Edwards
Edwards
Credit - © Mark Wade
Alternate Name: Muroc. Type: Orbital Launch Site. Operator: USA. Country: USA. Latitude: 34°54' N. Longitude: 117°48' W. Altitude: 702 m (2,303 ft). Minimum Inclination: 51.0 degrees. Maximum Inclination: 145.0 degrees.

Edwards Air Force Base is the main test flight centre for the US Air Force. It has been used since the 1940's for flight test of advanced aircraft, rocketplanes, and air-dropped aerospace vehicles launched from B-29, B-50, B-52, F-15, 747 or L-1011 carrier aircraft.

Launch Pads
  • Name: Tethered Launch test silo. Latitude: 34.9000 N. Longitude: 117.8000 W. Launch Pads: 1. Minuteman 1.
Edwards Chronology and Launch Log
  • 1948 February 4 - D-558-II first flight. First flight of reseach airplane Douglas D-558-II (No. 1), John Martin of Douglas as pilot. Airplane had both jet and rocket engines and was flown from ground takeoff.

  • 1949 November 22 - D-558 first supersonic flight. D-558-II Skyrocket exceeded the speed of sound at Edwards AFB, Calif. It was powered by both a Westinghouse J-34 turbojet engine and a Reaction Motors, Inc. rocket motor.

  • 1951 June 11 - D-558 test flight. Navy D-558-II Douglas Sky-rocket, flown by test pilot William Bridgeman, set a new unofficial airplane speed and altitude record at Edwards AFB, Muroc Dry Lake, Calif.; speed estimated at more than 1,200 mph; altitude estimated 70,000 feet.

  • 1951 August 15 - D-558 reaches record altitude. William Bridgeman flew the D-558-II Skyrocket to 79,494 feet, highest altitude attained by a human being to date.

  • 1951 November 9 - XS-1 No. 3 destroyed in ground explosion. Planned captive flight with B-50 for propellant jettison test. XS-1 (No. 3) rocket research airplane and its B-29 "mother" airplane were destroyed on the ground by postflight explosion and fire. Pilot Cannon was injured.

  • 1953 August 21 - D-558 record altitude. Flying Douglas D-558-II (No. 2) Skyrocket research aircraft which had been launched from a B-29 Superfortress at an altitude of 34,000 feet, Lt. Col. Marion E. Carl, USMC, attained an altitude of 83,235 feet at Edwards AFB, Calif.

  • 1953 October 14 - Navaho X-10 flight 1 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 Main landing gear doors failed to close; ground control of aircraft lost (ET-33 aircraft took over control of the X-10); main gear failed to lock on contact with runway; pilot drag chute deployed late; brake failure caused damage to two tires. But the drone was recovered.

  • 1953 December 5 - Navaho X-10 flight 2 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 Landing gear again failed to retract. It was discovered the drag from the airflow exceeded the hydraulic retraction force over 320 kph.

  • 1953 December 15 - Navaho X-10 flight 3 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 Planned transonic flight aborted when telemetry power failed.

  • 1954 April 1 - Navaho X-10 flight 4 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 First supersonic flight; reached Mach 1.47.

  • 1954 May 4 - Navaho X-10 flight 5 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 2 GM-19308 Extended range test of radio control and telemetry in 72.5 minute flight. Supersonic flight not planned.

  • 1954 June 4 - Navaho X-10 flight 6 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 2 GM-19308 Planned supersonic flight aborted. Left main tire blew on takeoff run. Flight achieved, but the gear could not be retracted. Ground loop on landing, the vehicle sustained repairable damage.

  • 1954 July 1 - Navaho X-10 flight 7 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 2 GM-19308 Vehicle crashed and burned after 8 minutes of flight when a fire developed aboard.

  • 1954 August 12 - Navaho X-10 flight 8 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 4 GM-19310 Structural test flight, extreme dive and then pull up at Mach 1.3.

  • 1954 September 3 - Navaho X-10 flight 9 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 Test of automatic landing system. System failed and gear would not deploy. Radio-controlled belly landing made on lake bed. Vehicle was repairable.

  • 1954 September 28 - Navaho X-10 flight 10 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 4 GM-19310 Structural test flight. Successfully made extreme maneuvers at Mach 1.84. However automated landing system attempted to make landing flare 6 m below the runway level. Vehicle impacted at high speed and was destroyed. However the flight set a speed record for a turbojet-powered aircraft.

  • 1954 December 1 - Navaho X-10 flight 11 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 First successful automated landing system flight.

  • 1954 December 16 - Navaho X-10 flight 12 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 Second successful automated landing system flight.

  • 1955 February 22 - Navaho X-10 flight 13 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 5 GM-19311 Supersonic flight aborted when afterburners failed. Automated landing failed. Chute deployed during radio controlled approach, causing the vehicle to auger into the desert and be destroyed.

  • 1955 March 11 - Navaho X-10 flight 14 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 3 GM-19309 First flight of refitted s/n 3, the static test article. Vehicle exploded on gear retraction - it was found that the destruct package was wired to the gear circuit instead of the engine circuit.

  • 1955 March 24 - Navaho X-10 flight 15 Launch Vehicle: Navaho X-10. X-10 s/n 1 GM-19307 Successful test of automated landing system, certifying the X-10 for operation from the Cape Canaveral skid strip.

  • 1956 June 21 - Atlas ICBM first test firing Launch Vehicle: Atlas A. First captive Atlas first test firing. The 'battleship' missile was installed at test stand 1-4, Edwards Air Force Base. The test was a failure due to inadvertant closure of the fuel prevalve, leading to duct collapse, and a turbine overspeed cutoff. No damage was sustained and the first successful firing came the next day. Atlas, First successful captive test firing, June 22, 1956, Edwards Rocket Base, duration - 4 seconds. Successful.

  • 1956 June 22 - Atlas ICBM first successful test firing Launch Vehicle: Atlas A. First successful captive test firing of the Atlas ICBM at Edwards Air Force Base, duration - 4 seconds.

  • 1959? - NOTS Viperscan Test mission Launch Vehicle: ALSOR. Apogee: 71 km (44 mi).

  • 1959? - Model A (F2) Test mission Launch Vehicle: ALSOR. Apogee: 117 km (72 mi).

  • 1959? - Model A (F1) Test mission Launch Vehicle: ALSOR. Apogee: 74 km (45 mi).

  • 1959 March 10 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-C-1 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi). X-15 captive flight

  • 1959 April 1 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1-A-2 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi).

  • 1959 April 10 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1-A-3 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi).

  • 1959 May 21 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1-A-4 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 11 km (6 mi).

  • 1959 June 8 16:38 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-1-5 Apogee: 11 km (7 mi). First flight for X-15 # 1. Planned glide flight. Maximum Speed - 840 kph. Maximum Altitude - 11445 m.

  • 1959 July 24 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-C-1 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

  • 1959 September 4 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-2 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1959 September 15 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL1. Fuel for 3 seconds only, tethered launch

  • 1959 September 17 16:08 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Turbopump failure and fire.. X-15 2-1-3 Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). First flight for X-15 # 2. First powered flight. Maximum Speed - 2241 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15954 m. Turbopump case failure resulted in fire in engine compartment.

