June 29, 1965, 32 year old, Air Force Captain Joe H. Engle enters the history books as the youngest ever to qualify as an astronaut. He earned that distinction by flying the third of three X-15's built, to an altitude of 280,600 feet, more than fifty miles above the earth's surface in what officially qualifies as outer space. The X-15 became the most successful research aircraft ever flown, proving that the concept of manned, rocket-boosted exo-atmospheric flight, thus paving the way for precision re-entry from space to a pre-determined landing site, a concept used routinely for the 135 Space Shuttle missions flown from 1981 to 2010.
About our Framing: This Aviation Collectible is exquisitely Custom Framed with double mattes and comes in a 1 ½ Matte Black Frame. We've opened up the matte on the bottom to showcase the authentic pencil signature of the pilot's who flew this aircraft. All of our Aviation Collectibles come with a Certificate of Authenticity to ensure that the signatures are real and your purchase will be collectible for years to come. Pilot Signature: Maj. Gen. Joe H. Engle PLANE JUNKIE - Joe Engle with the X-15(North American X-15)