North american aviation x 15 hi-res stock photography and images

(1965) This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a speed of about 500 mph. This photo was taken from one of the observation windows in the B-52 shortly before dropping the X-15. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years -- June 1959 to October 1968 -- and set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records of 4,520 mph (Mach 6.7) and 354,200 ft in a program to investigate all aspects of manned hypersonic flight. Informati Stock Photo

RMGE4JEX–(1965) This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a speed of about 500 mph. This photo was taken from one of the observation windows in the B-52 shortly before dropping the X-15. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years -- June 1959 to October 1968 -- and set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records of 4,520 mph (Mach 6.7) and 354,200 ft in a program to investigate all aspects of manned hypersonic flight. Informati

Cutaway View of North American X-15 Stock Photo

RMD0P007–Cutaway View of North American X-15

Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 #1 Stock Photo

RMD0HGB4–Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 #1

A North American X-15 research plane under the wing of a B-52 prior to launch. Stock Photo

RM2GDJTJH–A North American X-15 research plane under the wing of a B-52 prior to launch.

The X-15 pilots clown around in front of the #2 aircraft.From left to right: USAF Capt. Joseph Engle, USAF Maj. Robert Rushworth, NASA test pilot John 'Jack' McKay, USAF Maj. William 'Pete' Knight, NASA test pilot Milton Thompson, and NASA test pilot William Dana.First flown in 1959 from the NASA High Speed Flight Station (later renamed the Dryden Flight Research Center), the rocket powered X-15 was developed to provide data on aerodynamics, structures, flight controls and the physiological aspects of high speed, high altitude flight.Three were built by North American Aviation for NASA. Stock Photo

RFJH0236–The X-15 pilots clown around in front of the #2 aircraft.From left to right: USAF Capt. Joseph Engle, USAF Maj. Robert Rushworth, NASA test pilot John 'Jack' McKay, USAF Maj. William 'Pete' Knight, NASA test pilot Milton Thompson, and NASA test pilot William Dana.First flown in 1959 from the NASA High Speed Flight Station (later renamed the Dryden Flight Research Center), the rocket powered X-15 was developed to provide data on aerodynamics, structures, flight controls and the physiological aspects of high speed, high altitude flight.Three were built by North American Aviation for NASA.

A X-15 rocket-powered plane on its back after a crash landing in at Mud Lake in Nevada on 9 November 1962 Stock Photo

RM2GDJTJN–A X-15 rocket-powered plane on its back after a crash landing in at Mud Lake in Nevada on 9 November 1962

NASA 'test pilot' Neil Armstrong next to the X-15 ship after a research flight. Stock Photo

RMB6GCK8–NASA 'test pilot' Neil Armstrong next to the X-15 ship after a research flight.

Test pilot and future astronaut and Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong standing next to his X-15 experimental rocket powered aircraft. Stock Photo

RM2GDJTJB–Test pilot and future astronaut and Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong standing next to his X-15 experimental rocket powered aircraft.

North American X-15 experimental aircraft Stock Photo

RF2MCFADM–North American X-15 experimental aircraft

RM2GDJTMC–Test pilot and future astronaut and Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong standing next to his X-15 experimental rocket powered aircraft.

A North American X-15 on display at the Pima Air and Space Museum Stock Photo

RF2K9TE4E–A North American X-15 on display at the Pima Air and Space Museum

The X-15 flight crew, left to right: Air Force Captain Joseph H. Engle, Air Force Major Robert A. Rushworth, NASA pilot John B. 'Jack' McKay, Air Force Major William J. 'Pete' Knight, NASA pilot Milton O. Thompson, and NASA pilot Bill Dana. Stock Photo

RMMYDW4X–The X-15 flight crew, left to right: Air Force Captain Joseph H. Engle, Air Force Major Robert A. Rushworth, NASA pilot John B. 'Jack' McKay, Air Force Major William J. 'Pete' Knight, NASA pilot Milton O. Thompson, and NASA pilot Bill Dana.

RM2KXX9WY–The X-15 flight crew, left to right: Air Force Captain Joseph H. Engle, Air Force Major Robert A. Rushworth, NASA pilot John B. 'Jack' McKay, Air Force Major William J. 'Pete' Knight, NASA pilot Milton O. Thompson, and NASA pilot Bill Dana. First flown in 1959 from the NASA High Speed Flight Station (later renamed the Dryden Flight Research Center), the rocket-powered X-15 was developed to provide data on aerodynamics, structures, flight controls and the physiological aspects of high speed, high altitude flight. Three were built by North American Aviation for NASA and the U.S. Air Force. They

World's Fastest Piloted Aircraft. Piloted by Neil Armstrong. Bridged the gap between human flight in the atmosphere and spaceflight. North American X-15, rocket powered experimental aircraft; black titanium skin with wedge shaped horizontal stablizer; yellow stripe NASA inisignia on tail with stars and red bars United States national insignia on wings; white letter text "U.S. AIR FORCE" on the sides of the fuselage. Stock Photo

RM2GGBNMK–World's Fastest Piloted Aircraft. Piloted by Neil Armstrong. Bridged the gap between human flight in the atmosphere and spaceflight. North American X-15, rocket powered experimental aircraft; black titanium skin with wedge shaped horizontal stablizer; yellow stripe NASA inisignia on tail with stars and red bars United States national insignia on wings; white letter text "U.S. AIR FORCE" on the sides of the fuselage.