  • 1959 October 2 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL1.

  • 1959 October 10 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-4 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1959 October 14 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-5 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1959 October 17 18:13 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Fire in engine bay, gear door failure.. X-15 2-2-6 Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2283 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18831 m. Nose gear door failed on landing.

  • 1959 October 22 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-7 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1959 October 22 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL1.

  • 1959 October 31 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-8 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1959 November 5 17:39 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Engine fire and explosion, fuselage failure on landing.. X-15 2-3-9 Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). Engine fire; fuselage structural failure on landing. Aircraft returned to North American for rebuild. Maximum Speed - 1062 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13857 m.

  • 1959 December 16 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1-A-6 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1959 December 22 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL1.

  • 1960 January 24 00:17 - X-15A SAS Evaluation Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-2-7 Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Maximum Speed - 2685 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20374 m.

  • 1960 January 27 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL1.

  • 1960 February 4 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-10 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 February 11 18:15 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-4-11 Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 2359 kph. Maximum Altitude - 26858 m.

  • 1960 February 17 17:41 - X-15A SAS Evaluation Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-5-12 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1667 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16045 m. Automatic shutdown of one chamber in upper XLR-11.

  • 1960 March 4 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL2?.

  • 1960 March 17 16:31 - X-15A SAS Eval/Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-6-13 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2283 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16045 m. 6G maneuver test.

  • 1960 March 18 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-14 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 March 25 23:43 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-3-8 Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2124 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14822 m. Roll damper malfunctioned.

  • 1960 March 29 17:59 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-7-15 Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2080 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15235 m.

  • 1960 March 31 16:42 - X-15A SAS Gains Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-8-16 Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2156 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15653 m. 3.5 to 5G pullouts to simulate reentry.

  • 1960 April 5 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL1.

  • 1960 April 13 17:15 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-4-9 Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2018 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14630 m.

  • 1960 April 19 16:51 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-5-10 Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2718 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18134 m.

  • 1960 April 20 - Model A (F4) Test mission Launch Vehicle: ALSOR. Failure. LC: F-104. Apogee: 70 km (43 mi).

  • 1960 April 30 - Model A (F5) Test mission Launch Vehicle: ALSOR. LC: F-104. Apogee: 62 km (38 mi).

  • 1960 May 5 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-17 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 May 6 17:53 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Trouble shedding the ventral fin.. X-15 1-6-11 Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). Maximum Speed - 2336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18574 m.

  • 1960 May 7 02:33 - Silo test launch Launch Vehicle: Minuteman 1. Failure. Minuteman 1A LC: TL1.

  • 1960 May 12 16:47 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-7-12 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3397 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23738 m.

  • 1960 May 19 16:46 - X-15A Alt Buildup Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-8-13 Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 2558 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33222 m.

  • 1960 May 26 17:08 - X-15A SAS, High alpha, BCS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-9-18 Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15631 m. First test of reaction control system.

  • 1960 May 27 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1-A-14 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 June 3 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1-A-15 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 June 8 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Explosion.. X-15 1-A-16 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 August 4 16:59 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-9-17 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3533 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23809 m. Unofficial world speed record. This topped Captain Apt's speed of 2,094 mph attained in the X-2 on September 27, 1956.

  • 1960 August 11 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1-A-18 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 August 12 16:48 - X-15A High Alt Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-10-19 Apogee: 41 km (25 mi). Maximum Speed - 2851 kph. Maximum Altitude - 41605 m. Established a new altitude record for a manned vehicle of 136,500 feet. This topped Captain Kincheloe's record altitude of 126,200 feet attained on September 7, 1956, in the X-2 rocket research aircraft.

  • 1960 August 18 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-20 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 August 19 16:34 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-11-21 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3510 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24343 m.

  • 1960 September 2 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-22 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 September 10 19:45 - X-15A Stability/Control Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-12-23 Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). X-15 Flight 21 (Stability/Control)

  • 1960 September 20 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-24 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 September 23 17:52 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Engines fail.. X-15 1-13-25 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1783 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16168 m. Premature shutdown of both XLR-11's.

  • 1960 October 11 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-26 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 October 13 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-19 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 October 20 17:30 - X-15A Stability/Control Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-14-27 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2059 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16398 m.

  • 1960 October 28 17:43 - X-15A Stability/Control Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-15-28 Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2145 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15453 m.

  • 1960 November 4 20:43 - X-15A Stability/Control Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-16-29 Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 2071 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14905 m.

  • 1960 November 4 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2-A-20 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1960 November 15 17:59 - X-15A XLR-99 Checkout Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-10-21 Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). First flight with XLR-99 engine. Maximum Speed - 3154 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m.

  • 1960 November 17 20:43 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-17-30 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 2018 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16688 m. Lower XLR-11 shutdown but restarted.

  • 1960 November 22 21:25 - X-15A XLR-99, BCS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-11-22 Apogee: 18 km (11 mi). First restart with XLR-99 engine. Maximum Speed - 2665 kph. Maximum Altitude - 18867 m.

  • 1960 November 30 18:42 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-18-31 Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 1858 kph. Maximum Altitude - 14886 m. Only 7 of 8 XLR-11 chambers ignited.

  • 1960 December 6 23:29 - X-15A XLR-99, BCS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-12-23 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 3027 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16268 m.

  • 1960 December 9 19:52 - X-15A Ball nose, Stabil. Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-19-32 Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). First hot nose flight. Maximum Speed - 1911 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15269 m.

  • 1960 December 15 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-33 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 January 11 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-34 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 February 1 18:47 - X-15A Ball/side controller Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-20-35 Apogee: 15 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1949 kph. Maximum Altitude - 15170 m.

  • 1961 February 7 20:56 - X-15A Stab./Control Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-21-36 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 3660 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23820 m. Last XLR-11 flight.

  • 1961 February 21 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-24 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 February 24 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-25 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 March 7 18:28 - X-15A Mach 4 flight Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-13-26 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4674 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23610 m.

  • 1961 March 21 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-27 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 March 30 18:05 - X-15A Alt., BCS, Aero Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-14-28 Apogee: 51 km (31 mi). Maximum Speed - 4441 kph. Maximum Altitude - 51700 m.

  • 1961 April 21 18:05 - X-15A Mach 4, Aero Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Three hardware problems duing flight.. X-15 2-15-29 Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 4946 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32000 m.

  • 1961 May 19 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-30 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 May 25 20:16 - X-15A Mach 5, SAS, Aero Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-16-31 Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5321 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32850 m.

  • 1961 June 20 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-32 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 June 23 22:00 - X-15A Mach 5, Aerodynamics, Stability test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-17-33 Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5797 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32830 m. Lost cabin pressure.

  • 1961 August 10 18:27 - X-15A XLR-99, beta-dot Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-22-37 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4401 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23830 m. Lost cabin pressure.

  • 1961 September 12 22:40 - X-15A Mach 5, Aerodynamics, Stability test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-18-34 Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 5821 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34840 m. Smoke in cockpit due to scorching paint.

  • 1961 September 28 17:50 - X-15A Mach 5, Heat Trans. Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-19-35 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5792 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31030 m. Test reentry heat limit. Smoke in cockpit due to scorching paint.

  • 1961 September 29 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-38 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 October 3 18:40 - X-15A VO Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-23-39 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Flight made with lower ventral off. Maximum Speed - 4553 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23770 m.

