Historic Flight of X-15: Pete Knight Reaches 85 km

Name: Historic Flight of X-15: Pete Knight Reaches 85 km
Start: 1926-10-17
Location: Unspecified

The Milestone of 85 km with the X-15

Pete Knight and the X-15 Program

On October 3rd, 1967, test pilot William "Pete" Knight made history by flying the X-15 rocket plane to an altitude of 85 kilometers (approximately 52 miles). This altitude marked the edge of space under international standards, and Knight's successful flight was part of the larger X-15 program, which was set up to explore the boundaries of aeronautics and space flight.

Pete Knight’s flight was paramount, not only for its achievement in reaching the boundary of space but also for the invaluable data it provided for future aviation technology and spacecraft design. The X-15 program, run by NASA and the U.S. Air Force, aimed to gather information about high-speed, high-altitude flight, which was critical as the world was advancing towards manned space missions.

The Legacy of the X-15 and Pete Knight

Pete Knight: An Aviation Legend

William "Pete" Knight emerged as one of the most respected test pilots of his time, known for his courage and expertise in handling complex air and space vehicles. His record-setting flight in the X-15 not only showcases his skill but solidified his place among the notable figures in aviation history.

The X-15's Influence on Space Exploration

The X-15 aircraft, powered by rocket engines, provided critical insights that influenced the design and safety of later spacecraft, including those used in NASA's Apollo program. Its groundbreaking mission helped pave the way for human spaceflight beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Fun Fact

Pete Knight’s Interesting Fact

Did you know that Pete Knight completed a record of 16 flights in the X-15 and became the first human to reach a speed exceeding 4,000 mph (around 6,400 km/h) during one of those missions? His contributions to aerospace were invaluable.