North American X15. North American X-15, rocket powered experimental aircraft; black titanium skin with wedge shaped horizontal stablizer; yellow stripe NASA inisignia on tail with stars and red bars United States national insignia on wings; white letter text 'U.S. Stock Photo

RM2BF45YX–North American X15. North American X-15, rocket powered experimental aircraft; black titanium skin with wedge shaped horizontal stablizer; yellow stripe NASA inisignia on tail with stars and red bars United States national insignia on wings; white letter text 'U.S.

Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy visits with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to the four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), President Kennedy, unidentified, Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), and A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation). Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Stock Photo

RM2EC39KE–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy visits with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to the four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), President Kennedy, unidentified, Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), and A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation). Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C.

NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile- shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. Stock Photo

RMHEAYGY–NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile- shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage.

A Sirkorsky S-92A G-VINF returns to Aberdeen Heliport bas after a round trip to an North Sea oil platform. Stock Photo

RF2B33WH2–A Sirkorsky S-92A G-VINF returns to Aberdeen Heliport bas after a round trip to an North Sea oil platform.

NASA X-15 Number 3 mockup on display at Edwards Air Force base next to NASA B-52 mother ship air drop aircraft. Stock Photo

RM2HPN62G–NASA X-15 Number 3 mockup on display at Edwards Air Force base next to NASA B-52 mother ship air drop aircraft.

80-G-1036462: Space Suit. All set for a “Flight Unto Space” test pilot Scott Crossfield, of North American Aviation readies himself at the controls of the X-15 before beginning a test run. The flight will chart the effects of combined accelerations on pilots during high speeds, late 1950s. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. (2018/01/10). 80-G-1036462 39587969302 o Stock Photo

RMM3WYDW–80-G-1036462: Space Suit. All set for a “Flight Unto Space” test pilot Scott Crossfield, of North American Aviation readies himself at the controls of the X-15 before beginning a test run. The flight will chart the effects of combined accelerations on pilots during high speeds, late 1950s. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. (2018/01/10). 80-G-1036462 39587969302 o

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 13, 2013: People visit Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. It holds the largest collection of historic airc Stock Photo

RF2JF68TH–WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 13, 2013: People visit Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington. It holds the largest collection of historic airc

Pilot Neil Armstrong and X-15 #1 Stock Photo

RMD0HG9M–Pilot Neil Armstrong and X-15 #1

The X-15 in The National Air and Space Museum Stock Photo

RFR88J32–The X-15 in The National Air and Space Museum

The X-15 pilots, left to right: Air Force Captain Joseph H. Engle, Air Force Major Robert A. Rushworth, NASA pilot John B. "Jack" McKay, Air Force Major William J. "Pete" Knight, NASA pilot Milton O. Thompson, and NASA pilot Bill Dana. First flown in 1959 from the NASA High Speed Flight Station (later renamed the Armstrong Flight Research Center), the rocket-powered X-15 was developed to provide data on aerodynamics, structures, flight controls and the physiological aspects of high speed, high altitude flight. Three were built by North American Aviation for NASA and the U.S Stock Photo

RMGE4JEY–The X-15 pilots, left to right: Air Force Captain Joseph H. Engle, Air Force Major Robert A. Rushworth, NASA pilot John B. "Jack" McKay, Air Force Major William J. "Pete" Knight, NASA pilot Milton O. Thompson, and NASA pilot Bill Dana. First flown in 1959 from the NASA High Speed Flight Station (later renamed the Armstrong Flight Research Center), the rocket-powered X-15 was developed to provide data on aerodynamics, structures, flight controls and the physiological aspects of high speed, high altitude flight. Three were built by North American Aviation for NASA and the U.S

An unofficial motto of flight research in the 1940s and 1950s was 'higher and faster.' By the late 1950s the last frontier of that goal was hypersonic flight (Mach 5+) to the edge of space. It would require a huge leap in aeronautical technology, life support systems and flight planning. The North American X-15 rocket plane was built to meet that challenge. It was designed to fly at speeds up to Mach 6, and altitudes up to 250,000 ft. The aircraft went on to reach a maximum speed of Mach 6.7 and a maximum altitude of 354,200 ft. Stock Photo

RFJH021T–An unofficial motto of flight research in the 1940s and 1950s was 'higher and faster.' By the late 1950s the last frontier of that goal was hypersonic flight (Mach 5+) to the edge of space. It would require a huge leap in aeronautical technology, life support systems and flight planning. The North American X-15 rocket plane was built to meet that challenge. It was designed to fly at speeds up to Mach 6, and altitudes up to 250,000 ft. The aircraft went on to reach a maximum speed of Mach 6.7 and a maximum altitude of 354,200 ft.