  • 1961 October 11 20:20 - X-15A Alt, Aero, Low q Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Left windshield cracks.. X-15 2-20-36 Apogee: 66 km (41 mi). Outer panel of left windshield cracked. Maximum Speed - 5868 kph. Maximum Altitude - 66150 m.

  • 1961 October 17 18:57 - X-15A Mach 5, Aero, Stab Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-24-40 Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 6275 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33100 m.

  • 1961 October 27 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-41 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 November 2 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-42 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 November 3 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-43 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 November 9 17:57 - X-15A Mach 6, Aero, Stab Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Right windshield cracks.. X-15 2-21-37 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Design speed achieved. Outer right windshield shattered. Maximum Speed - 6586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30950 m.

  • 1961 December 19 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-1 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1961 December 20 22:45 - X-15A MH-96 test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-1-2 Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). First flight for X-15 # 3. Maximum Speed - 4026 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24700 m.

  • 1962 January 10 20:28 - X-15A High alpha, Aero Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Emergency landing at Mud Lake.. X-15 1-25-44 Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). Emergency landing on Mud Lake after engine failed to light. Maximum Speed - 1038 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13,640 m.

  • 1962 January 17 20:00 - X-15A MH-96. Mach 5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-2-3 Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 6058 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40690 m.

  • 1962 March 29 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-4 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 March 30 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-5 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 March 31 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-6 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 April 5 18:04 - X-15A MH-96 test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-3-7 Apogee: 54 km (33 mi). Maximum Speed - 4586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 54860 m. The X-15 was flown in a test of a new automatic control system to be used in the Dyna-Soar and Apollo spacecraft. The previous electronic control system had been automatic only while the X-15 was in the atmosphere; the new system was automatic in space as well.

  • 1962 April 18 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-45 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 April 19 18:02 - X-15A ASAS, alpha 20, M=5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-26-46 Apogee: 46 km (28 mi). Maximum Speed - 6220 kph. Maximum Altitude - 46940 m.

  • 1962 April 20 19:26 - X-15A MH-96, M=5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-4-8 Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 6097 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63250 m.

  • 1962 April 25 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 2- A-38 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Maximum Speed - 5879 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32160 m.

  • 1962 April 26 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-39 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 April 27 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-47 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 April 30 18:23 - X-15A Alt, Low q, Aero Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-27-48 Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Design altitude flight. Maximum Speed - 5614 kph. Maximum Altitude - 75190 m.

  • 1962 May 2 - Eglin Demonstration mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 (3-C) LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 May 8 18:01 - X-15A Heat T/ASAS/High al. Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-22-40 Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5670 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21460 m. First flight to exceed 2000 psf (136 bar) dynamic pressure.

  • 1962 May 22 18:04 - X-15A Local flow Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-28-49 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5551 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30600 m. Roller coaster flight with three peaks for local airflow investigation.

  • 1962 May 25 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-41 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 May 29 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-42 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 June 1 18:51 - X-15A ASAS, 23 alpha, M=5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-23-43 Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 5913 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40420 m. Steepest reentry descent with highest angle of attack (27 degrees) to date.

  • 1962 June 7 18:29 - X-15A Local flow, M=5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-29-50 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5908 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31580 m.

  • 1962 June 12 20:04 - X-15A RCS check, M=5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-5-9 Apogee: 56 km (34 mi). Maximum Speed - 5659 kph. Maximum Altitude - 56270 m.

  • 1962 June 21 17:47 - X-15A MH-96 Demo, M=5 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-6-10 Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Maximum Speed - 5858 kph. Maximum Altitude - 75190 m.

  • 1962 June 27 21:08 - X-15A High alpha, Mach 6 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-30-51 Apogee: 37 km (22 mi). Unofficial world speed record. Maximum Speed - 6603 kph. Maximum Altitude - 37700 m.

  • 1962 June 29 18:41 - X-15A Heating rates, notch Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-24-44 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5278 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25360 m.

  • 1962 July 10 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-11 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 July 11 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-12 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 July 16 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-13 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 July 16 22:09 - X-15A Notch/ASAS/Aero drag Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Power trips.. X-15 1-31-52 Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5911 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32670 m.

  • 1962 July 17 17:31 - X-15A MH-96 Demo Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-7-14 Apogee: 95 km (59 mi). FAI world altitude record. Maximum Speed - 6166 kph. Maximum Altitude - 95940 m. First astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1962 July 19 17:53 - X-15A Heating rates, drag Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-25-45 Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5590 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25680 m.

  • 1962 July 26 19:22 - X-15A Aero stab. and drag Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-32-53 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6418 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30150 m. Roller coaster descent to simulate emergency reentry.

  • 1962 August 1 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-15 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 August 2 17:56 - X-15A MH-96 fixed gain Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-8-16 Apogee: 44 km (27 mi). Maximum Speed - 5532 kph. Maximum Altitude - 44040 m.

  • 1962 August 8 18:08 - X-15A Heating, aero drag Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-26-46 Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 4735 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27700 m.

  • 1962 August 10 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3-A-17 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 August 14 18:41 - X-15A Const Theta Entry Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Roll damper failure.. X-15 3-9-18 Apogee: 59 km (36 mi). Maximum Speed - 6029 kph. Maximum Altitude - 59010 m. New reentry technique using pitch angle instrument instead of AOA.

  • 1962 August 20 18:08 - X-15A Heating, drag, ASAS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-27-47 Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5686 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27000 m.

  • 1962 August 29 18:36 - X-15A Heating Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-28-48 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5546 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29630 m.

  • 1962 September 27 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-49 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 September 28 18:04 - X-15A Heating, VO Stab Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-29-50 Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). This and most following flights without lower ventral. Maximum Speed - 4450 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20790 m.

  • 1962 October 4 18:10 - X-15A VO Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure of APU, ball nose, and yaw damper.. X-15 3-10-19 Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 5620 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34200 m.

  • 1962 October 9 18:58 - X-15A VO Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2-30-51 Apogee: 39 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 5979 kph. Maximum Altitude - 39700 m.

  • 1962 October 23 19:30 - X-15A VO Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-11-20 Apogee: 41 km (25 mi). Maximum Speed - 6056 kph. Maximum Altitude - 41000 m.

  • 1962 November 9 18:23 - X-15A VO Stab, Bound.Layer Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Engine failure. Crash landing on Mud Lake.. X-15 2-31-52 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Engine only produced 35% power. Emergency landing at Mud Lake. Aircraft seriously damaged when gear failed. McKay injured. Maximum Speed - 1640 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16450 m.

  • 1962 December 13 - X-15A VO Stab, UVP Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-21 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1962 December 14 18:44 - X-15A VO Stab, UVP Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-12-22 Apogee: 43 km (26 mi). Maximum Speed - 6021 kph. Maximum Altitude - 43100 m.

  • 1962 December 20 19:25 - X-15A VO Stab, MH-96 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-13-23 Apogee: 48 km (29 mi). Maximum Speed - 6103 kph. Maximum Altitude - 48900 m.

