimental aircraft in paving the way for modern aeronautics and space technology, validating the concept of manned space missions and setting the stage for subsequent advances in high-altitude and hypersonic research.