RM2BF07EK–The X-15 flight crew, left to right: Air Force Captain Joseph H. Engle, Air Force Major Robert A. Rushworth, NASA pilot John B. 'Jack' McKay, Air Force Major William J. 'Pete' Knight, NASA pilot Milton O. Thompson, and NASA pilot Bill Dana.

RM2EC39KY–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy visits with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to the four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), President Kennedy, unidentified, Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), and A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation). Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C.

RM2HPN5RX–NASA X-15 Number 3 mockup on display at Edwards Air Force base next to NASA B-52 mother ship air drop aircraft.

RM2HPN59X–NASA X-15 Number 3 mockup on display at Edwards Air Force base next to NASA B-52 mother ship air drop aircraft.

Washington DC, December 23, 2015. The Experimental Rocket plane X-15 on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space museum. Stock Photo

RFR88HHX–Washington DC, December 23, 2015. The Experimental Rocket plane X-15 on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space museum.

(November 30, 1959) Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship 1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development o Stock Photo

RMGE4H3D–(November 30, 1959) Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship 1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development o

Three view art of the North American X-15..4/10/61.An unofficial motto of flight research in the 1940s and 1950s was 'higher and faster.' By the late 1950s the last frontier of that goal was hypersonic flight (Mach 5+) to the edge of space. It would require a huge leap in aeronautical technology, life support systems and flight planning. The North American X-15 rocket plane was built to meet that challenge. It was designed to fly at speeds up to Mach 6, and altitudes up to 250,000 ft. The aircraft went on to reach a maximum speed of Mach 6.7 and a maximum altitude of 354,200 ft. Looking at it Stock Photo

RFJH01PA–Three view art of the North American X-15..4/10/61.An unofficial motto of flight research in the 1940s and 1950s was 'higher and faster.' By the late 1950s the last frontier of that goal was hypersonic flight (Mach 5+) to the edge of space. It would require a huge leap in aeronautical technology, life support systems and flight planning. The North American X-15 rocket plane was built to meet that challenge. It was designed to fly at speeds up to Mach 6, and altitudes up to 250,000 ft. The aircraft went on to reach a maximum speed of Mach 6.7 and a maximum altitude of 354,200 ft. Looking at it

Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). West Wing Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C. Stock Photo

RM2EC39K7–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). West Wing Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C.

RFR8EXTP–Washington DC, December 23, 2015. The Experimental Rocket plane X-15 on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space museum.

Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 Stock Photo

RME7M25T–Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15

This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a speed of about 500 mph. This was one of the early powered flights using a pair of XLR-11 engines (until the XLR-99 became available). Stock Photo

RFJH015R–This photo illustrates how the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft was taken aloft under the wing of a B-52. Because of the large fuel consumption, the X-15 was air launched from a B-52 aircraft at 45,000 ft and a speed of about 500 mph. This was one of the early powered flights using a pair of XLR-11 engines (until the XLR-99 became available).

(November 9, 1962) An engine failure forced Jack McKay, a NASA research pilot, to make an emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada, in the second X-15. The aircraft's landing gear collapsed and the X-15 flipped over on its back. McKay was promptly rescued by an Air Force medical team standing by near the launch site, and eventually recovered to fly the X-15 again. But his injuries, more serious than at first thought, eventually forced his retirement from NASA. The aircraft was sent back to the manufacturer, where it underwent extensive repairs and modifications. It returned to Edwards in February Stock Photo

RMGE4JEP–(November 9, 1962) An engine failure forced Jack McKay, a NASA research pilot, to make an emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada, in the second X-15. The aircraft's landing gear collapsed and the X-15 flipped over on its back. McKay was promptly rescued by an Air Force medical team standing by near the launch site, and eventually recovered to fly the X-15 again. But his injuries, more serious than at first thought, eventually forced his retirement from NASA. The aircraft was sent back to the manufacturer, where it underwent extensive repairs and modifications. It returned to Edwards in February

Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program. Stock Photo

RF2G66FW8–Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program.

North American X-15 Salo print June 21, 1961 Stock Photo

RMF5JK6C–North American X-15 Salo print June 21, 1961

RFJH01FF–Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development of the Mercury,

RM2EC39KN–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy visits with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to the four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy); Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration); President Kennedy; unidentified; Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force); A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation). Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C.

Cokeley, Scott Crossfield and Charles Feltz with the North American X-15. Stock Photo

RMD5XYK6–Cokeley, Scott Crossfield and Charles Feltz with the North American X-15.