  • 1963 January 17 18:59 - X-15A VO Alt, IR expt Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-14-24 Apogee: 82 km (50 mi). First civilian flight above 80 km. Maximum Speed - 5917 kph. Maximum Altitude - 82810 m. Second astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1963 April 11 18:03 - X-15A KC-1/APU Test/Imaging mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-33-54 Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4608 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22680 m. First flight in scientific and advanced research series - carried aerial mapping camera.

  • 1963 April 18 20:16 - X-15A HT,Local flow,IR Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Nose gear scoop door opens at Mach 3.4.. X-15 3-15-25 Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Nose landing gear failed. Maximum Speed - 6066 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28190 m.

  • 1963 April 25 22:04 - X-15A KC-1 Imaging mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-34-55 Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5879 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32160 m.

  • 1963 May 2 17:59 - X-15A APU,UVP,IR,flow Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technolgy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-16-26 Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5612 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63820 m. Carried earth background radiation instrument in support of Midas reconnsat development.

  • 1963 May 10 - X-15A Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-27 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 May 14 20:11 - X-15A Heating,UVP,IR Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-17-28 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5792 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29140 m.

  • 1963 May 15 18:50 - X-15A Opt Deg/Trav Probe Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Nose gear scoop door opens at Mach 5.2.. X-15 1-35-56 Apogee: 37 km (22 mi). Maximum Speed - 6204 kph. Maximum Altitude - 37860 m. Lost both nose landing gear tires and forward fuselage buckled after APU gear box pressure loss.

  • 1963 May 29 18:43 - X-15A Aero heating/VO Stab Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-18-29 Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Inner panel of left windshield cracked. Maximum Speed - 6208 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28040 m.

  • 1963 June 18 18:34 - X-15A Alt, UVP, Tail p Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-19-30 Apogee: 68 km (42 mi). Maximum Speed - 5694 kph. Maximum Altitude - 68180 m.

  • 1963 June 25 17:53 - X-15A Opt Deg/Trav Probe Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-36-57 Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 6293 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34080 m.

  • 1963 June 27 17:56 - X-15A Alt/UVP/IR/HorScan Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-20-31 Apogee: 86 km (53 mi). Maximum Speed - 5511 kph. Maximum Altitude - 86870 m. Third astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1963 July 3 - X-15A Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-58 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 July 9 20:12 - X-15A Opt Deg/TravP/RAS Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-37-59 Apogee: 69 km (42 mi). Maximum Speed - 5842 kph. Maximum Altitude - 69010 m.

  • 1963 July 17 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-60 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 July 18 18:07 - X-15A VO Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-38-61 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 6315 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31940 m.

  • 1963 July 19 18:20 - X-15A VO,UVP,IR,HS,Balloon Test/Technology/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-21-32 Apogee: 106 km (65 mi). Maximum Speed - 5969 kph. Maximum Altitude - 106010 m. Astronaut wings flight. 80 cm diameter balloon dragged on 30 m line to measure air density. First X-15 astronaut flight (FAI definition); fourth astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1963 August 6 - X-15A Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-33 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 August 13 - X-15A Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-34 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 August 15 - X-15A Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-35 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 August 22 18:05 - X-15A VO,Spectrom,Photom Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-22-36 Apogee: 107 km (66 mi). Unofficial world altitude record. Maximum Speed - 6105 kph. Maximum Altitude - 107960 m. Second X-15 astronaut flight (FAI definition); fifth astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1963 October 4 - X-15A Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-62 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 October 7 20:22 - X-15A Checkout/Opt Deg. Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-39-63 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4560 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23710 m.

  • 1963 October 14 - X-15A Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-37 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 October 25 - X-15A Sharp Upper Vert. Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-38 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Sharp Upper Vert.)

  • 1963 October 29 20:42 - X-15A Checkout/Opt Deg. Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-40-64 Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4364 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22600 m.

  • 1963 November 7 18:11 - X-15A Sharp Upper Vert. Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-23-39 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4706 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25080 m. First flight with sharp-edged vertical stabilizer.

  • 1963 November 14 19:19 - X-15A CO/Opt Deg/Systems Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-41-65 Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5287 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27680 m.

  • 1963 November 19 - X-15A Checkout mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-40 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Checkout)

  • 1963 November 27 20:17 - X-15A Checkout mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-24-41 Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 5326 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27371 m.

  • 1963 December 3 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-66 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1963 December 5 19:04 - X-15A Opt Deg/Sys/Mach 6 Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-42-67 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6465 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30785 m. Camera test in combination with U-2 flight.

  • 1963 December 18 - X-15A Opt Deg Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-68 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Opt Deg)

  • 1964 January 8 20:10 - X-15A SAS Off Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Inertial instruments failure.. X-15 1-43-69 Apogee: 42 km (26 mi). Maximum Speed - 5818 kph. Maximum Altitude - 42642 m.

  • 1964 January 16 18:03 - X-15A Sharp Upper Vert Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-25-42 Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5216 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21641 m.

  • 1964 January 28 20:11 - X-15A Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-44-70 Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5821 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32736 m. First test of hypersonic speed brakes.

  • 1964 February 19 17:57 - X-15A SUV,Boundary Layer Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-26-43 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5662 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23957 m.

  • 1964 March 13 17:46 - X-15A SUV,Boundary Layer Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-27-44 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5458 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23165 m.

  • 1964 March 17 - X-15A Optical Degradation Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-71 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Optical Degradation)

  • 1964 March 27 18:10 - X-15A Optical Degradation Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-45-72 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6158 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30937 m. Secret reconn camera test.

  • 1964 March 31 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-45 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 April 8 18:02 - X-15A Optical Degradation /Alternate Build Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-46-73 Apogee: 53 km (32 mi). Maximum Speed - 5580 kph. Maximum Altitude - 53340 m.

  • 1964 April 29 18:00 - X-15A Opt Deg/Att Indic. Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-47-74 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 6285 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30968 m.

  • 1964 May 11 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-46 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 May 12 17:51 - X-15A SUV/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Problems with inertial platform and SAS.. X-15 3-28-47 Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 4962 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22189 m.

  • 1964 May 19 18:26 - X-15A Optical Degradation /Alternate Build Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-48-75 Apogee: 59 km (36 mi). Maximum Speed - 5262 kph. Maximum Altitude - 59680 m.

  • 1964 May 21 17:39 - X-15A SUV/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Emergency landing at Cuddleback Lake.. X-15 3-29-48 Apogee: 19 km (11 mi). Premature engine shutdown at 41 sec. Maximum Speed - 3001 kph. Maximum Altitude - 19568 m.

  • 1964 June 11 - X-15A Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-76 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 June 15 - X-15A-2 Carry test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2- C-53 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (X-15A-2 modification)

  • 1964 June 23 - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Failure. X-15 2- A-54 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Stability)

  • 1964 June 25 17:34 - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-32-55 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4994 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25390 m. First flight of X-15 No. 2 in X-15A-2 configuration, but without drop tanks.

  • 1964 June 30 17:49 - X-15A Optical Degradation /Alternate Build Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-49-77 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5364 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30358 m.

  • 1964 July 2 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-49 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 July 8 21:02 - X-15A Hor Scan/MH-96 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. MH-96 guidance malfunction.. X-15 3-30-50 Apogee: 51 km (31 mi). Maximum Speed - 5664 kph. Maximum Altitude - 51938 m. First test of IR horizon scanner.

  • 1964 July 28 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-51 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 July 29 19:55 - X-15A Heat tran/Local Flow Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-31-52 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5250 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23774 m. First test of various heat-resistant panels attached to fuselage.