On 9 November 1962, an engine failure forced Jack McKay, a NASA research pilot, to make an emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada, in the second X-15 (56-6671); its landing gear collapsed and the X-15 flipped over on its back. McKay was promptly rescued by an Air Force medical team standing by near the launch site, and eventually recovered to fly the X-15 again. But his injuries, more serious than at first thought, eventually forced his retirement from NASA. The aircraft was sent back to the manufacturer, where it underwent extensive repairs and modifications. It returned to Edwards in February Stock Photo

RFJH014X–On 9 November 1962, an engine failure forced Jack McKay, a NASA research pilot, to make an emergency landing at Mud Lake, Nevada, in the second X-15 (56-6671); its landing gear collapsed and the X-15 flipped over on its back. McKay was promptly rescued by an Air Force medical team standing by near the launch site, and eventually recovered to fly the X-15 again. But his injuries, more serious than at first thought, eventually forced his retirement from NASA. The aircraft was sent back to the manufacturer, where it underwent extensive repairs and modifications. It returned to Edwards in February

RM2EC39KA–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy visits with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to the four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), President Kennedy, unidentified, Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), and A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation). Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C.

RM2EC3R7E–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). White House Secret Service agent, Frank Yeager, stands in background. West Wing Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C.

Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy (back to camera) visits with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Recipients include: Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Chairman of the Board of the National Aeronautic Association, Jacqueline Cochran; New York T Stock Photo

RM2EC39KD–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy (back to camera) visits with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Recipients include: Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Chairman of the Board of the National Aeronautic Association, Jacqueline Cochran; New York T

RM2EBBYD4–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Lyman L. Lemnitzer; Representative George P. Miller (California); General Omar Bra

RMD5XYKB–Cokeley, Scott Crossfield and Charles Feltz with the North American X-15.

RFJH01YE–Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development of the Mercury,

RM2EBBYCJ–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Representative George P. Miller (California); Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth; General Omar Bradley; Secretary of the Air Force, Eugene M. Zuckert; Chairman of the Board of the National Aeronau

RME05YAC–Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 #1

RFJH0213–Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development of the Mercury

Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy stands with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). In foreground (L-R): President Kennedy; A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation); Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force); Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration); Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth; Administrator of NASA, Dr. James E. Webb; Chairman of the Stock Photo

RM2EBBYE1–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy stands with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). In foreground (L-R): President Kennedy; A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation); Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force); Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration); Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth; Administrator of NASA, Dr. James E. Webb; Chairman of the

RME0621G–Pilot Neil Armstrong and X-15 #1

RFJH017F–Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development of the Mercury, Gemi

RF2GE0WK8–Dryden pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile-shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. The X-15 was flown over a period of nearly 10 years, from June 1959 to October 1968. It set the world's unofficial speed and altitude records. Information gained from the highly successful X-15 program contributed to the development of the Mercury.

Friendship 7 At 9:47 am EST, John Glenn launched from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 14 to become the first American to orbit the Earth. In this image, Glenn enters his Friendship 7 capsule with assistance from technicians to begin his historic flight. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WDF–Friendship 7 At 9:47 am EST, John Glenn launched from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 14 to become the first American to orbit the Earth. In this image, Glenn enters his Friendship 7 capsule with assistance from technicians to begin his historic flight.

X-15 on dry lakebed with research pilot Neil Armstrong and crew Stock Photo

RFJH015D–X-15 on dry lakebed with research pilot Neil Armstrong and crew

Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force) delivers remarks upon receiving the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President John F. Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Also pictured: trophy recipients, A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation) and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy); General Omar Bradley; Secretary of the Air Force, Eugene M. Zuckert; White House Secret Service agent, Frank Yeager. West Wing Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C. Stock Photo

RM2EBBYBJ–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force) delivers remarks upon receiving the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President John F. Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Also pictured: trophy recipients, A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation) and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy); General Omar Bradley; Secretary of the Air Force, Eugene M. Zuckert; White House Secret Service agent, Frank Yeager. West Wing Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C.

X-15 Mounted to B-52 Mothership Pylon in Flight Stock Photo

RME05YC8–X-15 Mounted to B-52 Mothership Pylon in Flight

X-15 Crash at Mud Lake, Nevada Stock Photo

RME05YCR–X-15 Crash at Mud Lake, Nevada

RME05YC3–X-15 Pilots

RMHFF6HW–NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. It was a missile- shaped vehicle with an unusual wedge-shaped vertical tail, thin stubby wings, and unique side fairings that extended along the side of the fuselage. Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 -1 (9458061153)

NASA pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here in the cockpit of the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight.A U.S. Navy pilot in the Korean War who flew 78 combat missions in F9F-2 jet fighters and who was awarded the Air Medal and two Gold Stars, Armstrong graduated from Purdue University in 1955 with a bachelor degree in aeronautical engineering. That same year, he joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio (today, the NASA Glenn Research Center).In July 1955, Armstrong transferred to the High-Speed Flight Station (HSFS, as D Stock Photo

RFJH01EH–NASA pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here in the cockpit of the X-15 ship #1 (56-6670) after a research flight.A U.S. Navy pilot in the Korean War who flew 78 combat missions in F9F-2 jet fighters and who was awarded the Air Medal and two Gold Stars, Armstrong graduated from Purdue University in 1955 with a bachelor degree in aeronautical engineering. That same year, he joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio (today, the NASA Glenn Research Center).In July 1955, Armstrong transferred to the High-Speed Flight Station (HSFS, as D