  • 1964 August 12 18:12 - X-15A Heat tran/LF/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-32-53 Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5688 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m.

  • 1964 August 14 17:54 - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Nose gear deployed at Mach 4.2.. X-15 2-33-56 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5776 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31486 m. Nose landing gear extended at Mach 4.5. Both tires blew on landing.

  • 1964 August 26 18:42 - X-15A HT/LF/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-33-54 Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 6216 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27737 m.

  • 1964 September 3 17:54 - X-15A HT/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-34-55 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5817 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23957 m.

  • 1964 September 23 - X-15A Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3- A-56 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 September 23 21:16 - X-15A MA-45R TPS, BLN Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-35-57 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). X-15 Flight 117 (MA-45R TPS, BLN)

  • 1964 September 29 21:00 - X-15A-2 Stab.,Star tracker Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Nose gear scoop door causes handling difficulties.. X-15 2-34-57 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5699 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29809 m.

  • 1964 October 2 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-78 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 October 15 21:15 - X-15A IFDS/Tip Pod/AD-SB Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-50-79 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 4904 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25878 m. First flight with X-20 INS and wing tip pods.

  • 1964 October 29 - X-15A Gear mod check Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3- C-58 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight - gear mod check

  • 1964 October 30 17:51 - X-15A Gear mod, BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-36-59 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5009 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25786 m.

  • 1964 November 6 - X-15A-2 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2- C-58 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

  • 1964 November 16 - X-15A-2 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2- C-59 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

  • 1964 November 30 20:09 - X-15A-2 Gear mod, Stab,ST Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-35-60 Apogee: 26 km (16 mi). Maximum Speed - 4970 kph. Maximum Altitude - 26579 m.

  • 1964 December 4 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-80 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1964 December 9 18:36 - X-15A 3D Flow Field,MA-45R Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-37-60 Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5990 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28164 m.

  • 1964 December 10 19:10 - X-15A IFDS/MIT/Air Den Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-51-81 Apogee: 34 km (21 mi). Maximum Speed - 5913 kph. Maximum Altitude - 34503 m.

  • 1964 December 22 18:44 - X-15A Friction,GE TPS.,3D Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-38-61 Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5781 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24750 m.

  • 1965 January 13 18:51 - X-15A 3D,HT,Fric,BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Control system problems.. X-15 3-39-62 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5973 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30297 m. Immediately after burnout aircraft gyrated around all 3 axes for 7 seconds.

  • 1965 January 26 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-82 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 February 2 20:50 - X-15A MA-25S TPS,MH-96,BLN Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-40-63 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 6253 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29931 m.

  • 1965 February 15 - X-15A-2 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2- C-62 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

  • 1965 February 15 - X-15A-2 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2- C-61 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

  • 1965 February 17 18:44 - X-15A-2 Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Landing skid extends at Mach 4.3.. X-15 2-36-63 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5649 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28986 m. Right main landing gear extended at Mach 4.1; normal landing.

  • 1965 February 19 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-83 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 February 25 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-84 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 February 26 19:45 - X-15A MIT/AirD/Sky Bright Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-52-85 Apogee: 46 km (28 mi). Maximum Speed - 6034 kph. Maximum Altitude - 46817 m.

  • 1965 March 26 19:01 - X-15A IR Scanner/IFDS Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-53-86 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5760 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31059 m.

  • 1965 April 23 17:44 - X-15A HT/Abl TPS/BLN Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-41-64 Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 5760 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24293 m.

  • 1965 April 28 20:26 - X-15A-2 Landing loads,Stab Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-37-64 Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5266 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28224 m. First star tracker checkout.

  • 1965 May 11 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-87 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 May 13 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-65 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 May 18 17:56 - X-15A-2 Stab, landing, ST Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-38-66 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5697 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31120 m.

  • 1965 May 25 18:12 - X-15A IFDS/MIT/RAS Mod Technology/Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-54-88 Apogee: 54 km (33 mi). Maximum Speed - 5100 kph. Maximum Altitude - 54803 m.

  • 1965 May 28 17:43 - X-15A Radiometer/Scan/BLN Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-42-65 Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 6040 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63886 m.

  • 1965 June 4 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-67 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 June 8 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-68 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 June 11 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-69 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 June 16 18:26 - X-15A Radiometer/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-43-66 Apogee: 74 km (45 mi). Maximum Speed - 5477 kph. Maximum Altitude - 74585 m.

  • 1965 June 17 17:40 - X-15A IR Scanner, INS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-55-89 Apogee: 33 km (20 mi). Maximum Speed - 5697 kph. Maximum Altitude - 33071 m.

  • 1965 June 22 17:44 - X-15A-2 Stability,ST,gear Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-39-70 Apogee: 47 km (29 mi). Maximum Speed - 6336 kph. Maximum Altitude - 47518 m.

  • 1965 June 29 18:21 - X-15A LaRC Scan,Radiom,BLN Test/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-44-67 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi). Maximum Speed - 5522 kph. Maximum Altitude - 85527 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1965 July 2 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-71 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 July 8 17:16 - X-15A-2 ST,Landing,Alt Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-40-72 Apogee: 64 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5887 kph. Maximum Altitude - 64800 m. Star tracker mission to photograph Gamma Cassiopeia.

  • 1965 July 13 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-68 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 July 20 17:59 - X-15A Bound.Layer Noise Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-45-69 Apogee: 32 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 6050 kph. Maximum Altitude - 32126 m.

  • 1965 July 23 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-90 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 July 27 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-91 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 July 28 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-92 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 August 3 20:40 - X-15A-2 RAS,ST,Landing Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-41-73 Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5796 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63612 m.

  • 1965 August 6 17:41 - X-15A IR Scan,Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-56-93 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5686 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31455 m.

  • 1965 August 10 19:24 - X-15A Northrop Scan,BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-46-70 Apogee: 82 km (50 mi). Maximum Speed - 5712 kph. Maximum Altitude - 82601 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1965 August 20 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-94 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 August 24 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-95 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 August 25 17:54 - X-15A MIT Scan,Stability Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-57-96 Apogee: 65 km (40 mi). Maximum Speed - 5799 kph. Maximum Altitude - 65258 m.

  • 1965 August 26 17:52 - X-15A Northrop Radiom,BLN Test/Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-47-71 Apogee: 73 km (45 mi). Maximum Speed - 5426 kph. Maximum Altitude - 73030 m.

  • 1965 September 2 17:40 - X-15A-2 RAS,ST,Landing Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-42-74 Apogee: 73 km (45 mi). X-15 Flight 146 (RAS,ST,Landing)

  • 1965 September 9 17:55 - X-15A IR scan,Abl TPS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-58-97 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5686 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29627 m.

  • 1965 September 14 18:01 - X-15A N.Radiom,BLN Test/Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-48-72 Apogee: 72 km (44 mi). Maximum Speed - 5662 kph. Maximum Altitude - 72847 m.

  • 1965 September 22 18:58 - X-15A-2 Infrared Scanner test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 1-59-98 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5744 kph. Maximum Altitude - 73091 m.

  • 1965 September 28 18:07 - X-15A N.Scan/BLN/Tail Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-49-73 Apogee: 90 km (55 mi). Maximum Speed - 6005 kph. Maximum Altitude - 90099 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1965 September 30 17:43 - X-15A Infrared Scanner test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-60-99 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4373 kph. Maximum Altitude - 23350 m.

  • 1965 October 8 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-100 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 October 12 17:43 - X-15A Checkout mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. APU shutdown.. X-15 3-50-74 Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5001 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28770 m.

  • 1965 October 14 20:46 - X-15A MIT,Pace transducer Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-61-101 Apogee: 81 km (50 mi). Maximum Speed - 5718 kph. Maximum Altitude - 81230 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1965 October 27 18:49 - X-15A N.Scan/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-51-75 Apogee: 72 km (44 mi). Maximum Speed - 5662 kph. Maximum Altitude - 72210 m.

  • 1965 November 2 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-102 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1965 November 3 17:09 - X-15A-2 External Tank Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-43-75 Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). First flight with empty external tanks. Ammonia tank recovered; Lox tank destroyed. Maximum Speed - 2414 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21520 m.

  • 1965 November 4 17:11 - X-15A Checkout mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Two engine relights required.. X-15 1-62-103 Apogee: 24 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4450 kph. Maximum Altitude - 24440 m.

  • 1966 April 13 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-76 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 April 20 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-77 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 May 5 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-78 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 May 6 21:30 - X-15A AD/MuMet/Scan/SB Aeronomy/Meteor/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Pump failure forces emergency landing at Delamar Dry Lake.. X-15 1-63-104 Apogee: 20 km (12 mi). Premature engine shutdown at 32 sec. Maximum Speed - 2307 kph. Maximum Altitude - 20850 m.

  • 1966 May 18 18:24 - X-15A-2 V-On Stab Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-44-79 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5936 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30170 m.

  • 1966 June 2 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-105 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 June 10 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-106 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 June 20 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-76 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 June 27 - X-15A-2 External Tank Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2- C-80 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (External Tank Test)

  • 1966 July 1 19:02 - X-15A-2 External Tank Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Erroneous failure indication results in emergency landing at Mud Lake.. X-15 2-45-81 Apogee: 13 km (8 mi). First flight with fueled external tanks. Engine shutdown at 34.6 seconds due to fuel flow anomalies. Maximum Speed - 1646 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13720 m.

  • 1966 July 12 19:32 - X-15A Checkout, Systems Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-64-107 Apogee: 39 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 5876 kph. Maximum Altitude - 39620 m.

  • 1966 July 13 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-77 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 July 18 19:38 - X-15A Checkout, Systems Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-52-78 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5176 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29290 m. First flight with X-20 energy management system.

  • 1966 July 20 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-82 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 July 21 20:02 - X-15A-2 Alt,ST,Abl TPS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-46-83 Apogee: 58 km (36 mi). Maximum Speed - 5741 kph. Maximum Altitude - 58610 m.

  • 1966 July 28 18:01 - X-15A MuMet/HS/SB/RAS Technology/Meteor/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-65-108 Apogee: 73 km (45 mi). Maximum Speed - 5957 kph. Maximum Altitude - 73700 m.

  • 1966 August 3 16:45 - X-15A-2 ST, Base drag Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-47-84 Apogee: 75 km (46 mi). Maximum Speed - 5535 kph. Maximum Altitude - 75890 m. UV photos of stars in Auriga.

  • 1966 August 4 17:54 - X-15A Heat Tran,BLN,OBE Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-53-79 Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 6376 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40450 m.

  • 1966 August 9 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-109 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 August 10 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-110 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 August 11 17:44 - X-15A HS,MuMet,SB,Gas Technology/Meteor/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-66-111 Apogee: 76 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 5776 kph. Maximum Altitude - 76500 m. Record dynamic pressure.

  • 1966 August 12 18:25 - X-15A-2 ST,Pitot,Base drag Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-48-85 Apogee: 70 km (43 mi). Maximum Speed - 5586 kph. Maximum Altitude - 70440 m.

  • 1966 August 19 18:04 - X-15A BLN,OBE,H Test/Aeronomy mission? Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-54-80 Apogee: 54 km (33 mi). Maximum Speed - 5804 kph. Maximum Altitude - 54250 m.

  • 1966 August 25 17:49 - X-15A HS/MuMet/Gas Technology/Meteor/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Inertial malfunction during re-entry.. X-15 1-67-112 Apogee: 78 km (48 mi). Maximum Speed - 5701 kph. Maximum Altitude - 78490 m. Collected micrometeorites and extraterrestrial dust.

  • 1966 August 30 17:51 - X-15A-2 V-On,Maurer,TPS Test/Technology/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. SAS system drops out repeatedly, hydrogen peroxide fire in ventral fin.. X-15 2-49-86 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 5701 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30540 m.

  • 1966 September 8 18:39 - X-15A HS/Elec loads Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Emergency landing at Smith Ranch.. X-15 1-68-113 Apogee: 22 km (13 mi). Premature engine shutdown at 38 sec. Maximum Speed - 2578 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22310 m.

  • 1966 September 13 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-81 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 September 14 20:01 - X-15A MuMet/Solar spec Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-55-82 Apogee: 77 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 5770 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22980 m. JPL spectrometer measured solar flux; radiometer characterized exhaust plume in UV for reconnsat sensors; collected micrometeorites.

  • 1966 September 28 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-114 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 October 4 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-115 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 October 6 20:16 - X-15A Checkout mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Emergency landing at Cuddeback Dry Lake.. X-15 1-69-116 Apogee: 23 km (14 mi). Maximum Speed - 4666 kph. Maximum Altitude - 22980 m. Engine shut down at 90 seconds.

  • 1966 October 7 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-87 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 October 19 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-88 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 November 1 21:24 - X-15A MuMet/DCR/SB Meteorological/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-56-83 Apogee: 93 km (57 mi). Maximum Speed - 6034 kph. Maximum Altitude - 93540 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1966 November 18 21:24 - X-15A-2 ET/TPS/Maurer/Mach 6 Test/Ultraviolet Astronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-50-89 Apogee: 30 km (18 mi). X-15 Flight 175 (ET/TPS/Maurer/Mach 6)

  • 1966 November 18 - X-15A-2 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Failure. X-15 3- A-84 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Unofficial world's speed record. Maximum Speed - 6838 kph. Maximum Altitude - 30140 m.

  • 1966 November 23 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-85 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1966 November 29 19:38 - X-15A Checkout mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-57-86 Apogee: 28 km (17 mi). Maximum Speed - 5020 kph. Maximum Altitude - 28040 m.

  • 1966 December 22 - Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 2- C-90 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 March 15 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-117 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 March 21 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-118 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 March 22 17:52 - X-15A Stab./Loads/ASAS Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Cockpit pressure problems.. X-15 1-70-119 Apogee: 40 km (24 mi). Maximum Speed - 6150 kph. Maximum Altitude - 40570 m. Inertial system failed after peak altitude; cabin pressurization lost during descent.

  • 1967 April 20 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-120 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 April 26 19:20 - X-15A Telem/HT/Guidance Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Emergency landing at Silver Lake.. X-15 3-58-87 Apogee: 16 km (9 mi). Maximum Speed - 1871 kph. Maximum Altitude - 16280 m.