RMDYJ2A4–Fife 000060

Pluto nearly fills the frame in this image from the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) aboard NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, taken on July 13, 2015, when the spacecraft was 476,000 miles (768,000 kilometers) from the surface. This is the last and most detailed image sent to Earth before the spacecraft’s closest approach to Pluto on July 14. The color image has been combined with lower-resolution color information from the Ralph instrument that was acquired earlier on July 13. This view is dominated by the large, bright feature informally named the “heart,” which measures approximately Stock Photo

RF2GE0WK9–Pluto nearly fills the frame in this image from the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) aboard NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, taken on July 13, 2015, when the spacecraft was 476,000 miles (768,000 kilometers) from the surface. This is the last and most detailed image sent to Earth before the spacecraft’s closest approach to Pluto on July 14. The color image has been combined with lower-resolution color information from the Ralph instrument that was acquired earlier on July 13. This view is dominated by the large, bright feature informally named the “heart,” which measures approximately

International Space Station ISS. Backdropped by the blackness of space and the thin line of Earth's atmosphere, the International Space Station is seen from Space Shuttle Discovery as the two spacecraft begin their relative separation. Earlier the STS-119 and Expedition 18 crews concluded 9 days, 20 hours and 10 minutes of cooperative work onboard the shuttle and station. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 2:53 p.m. (CDT) on March 25, 2009. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WK5–International Space Station ISS. Backdropped by the blackness of space and the thin line of Earth's atmosphere, the International Space Station is seen from Space Shuttle Discovery as the two spacecraft begin their relative separation. Earlier the STS-119 and Expedition 18 crews concluded 9 days, 20 hours and 10 minutes of cooperative work onboard the shuttle and station. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 2:53 p.m. (CDT) on March 25, 2009.

RM2EBBYD8–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Air Force Aide to the President, Brigadier General Godfrey T. McHugh; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Lyman L. Lem

Gemini VI This picture of the Gemini VI spacecraft was taken through the hatch window of the Gemini VII spacecraft during rendezvous and station keeping maneuvers at an altitude of 160 miles above the Earth. With these missions, NASA successfully completed the first rendezvous of two human spacecraft. This photograph, taken by Gemini VII crewmembers Jim Lovell and Frank Borman, shows Gemini VI in orbit 160 miles (257 km) above Earth. The main purpose of Gemini VI, crewed by astronauts Walter Schirra and Thomas Stafford, was the rendezvous with Gemini VII. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WFW–Gemini VI This picture of the Gemini VI spacecraft was taken through the hatch window of the Gemini VII spacecraft during rendezvous and station keeping maneuvers at an altitude of 160 miles above the Earth. With these missions, NASA successfully completed the first rendezvous of two human spacecraft. This photograph, taken by Gemini VII crewmembers Jim Lovell and Frank Borman, shows Gemini VI in orbit 160 miles (257 km) above Earth. The main purpose of Gemini VI, crewed by astronauts Walter Schirra and Thomas Stafford, was the rendezvous with Gemini VII.

RM2EC39KF–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: White House Secret Service agents, Frank Yeager and Jim Johnson. West Wing Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C.

In the Shadow of Saturn In the shadow of Saturn, unexpected wonders appear. The robotic Cassini spacecraft now orbiting Saturn recently drifted in giant planet's shadow for about 12 hours and looked back toward the eclipsed Sun. Cassini saw a view unlike any other. First, the night side of Saturn is seen to be partly lit by light reflected from its own majestic ring system. Next, the rings themselves appear dark when silhouetted against Saturn, but quite bright when viewed away from Saturn and slightly scattering sunlight, in the above exaggerated color image. Saturn's rings light up so much. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WHH–In the Shadow of Saturn In the shadow of Saturn, unexpected wonders appear. The robotic Cassini spacecraft now orbiting Saturn recently drifted in giant planet's shadow for about 12 hours and looked back toward the eclipsed Sun. Cassini saw a view unlike any other. First, the night side of Saturn is seen to be partly lit by light reflected from its own majestic ring system. Next, the rings themselves appear dark when silhouetted against Saturn, but quite bright when viewed away from Saturn and slightly scattering sunlight, in the above exaggerated color image. Saturn's rings light up so much.

When 17th-century astronomers first turned their telescopes to Jupiter, they noted a conspicuous reddish spot on the giant planet. This Great Red Spot is still present in Jupiter's atmosphere, more than 300 years later. It is now known that it is a vast storm, spinning like a cyclone. Unlike a low-pressure hurricane in the Caribbean Sea, however, the Red Spot rotates in a counterclockwise direction in the southern hemisphere, showing that it is a high-pressure system. Winds inside this Jovian storm reach speeds of about 270 mph. The Red Spot is the largest known storm in the Solar System. With Stock Photo

RF2GE0W5G–When 17th-century astronomers first turned their telescopes to Jupiter, they noted a conspicuous reddish spot on the giant planet. This Great Red Spot is still present in Jupiter's atmosphere, more than 300 years later. It is now known that it is a vast storm, spinning like a cyclone. Unlike a low-pressure hurricane in the Caribbean Sea, however, the Red Spot rotates in a counterclockwise direction in the southern hemisphere, showing that it is a high-pressure system. Winds inside this Jovian storm reach speeds of about 270 mph. The Red Spot is the largest known storm in the Solar System. With

Rendezvous and approach of the Orbiter Discovery to the Mir Russian Space Station. Visible in the payload bay is the Spacehab module and Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) payload. Stock Photo

RF2GE0W99–Rendezvous and approach of the Orbiter Discovery to the Mir Russian Space Station. Visible in the payload bay is the Spacehab module and Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) payload.

Flyaround of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) after deployment on this second servicing mission (HST SM-02). Note the telescope's open aperature door. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WG6–Flyaround of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) after deployment on this second servicing mission (HST SM-02). Note the telescope's open aperature door.

This view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis still connected to Russia's Mir Space Station was photographed by the Mir-19 crew on July 4, 1995. Cosmonauts Anatoliy Y. Solovyev and Nikolai M. Budarin, Mir-19 Commander and Flight Engineer, respectively, temporarily undocked the Soyuz spacecraft from the cluster of Mir elements to perform a brief fly-around. They took pictures while the STS-71 crew, with Mir-18's three crew members aboard, undocked Atlantis for the completion of this leg of the joint activities. Solovyev and Budarin had been taxied to the Mir Space Station by the STS-71. Stock Photo

RF2GE0W7W–This view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis still connected to Russia's Mir Space Station was photographed by the Mir-19 crew on July 4, 1995. Cosmonauts Anatoliy Y. Solovyev and Nikolai M. Budarin, Mir-19 Commander and Flight Engineer, respectively, temporarily undocked the Soyuz spacecraft from the cluster of Mir elements to perform a brief fly-around. They took pictures while the STS-71 crew, with Mir-18's three crew members aboard, undocked Atlantis for the completion of this leg of the joint activities. Solovyev and Budarin had been taxied to the Mir Space Station by the STS-71.

These eerie, dark pillar-like structures are columns of cool interstellar hydrogen gas and dust that are also incubators for new stars. The pillars protrude from the interior wall of a dark molecular cloud like stalagmites from the floor of a cavern. They are part of the 'Eagle Nebula' (also called M16 -- the 16th object in Charles Messier's 18th century catalog of 'fuzzy' objects that aren't comets), a nearby star-forming region 7,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens. Ultraviolet light is responsible for illuminating the convoluted surfaces of the columns and the ghostly streamer Stock Photo

RF2GE0WNP–These eerie, dark pillar-like structures are columns of cool interstellar hydrogen gas and dust that are also incubators for new stars. The pillars protrude from the interior wall of a dark molecular cloud like stalagmites from the floor of a cavern. They are part of the 'Eagle Nebula' (also called M16 -- the 16th object in Charles Messier's 18th century catalog of 'fuzzy' objects that aren't comets), a nearby star-forming region 7,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens. Ultraviolet light is responsible for illuminating the convoluted surfaces of the columns and the ghostly streamer

RME05NMJ–Pilot Neil Armstrong with X-15 #1

Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II ventured further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut ever has. This space first was made possible by the Manned Manuevering Unit or MMU, a nitrogen jet propelled backpack. After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challenger's payload bay, McCandless went 'free-flying' to a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. The MMU is controlled by joy sticks positioned at the end of the arm rests. Moving the joy sticks left or right or by pulling them fires nitrogen jet thrusters propelling McCandless. Stock Photo

RF2GE0W7X–Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II ventured further away from the confines and safety of his ship than any previous astronaut ever has. This space first was made possible by the Manned Manuevering Unit or MMU, a nitrogen jet propelled backpack. After a series of test maneuvers inside and above Challenger's payload bay, McCandless went 'free-flying' to a distance of 320 feet away from the Orbiter. The MMU is controlled by joy sticks positioned at the end of the arm rests. Moving the joy sticks left or right or by pulling them fires nitrogen jet thrusters propelling McCandless.