  • 1967 April 28 17:23 - X-15A WTR/HS/E loads Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-71-121 Apogee: 50 km (31 mi). Maximum Speed - 5985 kph. Maximum Altitude - 50900 m.

  • 1967 May 5 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-91 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 May 8 19:27 - X-15A-2 Ramjet flow Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Eyelid installed on one window; other window fogs up.. X-15 2-51-92 Apogee: 29 km (18 mi). Maximum Speed - 5138 kph. Maximum Altitude - 29750 m. Check out of stability and control with ramjet pod.

  • 1967 May 12 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-88 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 May 17 17:45 - X-15A Telem/HT/Guidance Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Severe tail oscillations.. X-15 3-59-89 Apogee: 21 km (13 mi). Maximum Speed - 5112 kph. Maximum Altitude - 21670 m.

  • 1967 May 25 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-122 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 June 1 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-123 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 June 14 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-124 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 June 15 18:09 - X-15A HS/Stab/WTR Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-72-125 Apogee: 69 km (42 mi). Maximum Speed - 5802 kph. Maximum Altitude - 69890 m.

  • 1967 June 22 21:57 - X-15A HT/Telem Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Severe tail oscillations.. X-15 3-60-90 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5810 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25050 m.

  • 1967 June 29 18:27 - X-15A WTR/HS/ASAS Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Loss of both APU's and all electrical power.. X-15 1-73-126 Apogee: 52 km (32 mi). Electrical failure while climbing through 32610 m; lost engine at 69 seconds; landed at Mud Lake with no flaps; Knight injured while exiting aircraft. Maximum Speed - 4618 kph. Maximum Altitude - 52730 m.

  • 1967 July 20 17:11 - X-15A HT/Guid/Telem Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-61-91 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5942 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25720 m.

  • 1967 August 7 - X-15A-2 Ramjet flow Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2- C-93 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight (Ramjet flow)

  • 1967 August 11 - X-15A-2 Ramjet flow Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Failure. X-15 2- A-94 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 aborted launch (Ramjet flow)

  • 1967 August 16 - X-15A-2 aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Launch abort. X-15 2- A-95 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 August 21 17:59 - X-15A-2 Ramjet/Hycon/TPS Test/Imaging mission? Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. X-15 2-52-96 Apogee: 27 km (16 mi). First test with full ablative coating, ramjet pod. Maximum Speed - 5419 kph. Maximum Altitude - 27740 m.

  • 1967 August 25 20:27 - X-15A Guid/HT/BLN Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-62-92 Apogee: 25 km (15 mi). Maximum Speed - 5012 kph. Maximum Altitude - 25720 m.

  • 1967 September 22 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-93 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 October 3 21:31 - X-15A-2 TPS/Ramjet/Mach 6.7 Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A-2. Heat flow from dummy ramjet nearly burns tail off.. X-15 2-53-97 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Unofficial world speed record (full ablative coating, dummy ramjet, mechanical eyelid). Maximum Speed - 7273 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31120 m.

  • 1967 October 4 17:16 - X-15A UV Plume/Solar/MM Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-63-94 Apogee: 76 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 7270 kph. Maximum Altitude - 76530 m.

  • 1967 October 17 16:40 - X-15A UVPL/Solar/MM Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 3-64-95 Apogee: 85 km (52 mi). Maximum Speed - 6204 kph. Maximum Altitude - 85500 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1967 October 31 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 3- A-96 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1967 November 15 18:30 - X-15A UVPL/Solar/MM/SA TPS Technology/Meteor/Solar mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 3-65-97 Apogee: 81 km (50 mi). Fatal accident, aircraft destroyed. After reaching peak altitude, entered spin at Mach 5. Entered dive at 30,000 m, began high frequency pitch oscillations, disintegrated when these reached 15 Gs.Maximum Speed - 5744 kph. Maximum Altitude - 81080 m.

  • 1968 February 6 - X-15A Test mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1- C-127 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). X-15 captive flight

  • 1968 February 7 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-128 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1968 February 27 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-129 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1968 March 1 19:28 - X-15A Checkout mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-74-130 Apogee: 31 km (19 mi). Maximum Speed - 4631 kph. Maximum Altitude - 31850 m. Tested Saturn V insulation.

  • 1968 March 28 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-131 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1968 April 4 18:02 - X-15A CO/WTR/SA TPS Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-75-133 Apogee: 57 km (35 mi). Maximum Speed - 5808 kph. Maximum Altitude - 57150 m.

  • 1968 April 4 - X-15A aborted launch. Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Launch abort. X-15 1- A-132 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1968 April 26 19:51 - X-15A SA TPS/HS Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-76-134 Apogee: 63 km (39 mi). Maximum Speed - 5704 kph. Maximum Altitude - 63090 m.

  • 1968 May 23 - Fixed Alpha Ball/WTR Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-135 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1968 June 12 15:31 - X-15A WTR/SA TPS/HS/FAB Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-77-136 Apogee: 67 km (41 mi). Maximum Speed - 5733 kph. Maximum Altitude - 67090 m.

  • 1968 July 15 - Fluidic Probe/etc Test/Technology mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-137 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi).

  • 1968 July 16 22:23 - X-15A WTR/HS/SB/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-78-138 Apogee: 67 km (41 mi). Maximum Speed - 5442 kph. Maximum Altitude - 67510 m.

  • 1968 August 21 16:04 - X-15A WTR/HS/SB/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-79-139 Apogee: 81 km (50 mi). Maximum Speed - 5540 kph. Maximum Altitude - 81530 m. Astronaut wings flight (USAF definition).

  • 1968 September 13 18:19 - X-15A WTR/HS/SB/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-80-140 Apogee: 77 km (47 mi). Maximum Speed - 5990 kph. Maximum Altitude - 77450 m.

  • 1968 October 24 17:02 - X-15A WTR/HS/FAB/FP Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. X-15 1-81-141 Apogee: 77 km (47 mi). Last flight. Maximum Speed - 5979 kph. Maximum Altitude - 77720 m.

  • 1968 December 12 - X-15A Test/Technology/Aeronomy mission Launch Vehicle: X-15A. Failure. X-15 1- A-142 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 14 km (8 mi). Attempted 200t flight, and last launch attempt of the programme.