STS-1 Launch After six years of silence, the thunder of human spaceflight was heard again, as the successful launch of the first space shuttle ushered in a new concept in utilization of space. Mission STS-1, on Space Shuttle Columbia, launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center just seconds past 7 a.m. on April 12, 1981. It carried astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen on an Earth-orbital mission scheduled to last for 54 hours. The mission ended with the Space Shuttle Columbia landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WKA–STS-1 Launch After six years of silence, the thunder of human spaceflight was heard again, as the successful launch of the first space shuttle ushered in a new concept in utilization of space. Mission STS-1, on Space Shuttle Columbia, launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center just seconds past 7 a.m. on April 12, 1981. It carried astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen on an Earth-orbital mission scheduled to last for 54 hours. The mission ended with the Space Shuttle Columbia landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Viking 2 Image of Mars Utopian Plain Description: The boulder-strewn field of red rocks reaches to the horizon nearly two miles from Viking 2 on Mars' Utopian Plain. Scientists believe the colors of the Martian surface and sky in this photo represent their true colors. Fine particles of red dust have settled on spacecraft surfaces. The salmon color of the sky is caused by dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. Color calibration charts for the cameras are mounted at three locations on the spacecraft. Note the blue star field and red stripes of the flag. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WWA–Viking 2 Image of Mars Utopian Plain Description: The boulder-strewn field of red rocks reaches to the horizon nearly two miles from Viking 2 on Mars' Utopian Plain. Scientists believe the colors of the Martian surface and sky in this photo represent their true colors. Fine particles of red dust have settled on spacecraft surfaces. The salmon color of the sky is caused by dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. Color calibration charts for the cameras are mounted at three locations on the spacecraft. Note the blue star field and red stripes of the flag.

RM2EC39KT–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Secretary of the Air Force, Eugene M. Zuckert; White House correspondent for The Washington Star, Garnett D. Horner; White House

Gemini 10 Time Lapse Description A time-exposure photograph shows the configuration of Pad 19 up until the launch of Gemini 10. Onboard the spacecraft are John W. Young and Michael Collins. The two astronauts would spend almost three days practicing docking with the Agena target vehicle and conducting a number of experiments. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WDM–Gemini 10 Time Lapse Description A time-exposure photograph shows the configuration of Pad 19 up until the launch of Gemini 10. Onboard the spacecraft are John W. Young and Michael Collins. The two astronauts would spend almost three days practicing docking with the Agena target vehicle and conducting a number of experiments.

The Blue Marble View of the Earth as seen by the Apollo 17 crew traveling toward the moon. This translunar coast photograph extends from the Mediterranean Sea area to the Antarctica south polar ice cap. This is the first time the Apollo trajectory made it possible to photograph the south polar ice cap. Note the heavy cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere. Almost the entire coastline of Africa is clearly visible. The Arabian Peninsula can be seen at the northeastern edge of Africa. The large island off the coast of Africa is the Malagasy Republic. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WKB–The Blue Marble View of the Earth as seen by the Apollo 17 crew traveling toward the moon. This translunar coast photograph extends from the Mediterranean Sea area to the Antarctica south polar ice cap. This is the first time the Apollo trajectory made it possible to photograph the south polar ice cap. Note the heavy cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere. Almost the entire coastline of Africa is clearly visible. The Arabian Peninsula can be seen at the northeastern edge of Africa. The large island off the coast of Africa is the Malagasy Republic.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot of the first lunar landing mission, poses for a photograph beside the deployed United States flag during an Apollo 11 Extravehicular Activity (EVA) on the lunar surface. The Lunar Module (LM) is on the left, and the footprints of the astronauts are clearly visible in the soil of the Moon. Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, commander, took this picture with a 70mm Hasselblad lunar surface camera. While astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin descended in the LM, the 'Eagle', to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the Moon, astronaut Michael Collins. Stock Photo

RF2GE0W7Y–Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, lunar module pilot of the first lunar landing mission, poses for a photograph beside the deployed United States flag during an Apollo 11 Extravehicular Activity (EVA) on the lunar surface. The Lunar Module (LM) is on the left, and the footprints of the astronauts are clearly visible in the soil of the Moon. Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, commander, took this picture with a 70mm Hasselblad lunar surface camera. While astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin descended in the LM, the 'Eagle', to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the Moon, astronaut Michael Collins.

Pilot Neil Armstrong and X-15 Stock Photo

RME05NEM–Pilot Neil Armstrong and X-15

RM2EC39M5–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). White House Secret Service agent, Frank Yeager, stands in background. West Wing Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C.

RM2EC493D–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy stands with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: President Kennedy; A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation); Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force); Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration); Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: White House Secret Service agents, Frank Yeager and Walt Coughlin. West Wing Lawn, White House, Was

Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy (center left, in crowd) visits with guests following the presentation of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Also pictured: trophy recipients, Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy); White House correspondent for The Washington Star, Garnett D. Horne Stock Photo

RM2EC47W6–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy (center left, in crowd) visits with guests following the presentation of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Also pictured: trophy recipients, Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy); White House correspondent for The Washington Star, Garnett D. Horne

Apollo 11 Bootprint One of the first steps taken on the Moon, this is an image of Buzz Aldrin's bootprint from the Apollo 11 mission. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Stock Photo

RF2GE0W5N–Apollo 11 Bootprint One of the first steps taken on the Moon, this is an image of Buzz Aldrin's bootprint from the Apollo 11 mission. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

RM2EC39MD–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy stands with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: President Kennedy; A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation); Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force); Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration); Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). White House Secret Service agent, Frank Yeager, stands at left in background. West Wing Lawn, White House, Washing

At 9:32 a.m. EDT, the swing arms move away and a plume of flame signals the liftoff of the Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle and astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. Stock Photo