  • 1977 February 15 - Enterprise (OV-101)/shuttle carrier aircraft mated Complete Enterprise (OV-101)/shuttle carrier aircraft mated

  • 1977 February 18 - First inert captive flight Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Conduct first inert captive flight, Edwards (2 hours, 5 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 February 22 - Second inert captive flight Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Conduct second inert captive flight, Edwards (3 hours, 13 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 February 25 - Third inert captive flight Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Conduct third inert captive flight, Edwards (2 hours, 28 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 February 28 - Fourth inert captive flight Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Conduct fourth inert captive flight, Edwards (2 hours, 11 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 March 2 - Fifth inert captive flight Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Conduct fifth inert captive flight, Edwards (1 hour, 39 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 June 18 - Enterprise flight 1 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. First manned captive active flight. Enterprise (OV-101)/shuttle carrier aircraft, Edwards (55 minutes, 46 seconds)

  • 1977 June 28 - Enterprise flight 2 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Second manned captive active flight. Enterprise (OV-101)/shuttle carrier aircraft, Edwards (1 hour, 2 minutes)

  • 1977 July 26 - Enterprise flight 3 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Third manned captive active flight. Enterprise (OV-101)/shuttle carrier aircraft, Edwards (59 minutes, 50 seconds)

  • 1977 August 12 - Enterprise flight 4 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Conduct first free flight, ALT, tail cone on, Edwards (5 minutes, 21 seconds), Enterprise (OV-101), lake bed Runway 17

  • 1977 September 13 - Enterprise flight 5 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Second free flight, ALT, tail cone on, Edwards (5 minutes, 28 seconds), Enterprise (OV-101), lake bed Runway 17

  • 1977 September 23 - Enterprise flight 6 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Third free flight , ALT, tail cone on, Edwards (5 minutes, 34 seconds), Enterprise (OV-101), lake bed Runway 15

  • 1977 October 12 - Enterprise flight 7 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Fourth free flight, ALT, first tail cone off, Edwards (2 minutes, 34 seconds), Enterprise (OV-101), lake bed Runway 17

  • 1977 October 26 - Enterprise flight 8 Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Fifth free flight, ALT, final tail cone off, Edwards (2 minutes, 1 second), Enterprise (OV-101), concrete Runway 04

  • 1977 November 15 - First ferry flight test, Edwards Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. First ferry flight test, Edwards (3 hours, 21 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 November 16 - Second ferry flight test, Edwards Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Second ferry flight test, Edwards (4 hours, 17 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 November 17 - Third ferry flight test, Edwards Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Third ferry flight test, Edwards (4 hours, 13 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 November 18 - Fourth ferry flight test, Edwards Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Fourth ferry flight test, Edwards (3 hours, 37 minutes), Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1977 December 9 - Complete approach and landing flight tests Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Complete approach and landing flight tests, including ferry flights, Enterprise (OV-101)

  • 1978 March 10 - Ferry Enterprise from Edwards to Texas. Ferry Enterprise (OV-101) atop shuttle carrier aircraft from Edwards to Ellington Air Force Base, Texas (approximately 3 hours, 38 min)

  • 1979 March 8 - Columbia (OV-102) transported overland to Edwards. Columbia (OV-102) transported overland from Palmdale to Edwards (38 miles)

  • 1979 August 16 - Ferry flight, Vandenberg AFB to Edwards Ferry flight, shuttle carrier aircraft/Enterprise (OV-101), Vandenberg AFB to Edwards (1 hour, 10 minutes)

  • 1979 August 23 - Enterprise / shuttle carrier demate, Edwards Enterprise (OV-101)/ shuttle carrier demate, Edwards

  • 1984 January 21 18:52 - ASAT Test Launch Vehicle: ASAT. LC: F-15. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Successful test of the missile and control system, but conducted without the miniature homing vehicle.

  • 1984 November 13 - ASAT Test Launch Vehicle: ASAT. LC: F-15. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Failed test; minitaure homing vehicle was to home on a selected star.

  • 1985 September 13 - First US ASAT intercept Launch Vehicle: ASAT. LC: F-15. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Successful ASAT intercept test; rammed and destroyed the Solwind P78-1 satellite.

  • 1986 August 22 - ASAT Test Launch Vehicle: ASAT. LC: F-15. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Successful test; minitaure homing vehicle homed on the selected star.

  • 1986 September 29 10:45 - ASAT Test Launch Vehicle: ASAT. LC: F-15. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Successful test; minitaure homing vehicle homed on the selected star.

  • 1990 April 5 19:10 - Pegsat Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Pegasus 001/F1 LC: NB-52 008. Apogee: 507 km (315 mi). Chemical release experiment. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

  • 1991 July 17 17:33 - Microsat 1 Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Pegasus/HAPS 002/F2 LC: NB-52 008. Apogee: 454 km (282 mi). Test of LEO network for global communications.

  • 1993 April 25 13:56 - Alexis Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Pegasus 004/F4 LC: NB-52 008. Apogee: 746 km (463 mi). Test of X-ray imaging sensors; solar array deployment malfunction. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).

  • 1994 May 19 17:03 - STEP 2 (SIDEX) Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Pegasus/HAPS 005/F5 LC: NB-52 008. Apogee: 813 km (505 mi). Did not achieve planned orbit, though still useful. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1994 August 3 14:38 - P90-6 APEX Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Pegasus F7 LC: NB-52 008. Apogee: 2,534 km (1,574 mi). Advanced Photovoltaic and Electronic Experiments; studied radiation and plasma effects on solar power systems.

  • 1998 March 12 - X-38 V-131 Flight 1 After dropping away from its B-52 mothership, the X-38 deployed a ram-air parafoil, and maneuvered to a precise landing on the Edwards Air Force Base bombing range.

  • 1999 March 5 - X-38 V-132 Flight 1 X-38 atmospheric test vehicle V-132 was dropped from carrier plane NB-52 # 8 at 16:17 GMT. The V-132 subscale version of the X-38 successfully deployed its parafoil and glided to a landing on the lakebed after a 9 minute flight. V-132 tested the rudders and flaps; the simpler V-131, which made two drop tests earlier, tested the parafoil control system.

  • 2000 November 2 - X-38 V-131R drop-tested over Edwards AFB. The first space flight by X-38 vehicle V-201 was scheduled for 2002 at the time of this test; later ISS budget cutbacks would impact this plan.

  • 2001 June 2 20:43 - X-43A Test mission Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. Failure. Hyper X 1 LC: NB-52 008. Apogee: 7.00 km (4.30 mi). Hypersonic scramjet vehicle test. The X-43A/Pegasus booster combination was air-launched at 7600 m altitude. However the booster disintegrated at Max-Q. The redesign of the launch profile and modifications to the booster would take NASA almost three years.

  • 2004 March 27 22:00 - X-43A-2 (Hyper X) Launch Vehicle: Pegasus. HXLV LC: NB-52 008. The second X-43 launch incorporated modifications to the first flight vehicle, including an upgraded control system, redesigned autopilot, off-loaded rocket motor, and improved analytical models. The second flight was launched at 12,200 m instead of the 7600 m altitude of the failed first launch to reduce transonic aerodynamic loads and improve structural and control system margins. An offloaded Orion 50S solid rocket motor reduced maximum dynamic pressure during the flight.

  • 2004 March 27 22:00 - X-43A Test mission Launch Vehicle: Hyper X. Hyper X 2 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 29 km (18 mi).

  • 2004 November 17 22:35 - X-43A Test mission Launch Vehicle: Hyper X. Hyper X 3 LC: NB-52 003. Apogee: 33 km (20 mi).

  • 2006 March 22 14:03 - ST5-A Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL. Apogee: 4,539 km (2,820 mi). Space Technology 5 was one of NASA's New Millenium Program projects. It consisted of three small spacecraft, each a half meter in each dimension, with a small extensible magnetometer boom. Study of the magnetosphere was however secondary to the Nanosat Constellation Trailblazer technology mission. This was to demonstrate fully functional nanosatellites, which included a cold gas microthruster and miniaturized telemetry/command and power systems. The Pegasus rocket was dropped from the L-1011 carrier aircraft over the Pacific at 123 deg W x 36 deg N.

Bibliography and Further Reading
  • McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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