RF2GE0W7K–At 9:32 a.m. EDT, the swing arms move away and a plume of flame signals the liftoff of the Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle and astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

RM2EC4917–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, General Curtis E. LeMay; White House Secret Service agents, Frank Yeager and Jim J

NASA research pilot Bill Dana takes a moment to watch NASA's NB-52B cruise overhead after a research flight in the HL-10. On the left, John Reeves can be seen at the cockpit of the lifting body. The HL-10 was one of five lifting body designs flown at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, from July 1966 to November 1975 to study and validate the concept of safely maneuvering and landing a low lift-over-drag vehicle designed for reentry from space. Northrop Corporation built the HL-10 and M2-F2, the first two of the fleet of 'heavy' lifting bodies flown by NASA. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WG2–NASA research pilot Bill Dana takes a moment to watch NASA's NB-52B cruise overhead after a research flight in the HL-10. On the left, John Reeves can be seen at the cockpit of the lifting body. The HL-10 was one of five lifting body designs flown at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, from July 1966 to November 1975 to study and validate the concept of safely maneuvering and landing a low lift-over-drag vehicle designed for reentry from space. Northrop Corporation built the HL-10 and M2-F2, the first two of the fleet of 'heavy' lifting bodies flown by NASA.

RM2EC4938–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy stands with the recipients of the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy; President Kennedy presented the trophy to four X-15 pilots on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Left to right: President Kennedy; A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation); Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force); Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration); Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). White House Secret Service agent, Walt Coughlin, stands at left in background. West Wing Lawn, White House, Washin

This view of the rising Earth greeted the Apollo 8 astronauts as they came from behind the Moon after the fourth nearside orbit. The photo is displayed here in its original orientation, though it is more commonly viewed with the lunar surface at the bottom of the photo. Earth is about five degrees left of the horizon in the photo. The unnamed surface features on the left are near the eastern limb of the Moon as viewed from Earth. The lunar horizon is approximately 780 kilometers from the spacecraft. Height of the photographed area at the lunar horizon is about 175 kilometers. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WAN–This view of the rising Earth greeted the Apollo 8 astronauts as they came from behind the Moon after the fourth nearside orbit. The photo is displayed here in its original orientation, though it is more commonly viewed with the lunar surface at the bottom of the photo. Earth is about five degrees left of the horizon in the photo. The unnamed surface features on the left are near the eastern limb of the Moon as viewed from Earth. The lunar horizon is approximately 780 kilometers from the spacecraft. Height of the photographed area at the lunar horizon is about 175 kilometers.

Pilot Neil Armstrong in the X-15 #1 cockpit Stock Photo

RME05NJ5–Pilot Neil Armstrong in the X-15 #1 cockpit

Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 space flight, floats in space during America’s first spacewalk. The extravehicular activity (EVA) was performed during the Gemini 4 mission on June 3, 1965. White spent 23 minutes maneuvering around his spacecraft as Jim McDivitt remained inside the spacecraft. White is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand, White carries a Hand-Held Self Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU), which he used to help move him around the weightless environment. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WB5–Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 space flight, floats in space during America’s first spacewalk. The extravehicular activity (EVA) was performed during the Gemini 4 mission on June 3, 1965. White spent 23 minutes maneuvering around his spacecraft as Jim McDivitt remained inside the spacecraft. White is attached to the spacecraft by a 25-ft. umbilical line and a 23-ft. tether line, both wrapped in gold tape to form one cord. In his right hand, White carries a Hand-Held Self Maneuvering Unit (HHSMU), which he used to help move him around the weightless environment.

The Mercury 7 On April 9, 1959, NASA introduced its first astronaut class, the Mercury 7. This image was taken by LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Morse on March 17, 1960, in the Atmospheric Wind Tunnel building at Langley Research Center. Front row, left to right: Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Donald K. 'Deke' Slayton, John H. Glenn, Jr., and M. Scott Carpenter; back row, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom, and L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. Stock Photo

RF2GE0WW8–The Mercury 7 On April 9, 1959, NASA introduced its first astronaut class, the Mercury 7. This image was taken by LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Morse on March 17, 1960, in the Atmospheric Wind Tunnel building at Langley Research Center. Front row, left to right: Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Donald K. 'Deke' Slayton, John H. Glenn, Jr., and M. Scott Carpenter; back row, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Virgil I. 'Gus' Grissom, and L. Gordon Cooper, Jr.

RM2EC491F–Presentation of the 1961 Collier Trophy, 11:30AM. President John F. Kennedy presents the 1961 Robert J. Collier Trophy to four X-15 pilots, on behalf of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). Standing behind President Kennedy are the recipients (L-R): Major Robert M. White (U.S. Air Force), A. Scott Crossfield (North American Aviation), Joseph A. Walker (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and Commander Forrest S. Petersen (U.S. Navy). Also pictured: Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, General Curtis E. LeMay; General Omar Bradley; White House Secret Service agents,

RME05GWT–X-15 contrail after launch

North american aviation x 15 Stock Photos and Images

North american aviation x 15 Stock Photos and Images

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